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1945 Hockey Inductees

The Inaugural 1945 Class was a spectacular one and difficult to argue with. It featured nine players and two builders. The players were predominantly stars of the pre-NHL era and a major headliner in Howie Morenz, easily one of the first major stars of the National Hockey League. As we continue in the first few classes of the Hall, we will find many inconsistencies and until it developed to what we recognize today.

Charlie Gardiner

Published in 1945 Hockey Inductees
Charlie Gardiner
One of the greatest goaltenders of hockey’s early era, Charlie Gardiner’s greatness was curtailed at the age of 29 by a brain hemorrhage that took him away only weeks after his greatest triumph. Originally from Scotland, Charlie Gardiner moved to Canada with his family at a young age. Falling in love with Hockey (as most Canadian boys do), Gardiner was a little late to the game…
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Eddie Gerard

Published in 1945 Hockey Inductees
Eddie Gerard
Had there been a Lady Byng Trophy in Eddie Gerard’s day, there is a solid chance he would have won a boatload of them. Gerard was not just a gentlemanly player, but a certifiable star on the blue line. Initially Gerard started his career as a forward, but once he converted to defense he was came into his own and propelled the Ottawa Senators to three Stanley…
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Frank McGee

Published in 1945 Hockey Inductees
Frank McGee
The foundation of what may have been hockey’s first dynasty, Frank McGee led the Ottawa Silver Seven to the Stanley Cup multiple times in the early 1900’s. McGee, who had only one eye, was a natural sniper and easily the best of his day. He was always the leading scorer for his squad, and one time scored eight goals in nine minutes in a game. McGee…
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Georges Vezina

Published in 1945 Hockey Inductees
Georges Vezina
In the amazing history of the Montreal Canadians, a wide array of talented goaltenders have donned there iconic jersey. However, only one can be the first, and that man was Georges Vezina. The native of Chicoutimi, Quebec played his entire career with the Montreal Canadians from the late days of the NHA to their migration to the modern NHL. Vezina was an ironman, playing in…
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Harvey Pulford

Published in 1945 Hockey Inductees
Harvey Pulford
A certifiable icon in the early days of Ottawa hockey, Harvey Pulford was not just a star defenseman for the Capital City, but was a legitimate athletic star in multiple sports. As hockey grew, Pulford became one of its first stars, and hands down, an important part of Ottawa sporting history. As such, Pulford was a star in early hockey and became a legitimate legend in…
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Hobey Baker

Published in 1945 Hockey Inductees
Hobey Baker
The only member of the Hockey and American College Football Hall of Fame, Hobey Baker also shatters the myth that the early stars of Ice Hockey were only Canadians. Baker could do it all. Starring for both Princeton’s Hockey and Football teams and was one of the most revered athletes of his time. The first legitimate star of American Hockey also was the first American inducted…
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Hod Stuart

Published in 1945 Hockey Inductees
Hod Stuart
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…
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Howie Morenz

Published in 1945 Hockey Inductees
Howie Morenz
Many have stated that Howie Morenz is the first true superstar of the National Hockey League. They may very well be right. Morenz was the first player to score fifty points in a season, the first to win three Hart Trophies and anchored the Montreal Canadians to the Stanley Cup four times. Howie suffered a major injury and would later suffer a heart attack, while still…
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Lord Stanley

Published in 1945 Hockey Inductees
Lord Stanley
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…
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Sir Montagu Allan

Published in 1945 Hockey Inductees
Sir Montagu Allan
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.
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Tommy Phillips

Published in 1945 Hockey Inductees
Tommy Phillips
Another early star of hockey, Tommy Phillips was a back checking superstar who may have been one of the first legitimate two way players in history. Phillips was involved in multiple Stanley Cup challenge series and was considered one of the best players in the country (Canada). Although, Phillips may not have been known when hockey really gained traction in North America, his pioneering efforts make…
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    Last year's Number one selection, dropped one notch this year to number two.  The initial holder of the sardonic title of “the most deserving band or artist who should be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame who is currently not in”, may once again top our list despite being a band with limited commercial appeal; weak North American sales; are…
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