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Sir Montagu Allan
Dec 09, 2012
Published in
1945 Hockey Inductees
A banker and shipping magnate in Canada’s formative years, Montagu Allan used his wealth to help perpetuate the growth of Hockey. He donated the “Allan Cup” which was awarded to the Senior Amateur’s Men Championship of Canada. Initially, the trophy was in a “challenge” format, but evolved into an annual tourney. The Allan Cup is still in play today.
Lord Stanley
Dec 09, 2012
Published in
1945 Hockey Inductees
Yes that Lord Stanley. As the Governor General of Canada, he became a hockey fan as he watched his kids play in various amateur leagues across Canada. As such, he donated the “Stanley Cup”, which evolved into the most impressive trophy in all of professional sports. It was initially contested as a challenge cup for Canada’s top amateur teams, but became the prize awarded to winner of the National Hockey League. Even if he was not into hockey, just donating this award would be enough to put him in.
Howie Morenz
Dec 09, 2012
Published in
1945 Hockey Inductees
Many have stated that Howie Morenz is the first true superstar of the National Hockey League. They may very well be right.
Hod Stuart
Dec 09, 2012
Published in
1945 Hockey Inductees
Another player from the inaugural Hockey Hall of Fame class from Ottawa, Hod Stuart may have played on multiple teams for various leagues, but don’t confuse him for a journeyman. Stuart was a star defenseman everywhere he went, and like many in his day was a very good athlete in other sports (Stuart also played football with the Ottawa Rough Riders). By all accounts, he was a class act and an early champion for salaried leagues and equitable pay. Stuart was also a major advocate for clean hockey as he was very much against the violent turn that the sport had taken, and governed his actions on the ice accordingly. He would win his lone Stanley Cup with the Montreal Wanderers in 1907 but would not have much time to enjoy it. Stuart retired from the game at the age of 28 (though he easily could have returned) and took a job with his father doing construction. A freak diving accident (he hit his head on the rocks in the Bay of Quinte as he was unaware that they were there) killed him instantly. A memorial game was put in place the following year that featured the Wanderers against an All Star team of ECAHA stars. It is considered the first All Star game in Hockey.