Sports History

Born June 14, 1894, in Fort William, Ontario, was Hockey Hall of Fame Center Jack Adams. Adams played in the NHL with the Vancouver Arenas, Vancouver Millionaires, Toronto St. Patricks, and the Ottawa Senators for eleven seasons spanning from 1917 through 1927. Jack was later the coach / GM of the Detroit Red Wings. His coaching held the record of winningest coach in Red Wings history until 2014. Adams led the league in scoring with the Millionaires in 1921–22. As of 2023 Jack Adams is the only person to have won the Stanley Cup as a player, coach, and a general manager.

Sprague Cleghorn's hockey career, spanning through most of the 1920s, embodied the grit and determination that characterized the sport's formative years. While his statistics may not jump off the page in today's NHL, Cleghorn's impact lies in his pioneering spirit and leadership, leaving an undeniable mark on the game's evolution.

Cleghorn's journey began with the Montreal Wanderers, a prestigious club. His exceptional skating ability and fierce competitiveness made him a standout player. After a fire ravaged the Montreal club's skating home, Sprague's rights were transferred to the Ottawa Senators. The Sens won the Stanley Cup in 1919, and the following season, the NHL attempted parity by dispersing Cleghorn to the Hamilton Tigers.

Refusing to report with the Tigers, Ottawa asked the league to allow Sprague to return to their fold. Other owners bached at the idea, and eventually, Cleghorn signed with the Toronto St. Patricks. He helped them earn a playoff spot, but Toronto lost their series and dismissed Cleghorn. Sprague signed with Ottawa just in time to help them win Lord Stanley's Cup in 1921.

The league again attempted to transfer Cleghorn to Hamilton in 1921, but he again refused to report. Just before the 1921–22 NHL season started, Hamilton traded him to the Montreal Canadiens. Cleghorn played four seasons there before finishing up his career in Boston,

Sprague Cleghorn's name may not be as widely recognized as some of hockey's later superstars, but his contributions are undeniable. He was a pioneer who helped shape the game into what it is today, inspiring future generations with his leadership, skill, and unwavering passion for hockey.

Harold Hugh "Cammie" Cameron was a different breed of hockey player. A standout in the early days of the National Hockey League (NHL), he carved his name in Toronto hockey history with his offensive prowess and defensive dominance. While his career spanned multiple teams, he indeed left his mark with the Toronto St. Patricks, predecessors to the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Born in Pembroke, Ontario, in 1890, Cameron began his professional career in 1913 with the Toronto Blueshirts. His offensive talent quickly shone, scoring eight goals in his first season. He even earned the distinction of scoring the NHL's first-ever goals on December 19, 1917, although his team, then named the Toronto Arenas, ended up losing.

Beyond his goal-scoring abilities, Cameron revolutionized the role of the defenseman. Known for his powerful slapshot and aggressive rushing style, he challenged the perception of defensemen as purely defensive players. His offensive contributions were significant, with seasons boasting 18 and 17 goals, feats rarely seen from defensemen in his era.

Beyond individual achievements, Cameron played a crucial role in team success. He was part of three Stanley Cup victories - one with the Blueshirts in 1914 and two with the St. Patricks in 1922 and 1923. His leadership and determination on the ice were instrumental in these triumphs.

Despite his talent and impact, Cameron's career was tragically cut short. In 1928, he contracted tuberculosis and eventually died in 1953 at the age of 63. His legacy, however, lived on. In 1992, he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, a testament to his lasting impact on the game.