Member-only story

The Man Who Changed the Face of Hockey: From the Frozen Pond to the Million-Dollar Contract

Lucas Reed

·16.5k Followers· Follow

Published in Jacques Plante: The Man Who Changed The Face Of Hockey

3 min read

55 View Claps

9 Respond

Save

Listen

The story of hockey is a long and storied one, dating back to the early days of the sport in the late 19th century. But it was in the early 20th century that the game began to truly take shape, thanks in large part to the efforts of one man: Lester Patrick.

Jacques Plante: The Man Who Changed the Face of Hockey

by Todd Denault

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3211 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	354 pages

Patrick was born in Lanark, Ontario, in 1883. He began playing hockey at a young age, and quickly developed a reputation as a skilled skater and scorer. In 1903, he joined the Montreal Wanderers of the Eastern Canada Amateur Hockey Association (ECAHA). The Wanderers were one of the most successful teams in the ECAHA, and Patrick helped them win several championships.

Lester Patrick With The Montreal Wanderers Jacques Plante: The Man Who Changed The Face Of Hockey

Lester Patrick (second from left) with the Montreal Wanderers

In 1914, Patrick left the Wanderers to join the newly formed National Hockey Association (NHA). The NHA was a professional league, and Patrick was one of the first players to sign a million-dollar contract. He played for the Toronto Blueshirts for two seasons, before returning to the Wanderers in 1916.

After his playing career ended, Patrick became a coach and manager. He led the Vancouver Millionaires to the Stanley Cup championship in 1918, and the New York Rangers to the Stanley Cup championship in 1928. He also served as president of the NHA and the NHL from 1924 to 1947.

Lester Patrick With The New York Rangers Jacques Plante: The Man Who Changed The Face Of Hockey

Lester Patrick (far right) with the New York Rangers

Patrick's contributions to hockey are immense. He was one of the first great players in the game, and he helped to popularize the sport in North America. He was also a pioneer in the development of the professional game, and he helped to establish the NHL as the premier hockey league in the world.

Patrick was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1947. He is considered one of the most important figures in the history of the sport, and his legacy continues to inspire players and fans today.

Jacques Plante: The Man Who Changed the Face of Hockey

by Todd Denault

4.6 out of 5