Remembrance Day - History of Hockey and Those Lost to War

Remembrance Day

Remembrance Day found its origins in Armistice Day, which paid tribute to the armistice agreement and the end of the First World War. Much of the tradition has been upheld to this day, despite the name change, including the date and time: November 11, 11am. Although mainly commemorated by the Commonwealth, other countries outside of the Commonwealth also observe the holiday. In most of Canada, it is a statutory holiday. For a further display of respect and to acknowledge the holiday, people wear a poppy on the left side of their chest near their heart.

World War II

World War II occurred during the time of the NHL, and it saw many NHL players signing up to serve in the war. One of the most high-profile enlistments was the Kraut Line from the Boston Bruins, which included Milt Schmidt, Woody Dumart, and Bobby Bauer. Considered Boston’s and one of the league’s best lines, all three in the Kraut line joined the Royal Canadian Air Force at the same time in 1942. All will also survive through the war, and will even help the Bruins become a contender in the 1946 Stanley Cup Championship.

Boston wasn’t the only team to be missing players during the war. Canadiens players Joe Benoit, Smiley Meronek, and Alex Smart all joined the war effort; players like Maurice “Rocket” Richard, Elmer Lach, and Toe Blake all attempted to enlist but were turned away due to injury. Conn Smythe, co-owner of the Toronto Maple Leafs and a vet from WWI, will also enlist.

Of the hundreds of Canadian hockey players that enlisted in the War, more than 50 did not survive.

Captain George Taylor Richardson (September 14, 1886 - February 9, 1916)

Army; Canadian Infantry (Eastern Ontario Regiment); 2nd Battalion

Buried: Bailleul Communal Cemetary Extension, Nord, France

Those who have gone to or have ties to Queen’s University have likely heard of or been told the stories of George Taylor Richardson. 

George graduated with a BSc in 1906 from Queen’s Universityand was considered a star player for both their football and hockey teams, the Golden Gaels. Not only was he a great player, but he was a very clean player and an incredible leader. Beyond the standard responsibilities he had as a Captain at war, he also paid for certain necessities for his troops out of pocket and never ordered anyone to do something he wouldn’t do himself. He was awarded the Legion of Honour by the French government, as well as the Order of Manitoba.

Sadly, he would not make it through the war. He was shot three times and died on February 9, 1916, after succumbing to his injuries. Richardson Stadium at Queen’s University was named in his honour (originally George Taylor Richardson Memorial Stadium).

Captain Edward Lyman Abbott (May 1, 1891 - August 14, 1918)

Army; Canadian Infantry (Manitoba Regiment), 52nd Battalion

Buried: Roye New British Cemetary, Somme, France

Edward Lyman Abbott played for various teams in the Regina, Saskatchewan area, including the Shamrocks, Bees, and Victorias, the latter of which he captained to a 1914 Allan Cup title. He was known as a speedy and goal-scoring right winger.

At war, he suffered many injuries, including shrapnel to the eye and gunshot wounds in his shoulder. None of these injuries would stop him from serving, however. Sadly, on August 14, 1918, he was shot in the head by a sniper, killing him instantly.

The Abbott Memorial Cup was named in his honour and awarded to the Junior A team that won the Western Canada championship between 1919 and 1999. With the realignment of regions in the Western league, the Abbott Memorial Cup now sits in the WWI display at the Hockey Hall of Fame.

He was inducted to the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame in 2014.