Hockey Heroes of the Past: George Hay

Welcome to another blog article, where I will be featuring Hockey Heroes of the Past. For now, I will be focusing on player who played between 1900-1970. Why that time period? Well, it is important to remember these pioneer's, that paved the way for current NHL superstars. Without these legends, who knows where our game would be. So I find it is essential that these Hockey Heroes get the recognition they deserve. Today we look at the Detroit Red Wings Legend George Hay

George Hay

Born: January 10th, 1898

Birthplace: Listowell, ON

Died: July 13th, 1975

Height: 5ft10

Weight: 155 lbs

Position:Left Wing

Teams: Regina Capitals, Portland Rosebuds, Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red wings

Nickname: "The Western Wizard"

NHL Career Stats;

GP = 238

G = 74

A = 60

Pts = 114

PIM =84

***Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1958***

Career Highlights:

-Named a WCHL All-Star four times in five seasons.

-transferred to the NHL in 1926 when the Rosebuds were sold to the rival league and went on to score the first goal in the history of the Chicago Black Hawks

Although he was born in Ontario, he moved to Winnipeg Manitoba at an early age. He played 3 years of junior hockey, before going to serve in World War I. George's hockey career started way before the NHL. He played several years in the Western Canadian Hockey League, where him and his childhood friend Dick Irvin, dominated the league.

Hay joined the Chicago Black Hawks during the 1926-27 season. He had a severe should injury that season, which is most likely why he was traded only after one season with the team. He had several successful season with the Red Wings, before retiring in 1933.

Hay was regarded by many as been one of the best stick-handlers of his time. He had speed, poise, finesse, and was a complete player. He drew much praise from Jack Adams, who had the following to say about him:

"I've seen a lot of good ones, but none who had more stuff than George. He was in a class with Aurial Joliat, Jack Walker, Bun Cook or Harvey Jackson. He could do everything, that fellow. Besides, he was one of the easiest players to handle I ever had -- always in condition, always on the job, always willing to play any position. He never got into any trouble on the ice and was rarely sent to the penalty box. We've often said in the dressing room that when Hay kicks against a decision, the referee should be run out of the league."

That says alot about George Hay's, and is one of the reasons he was inducted in to the HHOF in 1958. A legend that we should not forget.