gold star for USAHOF
Site Admin

Site Admin

Hughie Lehman

A longtime goaltender in Vancouver’s early history of hockey, HughieOld Eagle Eyes” Lehman appeared in eight Stanley Cup championships, although he only won once. Regardless of his poor finals record, Hughie Lehman was a still a very good backstopper who is credited for being the first to rush outside of his net and move the puck forward in what was then an unconventional way. Lehman did make it to the NHL in his early forties and had a productive season for Chicago.

Herb Gardiner

Herb Gardiner did not enter the National Hockey League until he was 35 years old. It was not because he wasn’t good enough, as he certainly was, but in the early 20’s, Hockey had multiple talented leagues and he chose to ply his trade for the Western Canadian Hockey League and was the defensive star for the Calgary Tigers and won the league title there in 1924. When the league collapsed, Gardiner joined the Montreal Canadians and despite his advanced age, was alleged to have played every minute for the Habs in that 44 game season and won the Hart Trophy. Although his play declined after, Gardiner remained in the NHL for a few more years and rightfully took his place in the Hall of Fame for his stellar defensive work in hockey.

George McNamara

A large and rugged defenseman, George McNamara bounced around many teams pounding down offensive threats in his end. McNamara helped the Toronto Blueshirts win the Stanley Cup in 1914 and had it not been for his participation in World War I, may have won more. With that said, and with all due respect to McNamara, his induction would not have been missed had it not occurred.

George Hay

A perennial All Star in the Western Canadian Hockey League, the diminutive George Hay was adept at putting the puck into the net. Although he was still a decent scorer when he got into the National Hockey League, he only had a pair of seasons where he was in the top ten in scoring. Still his overall body of work made him a worthy entry for the Hockey Hall of Fame.