Hockey Heroes of the Past: Sprague Cleghorn

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 imposing Sprague Cleghorn.

Sprague Cleghorn

Born: March 11th, 1890

Birthplace: Montreal, QC

Height: 5f10

Weight: 190 lbs

Position:Defense

Teams: Montreal Canadiens, Ottawa Senators, Toronto St. Patrick's, Boston Bruins

Nickname: "Peg"

NHL Career Stats;

GP = 259

G= 83

A = 55

Pts = 138

PIM = 538

***Awards***

-Stanley Cup champion (3) 1919–20, 1920–21, 1923–24

-Elected to Hockey Hall of Fame in 1950.

- Sprague was a menacing force during his time. He could beat you with his shot and his fists.

Wherever he played, Cleghorn served as an anchor of his team's defense and occasionally posed an offensive threat as a forward. His physical style of play made him a virtual archetype of the hard-nosed star of hockey's early days.

Him and his brother Odie Cleghorn, played several NHL season together. In 1919-20 they combined for 36 goals. A devasting duo of talent!!! Sprague would take liberties with many team, who would try to rough up his teammates. (Especially his brother) He was a feared competitor, and he racked up over 500 minutes of penalties during his career. He was also the Canadiens second ever Captain. A title he held for three seasons.

Known for both his intense competitive nature and violent temper, he was considered one of the toughest and dirtiest players of his time.Reports claim that he was involved in at least 50 incidents during his career in which a player left the ice on a stretcher. Ouch that is one tough customer!

Cleghorn was hit by a car on his way to work on June 27, 1956 on Montreal's Commissioners Street. He sustained head injuries and a fractured cervical vertebrae.. Two weeks later, on July 12, 1956, he died of his injuries at St. Luc Hospital. Strange way for his life to end.

A true warrior, Cleghorn is a player that we should all appreciate. I do hope that you have enjoyed this write. All comments are welcome.