Born January 1, 1893, in Paisley, Ontario, was Hockey Hall of Fame Right Wing Barney Stanley. This early pioneer of the pro game skated only one season for the Chicago Black Hawks in the NHL. What he did for the game for teams that pre-dated the League was enormous.
Sports History
Barney Stanley - Pioneer Pro Hockey PlayerA Life Forged on Ice
His early years were spent honing his skills on the frozen ponds of Alberta, where his powerful skating and natural goal-scoring ability turned heads. Turning professional in 1915, he joined the Vancouver Millionaires of the Pacific Coast Hockey Association (PCHA) – a league just shy of the NHL's level. It was with the Millionaires that Stanley truly ignited.
He exploded onto the scene, scoring seven goals in his first five games – an impressive feat then and even more remarkable considering it was his professional debut. He became a cornerstone of the team, leading them to a PCHA Championship in 1915 and earning a reputation as one of the league's most prolific scorers.
Stanley wasn't just a one-dimensional sniper, though. He possessed a deceptive playmaking ability and an ironclad defensive presence, making him a complete two-way force. His leadership qualities shone through too, captaining the Vancouver Millionaires from 1917 to 1919.
After the PCHA folded in 1921, Stanley found himself in the newly formed Western Canada Hockey League (WCHL). Here, he continued to dominate, leading the Regina Capitals to two league championships and showcasing his remarkable versatility by dabbling in coaching for the Edmonton Eskimos.
His NHL career, though brief, was no less impactful. In 1926-27, he took his talents to the Chicago Blackhawks, immediately injecting their offense with much-needed firepower. Despite only playing 23 games, his 17 points made him the team's second-leading scorer.
Injuries, alas, cut short his NHL career. But Stanley's influence on the game extended far beyond his playing days. He returned to Edmonton and continued to coach, sharing his wisdom and fostering a love for the sport in a new generation.
Barney Stanley's legacy isn't confined to statistics or trophies. He was a pioneer, a leader, and a testament to the raw talent and unwavering passion that fuel the game of hockey.
May 16 Numbers
Sports history is made every day of the year. We will preserve at least a small sampling from some great athletes every day based on the uniform number they wore. 5 - 9 - 22 May 16, 1927 - New York Yankee outfielder, Bob Meusel, wearing Number 5 stole 2nd base, 3rd base and&nbs...
- The use of a "banner" counts as 10 words!
May 15 Numbers
Sports history is made every day of the year. We will preserve at least a small sampling from some great athletes every day based on the uniform number they wore. May 15, 1912 - Detroit Tigers star slugger Ty Cobb, let's an obnoxious fan get to him and the player leaped the rail...
- The use of a "banner" counts as 10 words!
May 14 Numbers
Sports history is made every day of the year. We will preserve at least a small sampling from some great athletes every day based on the uniform number they wore. 3 - 37 - 7 May 14, 1913 - Washington Senator pitcher Walter Johnson, had his amazing MLB record of scoreless innings str...
- The use of a "banner" counts as 10 words!
May 13 Numbers
Sports history is made every day of the year. We will preserve at least a small sampling from some great athletes every day based on the uniform number they wore. 22 - 21 May 13, 1942 - Who says pitchers can't hit? Boston Braves Pitcher, Number 22, Jim Tobin smacked 3 ball...
- The use of a "banner" counts as 10 words!
May 12 Numbers
Sports history is made every day of the year. We will preserve at least a small sampling from some great athletes every day based on the uniform number they wore. 27 - 17 - 14 May 12, 1910 - Ace pitcher and future Hall of Fame player of the Philadelphia Athletics, Charles Bender thr...
- The use of a "banner" counts as 10 words!
May 11 Numbers
Sports history is made every day of the year. We will preserve at least a small sampling from some great athletes every day based on the uniform number they wore. May 11, 1897 - Washington Senators catcher Charles Duke Farrell threw out 8 Baltimore runners that attempted to steal a b...
- The use of a "banner" counts as 10 words!