Top-60 Pre-Merger Players Of All Time: Round 2, Vote 11
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jigglysquishy
Registered User
Cameron
Dolly Swift
Drinkwater
Routh
Trihey
Paton
Going to be some great 1890s discussion.
Dolly Swift
Drinkwater
Routh
Trihey
Paton
Going to be some great 1890s discussion.
Lots of AHAC/CAHL/ECAHA guys this week. The next couple posts are the players I've already done write-ups for; as I said last week, don't read anything into the order, I'm just posting them as I come across them. For the 1900-1908 players, the Blair Russel(l) post has the most complete stat tables. For the pre-1900 guys, I think we can get through most of the seasons between the Haviland Routh, Rat Westwick, and Harry Trihey posts, but they'll also be in the upcoming Dolly Swift post.
Bouse Hutton
One of the Silver Seven goalies, Bouse Hutton played six seasons with Ottawa HC in the CAHL and in a play-off against the Montreal Wanderers in 1904 (and another season with the Ottawa Senators of the FAHL in 1909, but I won’t cover that here). A 13 March 1945 article from The Gazette quotes Tommy Gorman as stating that “Bouse was the peerless netminder of the old Silver Seven back in about 1903. He was greater than Vezina or Gardiner. He was hockey’s first Paul Bunyan and he didn’t require any blue ox, either”. Hutton was inducted into the HHoF in the massive 1963 class, alongside several other eligible players this round- Riley Hern, Rat Westwick, and Jack Darragh. As with the other goalies, I will not be providing stats tables in this post.
Selection of Quotes:
1899 (CAHL)
“Collins, in goal, put up a fair game, but it was not to be compared with that of Hutton’s”
“Hutton in goal for the Ottawas played a good game and always relieved quickly”
1900 (CAHL)
“Chick Henry, Max Rogers, and B. Hutton were the mainstays of the Ottawas. Duval played brilliantly, as did Captain H. Stuart at times”
“Bouse Hutton did all that anyone could in goal”
“Quebec people admit that Hutton is quite as good a goal keeper as Stocking, and this is quite and admission for Quebecers to make”
“On the defence, Bouse Hutton, between the posts, stopped everything that a goalkeeper could stop and improvement on the team in that department is not possible”
“Both Hutton and Powers brough off many stops of the electrifying sort. Hutton, in the Ottawa flags, is certainly a star”
“Hutton had some stiff shots to look after and did his work well”
“Hutton and Henry put up their usual good games and for Quebec Stocking and Cahill shone brilliantly”
1901 (CAHL)
“Hutton played a remarkably good game in goal. He made any amount of clever stops”
“Bouse Hutton takes things very cool and when things are not coming his way stands with a merry twinkle in his eye and a sweet smile for some one in the front seats”
“it was only the splendid work of Duval, Pulford, and Hutton that staved off defeat for the locals”
“Hutton in goal had occasionally to stop hot shots and he knew how to do it”
“Hutton’s sureness was never so apparent”
“Hutton, the Ottawa goalman, deserves lots of credit for at times the game was made exceedingly warm for him, and one mistake would have cost the match”
“Hutton, in goal, even excelled himself by his stops. The Shamrocks often made such straight shots that it looked as if some of them must count, but the puck would be turned aside either by Hutton’s stick or skate”
“Hutton, in goal, deserves more credit for his showing in this game than probably any other man on the team, for it was one in which the least carelessness on the part of the goalkeeper would have cost the Ottawa the match. The shots which Brennan and Trihey made on the Ottawa net when they got an opportunity were of the kind that might well rattle the man between the posts. But Hutton was like an iceberg and had the eye of a hawk. He picked the rubber’s course without error except on one occasion and his claim to the title of topnotcher before the net stands undisputed”
“Bouse Hutton has been a player this year on three championship teams, the lacrosse, football, and hockey”
1902 (CAHL)
“Hutton in goal was superb. On three occasions, however, he was unable to get rid of the puck in time to avoid a score”
“Hutton, in goal, put up a splendid article, stopping a number of speedy shots with body, hands and stick”
“Bouse Hutton, too, haad lots to do and he certainly made some corking good stops”
“Hutton, they knew, and Duval, they knew, and knew both as brilliant players. Westwick and Henry have been favorites for a couple of years”
“Hutton did nobly in goal, the Montrealers scoring each time with two or three men in on the goal-keeper, giving him no chance whatever of getting the puck away”
“Hutton, in goal for the home team, was given only about half a dozen chances, but he handled them well”
“Not the least important factor of the victory was the splendid work of the Ottawa defence, in which Hutton was the particular star. Spittal and Pulford played no mean game, but Hutton repeatedly robbed Montreal, though he made more than one lucky stop”
1903 (CAHL)
“Hutton, Pulford and Westwick put up a star game and S. Gilmour made some good runs, but could not stay with the game. Hutton made some brilliant stops and Pulford did some heavy body checking”
“Hutton in goal was given comparatively little to do”
“It was certainly an off night for Bouse, but these are bound to crop up with any player”
“Bouse Hutton had hard luck as one of the goals was scored on a long lift from center and he had no chance to get his eye on the puck. Another was butted through when the point and cover-point were just in front of him”
“Hutton in goal stopped some very difficult shots”
“Pulford and Hutton as usual played a reliable game”
“Hutton in goals was a wonder and the way he stopped shot after shot brought repeated cheers from the galleries”
“Had it not been for the excellent work of these two players [Moore and Hutton] the tables might have been turned. Frank McGee and the two Gilmours on the forward line shone in spots”
“although they [Victorias’ forwards] did manage to make the life of Hutton, the Ottawa goalkeeper, who showed up much better than Nichol, perfectly miserable”
“Hutton smiles when he sees the puck coming at him and blocks it as cool as pie”
1904 (CAHL)
“Hutton was at his best, and that is saying a whole lot. Moore was steady”
“Bouse Hutton in goal played a masterly game and was repeatedly applauded for his clever stops”
“Collins, in goal, put up a fair game, but it was not to be compared with that of Hutton’s”
“Hutton in goal for the Ottawas played a good game and always relieved quickly”
1900 (CAHL)
“Chick Henry, Max Rogers, and B. Hutton were the mainstays of the Ottawas. Duval played brilliantly, as did Captain H. Stuart at times”
“Bouse Hutton did all that anyone could in goal”
“Quebec people admit that Hutton is quite as good a goal keeper as Stocking, and this is quite and admission for Quebecers to make”
“On the defence, Bouse Hutton, between the posts, stopped everything that a goalkeeper could stop and improvement on the team in that department is not possible”
“Both Hutton and Powers brough off many stops of the electrifying sort. Hutton, in the Ottawa flags, is certainly a star”
“Hutton had some stiff shots to look after and did his work well”
“Hutton and Henry put up their usual good games and for Quebec Stocking and Cahill shone brilliantly”
1901 (CAHL)
“Hutton played a remarkably good game in goal. He made any amount of clever stops”
“Bouse Hutton takes things very cool and when things are not coming his way stands with a merry twinkle in his eye and a sweet smile for some one in the front seats”
“it was only the splendid work of Duval, Pulford, and Hutton that staved off defeat for the locals”
“Hutton in goal had occasionally to stop hot shots and he knew how to do it”
“Hutton’s sureness was never so apparent”
“Hutton, the Ottawa goalman, deserves lots of credit for at times the game was made exceedingly warm for him, and one mistake would have cost the match”
“Hutton, in goal, even excelled himself by his stops. The Shamrocks often made such straight shots that it looked as if some of them must count, but the puck would be turned aside either by Hutton’s stick or skate”
“Hutton, in goal, deserves more credit for his showing in this game than probably any other man on the team, for it was one in which the least carelessness on the part of the goalkeeper would have cost the Ottawa the match. The shots which Brennan and Trihey made on the Ottawa net when they got an opportunity were of the kind that might well rattle the man between the posts. But Hutton was like an iceberg and had the eye of a hawk. He picked the rubber’s course without error except on one occasion and his claim to the title of topnotcher before the net stands undisputed”
“Bouse Hutton has been a player this year on three championship teams, the lacrosse, football, and hockey”
1902 (CAHL)
“Hutton in goal was superb. On three occasions, however, he was unable to get rid of the puck in time to avoid a score”
“Hutton, in goal, put up a splendid article, stopping a number of speedy shots with body, hands and stick”
“Bouse Hutton, too, haad lots to do and he certainly made some corking good stops”
“Hutton, they knew, and Duval, they knew, and knew both as brilliant players. Westwick and Henry have been favorites for a couple of years”
“Hutton did nobly in goal, the Montrealers scoring each time with two or three men in on the goal-keeper, giving him no chance whatever of getting the puck away”
“Hutton, in goal for the home team, was given only about half a dozen chances, but he handled them well”
“Not the least important factor of the victory was the splendid work of the Ottawa defence, in which Hutton was the particular star. Spittal and Pulford played no mean game, but Hutton repeatedly robbed Montreal, though he made more than one lucky stop”
1903 (CAHL)
“Hutton, Pulford and Westwick put up a star game and S. Gilmour made some good runs, but could not stay with the game. Hutton made some brilliant stops and Pulford did some heavy body checking”
“Hutton in goal was given comparatively little to do”
“It was certainly an off night for Bouse, but these are bound to crop up with any player”
“Bouse Hutton had hard luck as one of the goals was scored on a long lift from center and he had no chance to get his eye on the puck. Another was butted through when the point and cover-point were just in front of him”
“Hutton in goal stopped some very difficult shots”
“Pulford and Hutton as usual played a reliable game”
“Hutton in goals was a wonder and the way he stopped shot after shot brought repeated cheers from the galleries”
“Had it not been for the excellent work of these two players [Moore and Hutton] the tables might have been turned. Frank McGee and the two Gilmours on the forward line shone in spots”
“although they [Victorias’ forwards] did manage to make the life of Hutton, the Ottawa goalkeeper, who showed up much better than Nichol, perfectly miserable”
“Hutton smiles when he sees the puck coming at him and blocks it as cool as pie”
1904 (CAHL)
“Hutton was at his best, and that is saying a whole lot. Moore was steady”
“Bouse Hutton in goal played a masterly game and was repeatedly applauded for his clever stops”
Dr John Carlson
Registered User
I'll need to look into Scotty Davidson this round. I came away underwhelmed with how much star power his name carried when I looked at the 1914 Cup final a few months ago. Now, that's a small sample size, but Scotty's entire career is a small sample size. I suspect his 'hero's death' pulled a lot of weight for his reputation but we'll see.
@rmartin65's Tom Paton bio from last round has me very interested in Allan Cameron, who I think I'm more likely to vote for than Paton. I can't help but feel that CP was a more... I don't know, creditable? position than goaler was at that time.
@rmartin65's Tom Paton bio from last round has me very interested in Allan Cameron, who I think I'm more likely to vote for than Paton. I can't help but feel that CP was a more... I don't know, creditable? position than goaler was at that time.
jigglysquishy
Registered User
I had Routh 2nd last round, and will likely have him first this round. He has the highest VsX3 of remaining forwards (93). He lead in goals in 1893, third in 1894, first by a wide margin in 1895. It's an incredibly short career when he walked away in his prime, but not out of line for the era. But when he played, he was perhaps the best offensive player ever. We recognized McGee's greatness over his 4 seasons. Shouldn't we do the same for Routh's 3?
Do we count his 1895 season as perhaps the greatest season by a forward until Bowie comes along?
Dolly Swift is a mountain of a name whose reputation exceeds the raw stats. But his raw stats are still impressive. His first time leading in goals is all the way back in 1887. He finished second in goals in 1893, tied for first in 1894, third in 1895 (2nd in GPG), and tied for second in 1896. Look at his peers' elite level duration. You get 2-5 years amongst the McDougall, Routh, Trihey group. That's the expectation for the era. Then you have Swift staying a top level goal-scorer for 11 years! For whatever it's worth, @rmartin65 names Swift to the 1895 and 1896 all star teams. At age 30 in the latter and certainly out of his prime, it shows the incredible longevity.
Every book I read about the era, Swift's name always commands big respect.
Do we count his 1895 season as perhaps the greatest season by a forward until Bowie comes along?
Dolly Swift is a mountain of a name whose reputation exceeds the raw stats. But his raw stats are still impressive. His first time leading in goals is all the way back in 1887. He finished second in goals in 1893, tied for first in 1894, third in 1895 (2nd in GPG), and tied for second in 1896. Look at his peers' elite level duration. You get 2-5 years amongst the McDougall, Routh, Trihey group. That's the expectation for the era. Then you have Swift staying a top level goal-scorer for 11 years! For whatever it's worth, @rmartin65 names Swift to the 1895 and 1896 all star teams. At age 30 in the latter and certainly out of his prime, it shows the incredible longevity.
Every book I read about the era, Swift's name always commands big respect.
seventieslord
Student Of The Game
That's strange, I get the impression that star power was the main thing in Scotty Davidson's favour. He didn't play long enough to accomplish much of anything.
I'm interested to see what you come across; his name certainly has a lot of star power behind it looking backwards at his career, but if I am understanding you correctly, that star power wasn't there during his playing days?
My issue with Cameron is that I don't think he was ever the best at his position in the league, outside of maybe a season. I know we have plenty of guys who weren't the best in their positions (only one guy can be the best, after all), but considering the quality of the league at the time, it is a question mark for me. His career length works in his favor, though.
As far as the credibility of the goalkeeper position for the time period, I am also unsure. They were a lot more like a third d-man, I think, if I am reading it right, just one who covered the least amount of area. As the game evolved, goalies began to stray less away from the net and became more like the position we know it as today, but even then, there are reports of goalies rushing the puck well into the 1890s (Fred Chittick had a notable attempt, if I am remembering correctly) and even into the 1900s (I believe Fred Brophy scored in... 1906? but that was a weird event where his team was getting blown out).
In any case, I'll have a post on Cameron up this weekend. It should be easy enough to through together, as everything is already there in the MHC dynasty posts I already copied over (I'm only going to do quotes, since defenders (outside of Campbell) didn't do much scoring back then). In retrospect, I think I was probably too harsh on him in the preliminary stage.
I'd argue that McGee's greatness occurred in a stronger era, and his impact was felt all over the ice- while we all associate McGee with scoring, there is a lot of evidence for his all-around game. Unfortunately, we just don't have enough information to determine whether Routh was the same or not, and that hurts him, IMO.
Quite possible. The challenge years are weird, but you have to rate Archie McNaughton's 1890 season up there as well. Dolly Swift's 1887 is pretty impressive as well, but, again, challenge style schedule. Reginald Bradley's 1892 (also a challenge schedule) also saw a lot of distance between the scoring leader (Bradley) and the number 2 guy.
I struggle with Swift the same way I do with Routh- there is just about nothing on anything but offense with these guys. And even then, it isn't a who bunch of them making great plays to score, it is mostly just a remark that they did the needful or something like that. Routh peaked higher. Swift's longevity was insanely good. I think they both deserve a spot on our list (and there aren't many of those left!), but I just don't know how they both get there.
I will say that I think Swift is harmed by sources from Quebec City being hard to track down, at least in comparison to Montreal and Ottawa- having some coverage from a writer who was rooting for the home team would probably give us a little more to go off of.
Are they pulling from sources that saw him play, or is it mostly just based on the fact that he was at/near the top of the scoring tables forever?
Re-addressing Cameron, Paton, and Routh (listed alphabetically! no favoritism/attempted influence here, because I honestly don't know which order I'd rank them in at the moment)- it would feel very weird to not have at least one representative from hockey's first dynasty on this list (unless I am missing someone). The other major dynasties (mid/late 1890s Vics, Silver Seven, 1906-1910 Wanderers, Nighbor's Sens) are all going to have representation. Why not this team?
Dr John Carlson
Registered User
To be clear I'm only speaking on what I read and wrote about for the 1914 Cup final vs. Victoria, and I haven't yet looked into the rest of his career. With how highly he was thought of in retrospect I was expecting Davidson to have been seen as the star of the Blueshirts, or one of the stars - after all, he was the captain of the team at just 23 years of age. But it definitely looked, to me, as though Jack Walker and Harry Cameron were considered the stars of the team. In fairness, he was battling the flu during the series, which impacted his performance certainly, but wouldn't have erased any gravity his name held... and the lack of said gravity was what surprised me. It makes me wonder if his contemporary reputation is lesser than the reputation he gained after his death.
There was also a post-series quote singling out Davidson as being 'one of the worst actors in the league' who was 'inclined to resent the discipline of training' which is a hell of a thing to say about the captain of a club that just won the Cup. So we'll have to look deeper. Like Carson Cooper last round, I'm not at all sure on where I stand on Scotty.
Albert ‘Dolly’ Swift
One of hockey’s earliest top scorers, Dolly Swift had an extensive career that, according to Wikipedia, extended from the early 1880s into the 1899 CAHL season. I can’t speak for anything prior to the 1887 season, but even then, that is a remarkable career length for the era (although it should be noted that Dolly Swift and Quebec HC did not play in the AHAC in 1890 or 1891, and then even though Quebec HC played three games in the AHAC in 1892 (I have 2 challenge games and an exhibition), I don’t have Swift listed as playing in any of those games). Like many players from this time period, Swift suffers from a lack of coverage; in fact, Swift suffers more than the other early stars in this project in that he played for Quebec HC, which appears to have received less coverage in the papers than the other teams (which makes sense, as I have the ability to look at a couple papers from Montreal and Ottawa, but nothing from Quebec City). Given the dearth in coverage, we don’t have a lot to go on. Upon reviewing the scans,I think there are two plausible ways to look at Dolly Swift; the first (and most favorable to Swift) is that he was something akin to a poor-man’s Russell Bowie, a consistent offensive force that had little team support, while the second is that he was a scorer who did little else noteworthy to contribute to his team’s play. Which is the truth? Unfortunately, it is unlikely we’ll ever know for sure. I do think there is enough evidence to suggest he had an edge to him, but I go back and forth whether he was a guy who took unnecessary penalties or provided that physical dimension.
One of the best descriptions of Dolly Swift comes from one of the Turning Back Hockey’s Pages articles written by D.A.L. MacDonald. In the 12 March 1935 article, Dolly Swift was described thusly: “Dolly Swift was one of the best players of his day and one with a most unusual style. He was probably the first to adopt the method of pushing the puck ahead of him in the manner of King Clancy and did most of his stickhandling using only one hand. He also made use of the rebound off the boards to pass an opponent and his odd style of play proved particularly confusing to those who had never encountered it before”.
Selection of Quotes (and notes I took down):
The Montreal Star, 25 April 1904 Page 2: In talking about the 1884 Montreal Carnival, Arthur Scott (a former player on those early Quebec HC teams) reportedly spoke about “‘Dolly’ Swift, now in South Africa, whom the Montrealers called the little demon- he was then quite small and only about sixteen years of age”.
1887 (AHAC)
Dowd, Lee, and McDonnell are described as doing the “best work” for the Crystals, while Campbell, Sheare, Craven, and Swift were noted for the Vics.
Swift credited with “doing big play”
Swift, Campbell, Craven, Arnton, Barlow, and Shearer are noted as playing well by The Gazette; The Ottawa Journal said that Myles, Currier, and Lowe from Ottawa and Swift, Campbell and Arnton from the Vics were the notable players
Swift was apparently strong in the second half.
1893 (AHAC)
Swift made some “brilliant rushes, but they didn’t materialize”
Swift, again, answers for Quebec, making “one of his brilliant rushes”
The Crystals were noted to be the much faster team, though Swift and Howe were said to have been able to keep up. Boone at cover was credited with getting rid of the puck quickly, and McDonnell being solid on defense. Swift was the star of the Quebec team, though the paper said their “back division is very strong”
Swift and A.E. Scott were praised for their rushes
1894 (AHAC)
Scott and Swift were noted with some fine rushes, but Quebec lacked “combined play”.
An Ottawa paper described A.E. Scott, Swift, and Watson being the best of the Quebec players.
“The goal-keeping of Stocking and Clapperton could not well be improved upon. The bright particular star of the game, however, was Watson. He seemed to always be in the right place; was cool as the proverbial cucumber, and was the mainstay of the defence. Another man who showed up in grand style was Swift. He is both fast and sure. On the Crystal team the forwards all played a fine game, Ritchie and Brown being about the best. Boone also played a fine game”
Ritchie and McQuisten were identified as the best for the Crystals, while Swift, A.E. Scott, and Watson received the honors for Quebec
1895 (AHAC)
“The Quebec forwards, A.E. Swift, A.D. Scott, and R.J. Davidson, were as reliable as ever, Scott in particular playing a magnificent game, while Davidson in the first half and Swift in the second half made things lively for their opponents”
Smith and Swift got in a fight near the end of the game.
“For Quebec, Stockton made some grand stops, and Watson worked very hard. Each of the three forwards were also responsible for some tremendously heavy work, but towards the finish they seemed to quit. Swift played well, but somewhat rougher than was necessary”
Swift and Davidson were described as the leading forwards for Quebec.
Quebec is described as becoming “entirely lost, and even a player like Swift allowed puck to be taken away from under his very feet”
“Hodgson, Barlow, and Cameron were the stars for Montreal, the latter playing one of his old time defence games. For Quebec, Swift, Watson, and Davidson put up the best game”. Cameron was also described as “putting up the game of his life”.
Young and Swift got into an altercation. Depending on the source, it was either a fight or Swift jumped him. In any case, Young had to leave the game injured/unconscious.
“Every one of the Ottawas plated well. Smith and Russell probably outshine the others. Smith fairly toyed with Swift”
Swift answered with a “splendid run”
“The Quebec forwards, with the exception of Swift, were very slow, and Watson particularly was more in the way of the other players than anything else”
1896 (AHAC)
“Dobby and Wall were doing yeoman work for the Shamrocks, but the splendid play of Swift and Scott rendered their efforts futile”
“Mention must be made of Stocking’s excellent play in goals. He is what is properly named a ‘bute’. Great big, handsome Swift, the captain, did immense work. His rushes were things of beauty from a hockey standpoint, and he was ably assisted by Scott, who played a beautiful game all through. Cahill, also, is deserving of special mention”
“...Swift and Scott are lightning forwards”
Swift reportedly stopped a couple Shamrocks’ rushes.
“The Quebec men all played well, and Stocking’s goal keeping was particularly admired. Loss of temper lost the services of a good man to Quebec while Swift was meditating on the mutations of hockey from the side”.
The game gets physical here- Henderson checks Swift into a post, Swift starts a fight, but Henderson gets the better of that conflict.
“Their [Quebec] defence played a good game and Swift and Scott were decidedly the best men on the forward line. The team, however, missed the services of Cahill and Watson”
1897 (AHAC)
“Swift made some decidedly clever and dangerous runs, but was usually checkmated in Montreal’s territory”
“Swift, formerly Quebec’s most brilliant player, seems to be getting too slow for the youngsters”
“Swift and Doyle were not playing their game, and Smith, who is a junior, was unsupported when he passed, as he often did prettily. And then, too, the double defence got careless”
“Watson and Swift at times distinguished themselves by really splendid play”
Swift opens the second half scoring with “a cannon-like shot”
1898 (AHAC)
Swift takes over at cover, and reportedly plays better there than at forward
“Swift and Gillespie played the best of the Quebec forwards”
“Scott and Swift did not appear to play with their usual vim or judgment. In Gillespie Quebec has the markings of a clever player. When he has had a little more experience playing on senior teams he will be an invaluable man”
1899 (CAHL)
“Swift seemed to have an off day, or rather was unlucky, but the game he put up for all that, was one to be counted on”
“On the forward line Gillespie an Gilmour did splendid work, but ‘Dolly’ Swift was out of the game entirely. Swift has been a long time actively participating in the athletic world and he has about reached the limit of his usefulness. It would do the Quebec team more good if he would give way to a younger man”
“On the Quebec side Scott and Watson did splendid work, and occasionally Swift showed up in his usual style, but Gillespie carried off the honors”
1887 (AHAC)
Dowd, Lee, and McDonnell are described as doing the “best work” for the Crystals, while Campbell, Sheare, Craven, and Swift were noted for the Vics.
Swift credited with “doing big play”
Swift, Campbell, Craven, Arnton, Barlow, and Shearer are noted as playing well by The Gazette; The Ottawa Journal said that Myles, Currier, and Lowe from Ottawa and Swift, Campbell and Arnton from the Vics were the notable players
Swift was apparently strong in the second half.
1893 (AHAC)
Swift made some “brilliant rushes, but they didn’t materialize”
Swift, again, answers for Quebec, making “one of his brilliant rushes”
The Crystals were noted to be the much faster team, though Swift and Howe were said to have been able to keep up. Boone at cover was credited with getting rid of the puck quickly, and McDonnell being solid on defense. Swift was the star of the Quebec team, though the paper said their “back division is very strong”
Swift and A.E. Scott were praised for their rushes
1894 (AHAC)
Scott and Swift were noted with some fine rushes, but Quebec lacked “combined play”.
An Ottawa paper described A.E. Scott, Swift, and Watson being the best of the Quebec players.
“The goal-keeping of Stocking and Clapperton could not well be improved upon. The bright particular star of the game, however, was Watson. He seemed to always be in the right place; was cool as the proverbial cucumber, and was the mainstay of the defence. Another man who showed up in grand style was Swift. He is both fast and sure. On the Crystal team the forwards all played a fine game, Ritchie and Brown being about the best. Boone also played a fine game”
Ritchie and McQuisten were identified as the best for the Crystals, while Swift, A.E. Scott, and Watson received the honors for Quebec
1895 (AHAC)
“The Quebec forwards, A.E. Swift, A.D. Scott, and R.J. Davidson, were as reliable as ever, Scott in particular playing a magnificent game, while Davidson in the first half and Swift in the second half made things lively for their opponents”
Smith and Swift got in a fight near the end of the game.
“For Quebec, Stockton made some grand stops, and Watson worked very hard. Each of the three forwards were also responsible for some tremendously heavy work, but towards the finish they seemed to quit. Swift played well, but somewhat rougher than was necessary”
Swift and Davidson were described as the leading forwards for Quebec.
Quebec is described as becoming “entirely lost, and even a player like Swift allowed puck to be taken away from under his very feet”
“Hodgson, Barlow, and Cameron were the stars for Montreal, the latter playing one of his old time defence games. For Quebec, Swift, Watson, and Davidson put up the best game”. Cameron was also described as “putting up the game of his life”.
Young and Swift got into an altercation. Depending on the source, it was either a fight or Swift jumped him. In any case, Young had to leave the game injured/unconscious.
“Every one of the Ottawas plated well. Smith and Russell probably outshine the others. Smith fairly toyed with Swift”
Swift answered with a “splendid run”
“The Quebec forwards, with the exception of Swift, were very slow, and Watson particularly was more in the way of the other players than anything else”
1896 (AHAC)
“Dobby and Wall were doing yeoman work for the Shamrocks, but the splendid play of Swift and Scott rendered their efforts futile”
“Mention must be made of Stocking’s excellent play in goals. He is what is properly named a ‘bute’. Great big, handsome Swift, the captain, did immense work. His rushes were things of beauty from a hockey standpoint, and he was ably assisted by Scott, who played a beautiful game all through. Cahill, also, is deserving of special mention”
“...Swift and Scott are lightning forwards”
Swift reportedly stopped a couple Shamrocks’ rushes.
“The Quebec men all played well, and Stocking’s goal keeping was particularly admired. Loss of temper lost the services of a good man to Quebec while Swift was meditating on the mutations of hockey from the side”.
The game gets physical here- Henderson checks Swift into a post, Swift starts a fight, but Henderson gets the better of that conflict.
“Their [Quebec] defence played a good game and Swift and Scott were decidedly the best men on the forward line. The team, however, missed the services of Cahill and Watson”
1897 (AHAC)
“Swift made some decidedly clever and dangerous runs, but was usually checkmated in Montreal’s territory”
“Swift, formerly Quebec’s most brilliant player, seems to be getting too slow for the youngsters”
“Swift and Doyle were not playing their game, and Smith, who is a junior, was unsupported when he passed, as he often did prettily. And then, too, the double defence got careless”
“Watson and Swift at times distinguished themselves by really splendid play”
Swift opens the second half scoring with “a cannon-like shot”
1898 (AHAC)
Swift takes over at cover, and reportedly plays better there than at forward
“Swift and Gillespie played the best of the Quebec forwards”
“Scott and Swift did not appear to play with their usual vim or judgment. In Gillespie Quebec has the markings of a clever player. When he has had a little more experience playing on senior teams he will be an invaluable man”
1899 (CAHL)
“Swift seemed to have an off day, or rather was unlucky, but the game he put up for all that, was one to be counted on”
“On the forward line Gillespie an Gilmour did splendid work, but ‘Dolly’ Swift was out of the game entirely. Swift has been a long time actively participating in the athletic world and he has about reached the limit of his usefulness. It would do the Quebec team more good if he would give way to a younger man”
“On the Quebec side Scott and Watson did splendid work, and occasionally Swift showed up in his usual style, but Gillespie carried off the honors”
Scoring Tables (not counting the points that are disputed):
1887 (AHAC)
1893 (AHAC)
1894 (AHAC)
1895 (AHAC)
1896 (AHAC)
1897 (AHAC)
1898 (AHAC)
1899 (CAHL)- Swift scored no points in the one game he played
| Rank | Name | Team | Goals | Assists | Points |
| 1 | Dolly Swift | Montreal Victorias | 8 | 0 | 8 |
| 2 | Jack Campbell | Montreal Victorias | 6 | 0 | 6 |
| 3 | Jack Arnton | Montreal Victorias | 5 | 0 | 5 |
| 4 | J. Craven | Montreal Victorias | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| 5 | Sam McQuisten | Montreal Crystals | 3 | 0 | 3 |
1893 (AHAC)
| League Rank | Name | Team | Team Rank | Goals | Assists | Points |
| 1 | Haviland Routh | Montreal HC | 1 | 12 | 0 | 12 |
| 2 | Dolly Swift | Quebec HC | 1 | 11 | 0 | 11 |
| 3 | Reginald Bradley | Ottawa HC | 1 | 10 | 1 | 11 |
| T-4 | William Murray | Crystals | 1 | 9 | 1 | 10 |
| T-4 | Archie Hodgson | Montreal HC | 2 | 5 | 5 | 10 |
1894 (AHAC)
| League Rank | Name | Team | Team Rank | Goals | Assists | Points |
| T-1 | Haviland Routh | Montreal HC | 1 | 8 | 4 | 12 |
| T-1 | Bert Russell | Ottawa HC | 1 | 8 | 4 | 12 |
| 3 | Dolly Swift | Quebec HC | 1 | 9 | 2 | 11 |
| 4 | Chauncey Kirby | Ottawa HC | 2 | 5 | 4 | 9 |
| 5 | Billy Barlow | Montreal HC | 2 | 6 | 1 | 7 |
1895 (AHAC)
| League Rank | Name | Team | Team Rank | Goals | Assists | Points |
| 1 | Haviland Routh | Montreal HC | 1 | 15 | 1 | 16 |
| 2 | Bob MacDougall | Victorias | 1 | 10 | 1 | 11 |
| T-3 | Graham Drinkwater | Victorias | 2 | 8 | 2 | 10 |
| T-3 | Archie Hodgson | Montreal HC | 2 | 5 | 5 | 10 |
| 5 | Dolly Swift | Quebec HC | 1 | 8 | 1 | 9 |
1896 (AHAC)
| Rank | Name | Team | Goals | Assists | Points |
| 1 | Robert MacDougall | Victorias | 11 | 1 | 12 |
| 2 | Dolly Swift | Quebec HC | 8 | 2 | 10 |
| 3 | Alf Smith | Ottawa HC | 6 | 2 | 8 |
| T-4 | Pat Doyle | Quebec HC | 5 | 2 | 7 |
| T-4 | Graham Drinkwater | Victorias | 5 | 2 | 7 |
| T-4 | Shirley Davidson | Victorias | 4 | 3 | 7 |
| T-4 | A.D. Scott | Quebec HC | 4 | 3 | 7 |
1897 (AHAC)
| Rank | Name | Team | Goals | Assists | Points |
| T-1 | Clare McKerrow | Montreal HC | 11 | 1 | 12 |
| T-1 | Robert MacDougall | Victorias | 10 | 2 | 12 |
| T-1 | Billy Barlow | Montreal HC | 9 | 3 | 12 |
| 4 | Ernie McLea | Victorias | 7 | 4 | 11 |
| 5 | Alf Smith | Ottawa HC | 8 | 1 | 9 |
| T-6 | John Dobby | Shamrocks | 7 | 1 | 8 |
| T-6 | Shirley Davidson | Victorias | 2 | 6 | 8 |
| T-8 | Dolly Swift | Quebec HC | 6 | 0 | 6 |
| T-8 | Rat Westwick | Ottawa HC | 5 | 1 | 6 |
| T-8 | Herbert Horsfall | Montreal HC | 4 | 2 | 6 |
1898 (AHAC)
| Rank | Name | Team | Goals | Assists | Points |
| 1 | Clare McKerrow | Montreal HC | 11 | 4 | 15 |
| 2 | Desse Brown | Shamrocks | 10 | 0 | 10 |
| T-3 | Howard Hutchison | Ottawa HC | 9 | 0 | 9 |
| T-3 | Graham Drinkwater | Victorias | 8 | 1 | 9 |
| T-3 | James GIllespie | Quebec HC | 6 | 3 | 9 |
| 6 | Robert MacDougall | Victorias | 7 | 1 | 8 |
| T-7 | Cam Davidson | Victorias | 7 | 0 | 7 |
| T-7 | Howard | Montreal HC | 7 | 0 | 7 |
| T-9 | Ernie McLea | Victorias | 4 | 2 | 6 |
| T-9 | Locke | Montreal HC | 3 | 3 | 6 |
| T-11 | White | Ottawa HC | 5 | 0 | 5 |
| T-11 | Herbert Horsfall | Montreal HC | 3 | 2 | 5 |
| T-11 | Fred Scanlan | Shamrocks | 3 | 2 | 5 |
| T-11 | Weldy Young | Ottawa HC | 2 | 3 | 5 |
| T-15 | Dolly Swift | Quebec HC | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| T-15 | Living | Ottawa HC | 3 | 1 | 4 |
1899 (CAHL)- Swift scored no points in the one game he played
Scoring Tables (counting disputed points; split points worth .5 (or .33) points, maybe points given full credit but not added to goals or assists):
1887 (AHAC)- I wasn’t counting disputed goals at this point. I’ll need to go back and re-read everything at some point.
1893 (AHAC)
1894 (AHAC)
1895 (AHAC)
1896 (AHAC)
1897 (AHAC)
1898 (AHAC)- He’s still T-15.
1899 (CAHL)- Swift scored no points in the one game he played.
1893 (AHAC)
| League Rank | Name | Team | Team Rank | Goals | Assists | Points |
| 1 | Reginald Bradley | Ottawa HC | 1 | 12.17 | 1 | 13.17 |
| 2 | Haviland Routh | Montreal HC | 1 | 13 | 0 | 13 |
| 3 | Dolly Swift | Quebec HC | 1 | 11 | 0 | 11 |
| 4 | Archie Hodgson | Montreal HC | 2 | 6 | 5 | 11 |
| 5 | William Murray | Crystals | 1 | 9.5 | 1 | 10.5 |
1894 (AHAC)
| Rank | Name | Team | Team Rank | Goals | Assists | Points |
| 1 | Bert Russell | Ottawa HC | 1 | 9.5 | 4 | 13.5 |
| 2 | Haviland Routh | Montreal HC | 1 | 8.5 | 4 | 12.5 |
| 3 | Dolly Swift | Quebec HC | 1 | 10 | 2 | 12 |
| 4 | Chauncey Kirby | Ottawa HC | 2 | 6.83 | 4 | 10.83 |
| 5 | Billy Barlow | Montreal HC | 2 | 7 | 1 | 8 |
1895 (AHAC)
| Rank | Name | Team | Team Rank | Goals | Assists | Points |
| 1 | Haviland Routh | Montreal HC | 1 | 17.5 | 1 | 18.5 |
| 2 | Bob MacDougall | Victorias | 1 | 11 | 1 | 12 |
| 3 | Graham Drinkwater | Victorias | 2 | 9.5 | 2 | 11.5 |
| T-4 | Dolly Swift | Quebec HC | 1 | 9 | 1 | 11 |
| T-4 | Norman Rankin | Victorias | 3 | 9 | 2 | 11 |
1896 (AHAC)
| Rank | Name | Team | Goals | Assists | Points |
| 1 | Robert MacDougall | Victorias | 12 | 1 | 14 |
| 2 | Dolly Swift | Quebec HC | 8.5 | 2.5 | 11 |
| 3 | Shirley Davidson | Victorias | 6.17 | 4.5 | 10.67 |
| 4 | Alf Smith | Ottawa HC | 7.33 | 2 | 10.33 |
| 5 | Chauncey Kirby | Ottawa HC | 3 | 4.5 | 9.5 |
1897 (AHAC)
| Rank | Name | Team | Goals | Assists | Points |
| 1 | Billy Barlow | Montreal HC | 10 | 3 | 15 |
| T-2 | Clare McKerrow | Montreal HC | 12.5 | 1 | 13.5 |
| T-2 | Robert MacDougall | Victorias | 10.5 | 2 | 13.5 |
| 4 | Ernie McLea | Victorias | 7.5 | 4.5 | 12 |
| 5 | Alf Smith | Ottawa HC | 10.34 | 1 | 11.34 |
| 6 | Shirley Davidson | Victorias | 2.5 | 6.5 | 11 |
| 7 | John Dobby | Shamrocks | 7 | 1 | 8 |
| 8 | Rat Westwick | Ottawa HC | 5.33 | 1.5 | 7.83 |
| T-9 | Dolly Swift | Quebec HC | 6.5 | 0 | 6.5 |
| T-9 | Herbert Horsfall | Quebec HC | 4.5 | 2 | 6.5 |
1898 (AHAC)- He’s still T-15.
1899 (CAHL)- Swift scored no points in the one game he played.
Scoring tables, if we assign players a proportional percentage of the unknown goals, rounded to the hundredth (first table for each year is without the split credit points, the second table includes them):
1887 (AHAC)- I need to go back and track the unknown goals, but a quick eye test tells me that it won’t really change anything, at least at the top of the board.
1893 (AHAC)- Ottawa HC missing 14 goals, Montreal HC missing 6 or 8 (I’ll call it 7 here), the Victorias missing 2, and Quebec HC missing 1.
1894 (AHAC)- 3 UNK Victorias’ goals, 1 for the Crystals. I don’t think it changes anything, so I’m moving on.
1895 (AHAC)- No UNK goals
1896 (AHAC)- No UNK goals
1897 (AHAC)- 17 for the Vics, 5 for the Shamrocks, 4 for Quebec HC, and 1 for Ottawa HC
1898 (AHAC) -22 UNK Vics’ goals, 13 for Quebec HC, 7 for Montreal HC, 7 for the Shamrocks, and 2 for Ottawa HC. Swift improves a bit, but I believe he is still substantially behind the leaders. His adjusted goals is 7.25.
1899 (CAHL)- Swift scored no points in the one game he played.
1893 (AHAC)- Ottawa HC missing 14 goals, Montreal HC missing 6 or 8 (I’ll call it 7 here), the Victorias missing 2, and Quebec HC missing 1.
| League Rank | Name | Team | Team Rank | Goals | Assists | Points |
| 1 | Haviland Routh | Montreal HC | 1 | 14.63 | 0 | 14.63 |
| 2 | Reginald Bradley | Ottawa HC | 1 | 12.56 | 1 | 13.56 |
| 3 | Dolly Swift | Quebec HC | 1 | 11.5 | 0 | 11.5 |
| 4 | Archie Hodgson | Montreal HC | 2 | 6.09 | 5 | 11.09 |
| 5 | William Murray | Montreal Crystals | 1 | 9 | 1 | 10 |
| League Rank | Name | Team | Team Rank | Goals | Assists | Points |
| 1 | Reginald Bradley | Ottawa HC | 1 | 15.29 | 1 | 16.29 |
| 2 | Haviland Routh | Montreal HC | 1 | 15.84 | 0 | 15.84 |
| 3 | Archie Hodgson | Montreal HC | 2 | 7.31 | 5 | 12.31 |
| 4 | Dolly Swift | Quebec HC | 1 | 11.5 | 0 | 11.5 |
| 5 | Chauncey Kirby | Ottawa HC | 2 | 10.68 | 0 | 10.68 |
1894 (AHAC)- 3 UNK Victorias’ goals, 1 for the Crystals. I don’t think it changes anything, so I’m moving on.
1895 (AHAC)- No UNK goals
1896 (AHAC)- No UNK goals
1897 (AHAC)- 17 for the Vics, 5 for the Shamrocks, 4 for Quebec HC, and 1 for Ottawa HC
| Rank | Name | Team | Goals | Assists | Points |
| 1 | Robert MacDougall | Victorias | 15.50 | 2 | 17.50 |
| 2 | Ernie McLea | Victorias | 10.84 | 4 | 14.84 |
| 3 | Clare McKerrow | Montreal HC | 11 | 1 | 12 |
| 4 | Billy Barlow | Montreal HC | 9 | 3 | 12 |
| 5 | John Dobby | Shamrocks | 8.59 | 1 | 9.59 |
| 6 | Alf Smith | Ottawa HC | 8.33 | 1 | 9.33 |
| 7 | Shirley Davidson | Victorias | 3.10 | 6 | 9.10 |
| 8 | Dolly Swift | Quebec HC | 7.41 | 0 | 7.41 |
| 9 | Rat Westwick | Ottawa HC | 5.20 | 1 | 6.2 |
| Rank | Name | Team | Goals | Assists | Points |
| 1 | Robert MacDougall | Victorias | 16.26 | 2 | 19.26 |
| 2 | Ernie McLea | Victorias | 11.61 | 4.5 | 15.51 |
| 3 | Billy Barlow | Montreal HC | 10 | 3 | 15 |
| 4 | Clare McKerrow | Montreal HC | 12.5 | 1 | 13.5 |
| 5 | Shirley Davidson | Victorias | 3.87 | 6.5 | 12.37 |
| 6 | Alf Smith | Ottawa HC | 10.59 | 1 | 11.59 |
| 7 | John Dobby | Shamrocks | 8.59 | 1 | 9.59 |
| 8 | Dolly Swift | Quebec HC | 9.18 | 0 | 9.18 |
| 9 | Rat Westwick | Ottawa HC | 5.55 | 1.5 | 8.05 |
1898 (AHAC) -22 UNK Vics’ goals, 13 for Quebec HC, 7 for Montreal HC, 7 for the Shamrocks, and 2 for Ottawa HC. Swift improves a bit, but I believe he is still substantially behind the leaders. His adjusted goals is 7.25.
1899 (CAHL)- Swift scored no points in the one game he played.
Allan Cameron
Alright, Allan Cameron, the long-time coverpoint (and occasional point) for the early Montreal HC (M.A.A.A.) teams. I’ve done a lot of back and forth on Cameron; initially, I pushed back on him because I thought he was being overrated (he is clearly, in my opinion, behind Campbell and Young among coverpoints from his era). Now, though, having taken some time to focus on just his career (well, perhaps on the careers of all the Montreal HC players of the time period), I can’t help but feel that I may have overcorrected, as he was a very good, very important player for the best team over a 9-year period of time.I am not going to do a stats table, since defensemen rarely scored. In the 50 games I have for Cameron (which, if I am not mistaken, leads all players from 1887-1895), I have him registering 3 goals and 5 assists for a total of 8 points. While this is clearly behind the type of offense provided by Jack Campbell (Cameron’s contemporary for the first chunk of his career) and Weldy Young (Cameron’s contemporary for the latter portion of his career), it is still a very strong result. There are also references to him passing to/keeping his forwards well fed, so I imagine that the fact that assists were not kept hurts his offensive stats considerably.
Where I think Cameron shined was defensively- the game summaries (which can all be found in the Montreal Dynasty posts above) are littered with references to him breaking up rushes or lifting the puck out of danger. I think that it is quite possible that he was the best defensive player in the league for the bulk of his career.
He also had a great mustache, which has to count for something.
Selection of Quotes (and Notes):
1887- Nothing noteworthy
1888
Cameron, “a strong tower in himself” sends it back
For M.A.A.A, one paper lists Cameron, Hodgson, Virtue, and Lowe are listed as having good games, another singles out Paton, Virtue, Lowe, and Hodgson
Cameron is making nice passes to his forwards
For Montreal HC, Paton, Lowe, Hodgson, Cameron, and Virtue were mentioned for fine play.
Cameron, Hodgson, and Lowe are having a good game
1889
Cameron and Stewart are doing good work defensively
Again it is mentioned that Hodgson and Cameron are playing well
Campbell does attempt a late rush, and he beats Cameron, but Cameron takes him down. A fight ensued
1890
The Victorias started off hot, and despite the good play of Cameron, Stewart and Paton, Fairbanks scored twice
Cameron had a good second game, and reportedly repelled many attacks; anything that made it past him was handled by Stewart
Indeed, Cameron, Stewart, and Paton were said to have done “some remarkable work” on several occasions
Game 2 highlights Cameron and Paton for M.A.A.A., with Kingan and McNaughton doing work at forward
Cameron scores the first game after the half on a run
Cameron scores on “a good lift”
1891
Stewart appears to have struggled a bit without Cameron ahead of him
Cameron scored having “worked through the whole line”
1892
Additionally, neither McNaughton (usually at forward, probably Irving took his place) nor Cameron (usually at cover) played; the loss of these two players was lamented, Cameron for the confidence he inspires in the forwards, and McNaughton for his shooting.
The stars of the Montreal team were Lowe, McNaughton, and Hodgson, though Cameron and Paton get some good press as well
Another Ottawa paper noted that Paton, Cameron, McNaughton, and Hodgson were “crack lacrosse players”, and stated that they were “beautiful skaters, all of them, noted for their agility”. They also had good hockey sense.
1893
Cameron played well, but rough. Apparently he fouled Young, Chauncy Kirby, and Bradley at some point. Bradley seems to have gotten even via “a body check that lifted him feet off the ice”. Bradley is a big dude- at some point (not during coverage of this game) he is listed at 200 lbs.
Cameron apparently got a little rough in this one too.
Cameron’s play was described a lot in this one- mostly for defensive play, but also with some rushes and lifts
Watson makes a rush, but “Stewart and Cameron were hard men to pass”
Paton makes a save, and Cameron and Stewart are described as playing “a strong game”
A Montreal paper described Paton as “active and ever on the alert”, and said he did “splendid work”. Stewart “has seldom been seen to better advantage”. “Cameron was a tower of strength, and played with judgment, feeding the forwards well”
Whenever the Vics looked like they had something promising going on offensively, “Paton, Stewart, or Cameron would come in their way and upset their calculations”.
Paton received the honors for the M.A.A.A. men “for his clever work in goal and many thought that it was due to his energy that the Montreal colors did not fall”. Stewart and Cameron were said to have played “strong defence” as well. Hodgson and Barlow were the best of the forwards, but Routh wasn’t said to have played poorly. Indeed, it was Irving who “cannot undertake to fill Lowe’s place”. Indeed, one Montreal paper said that they “seemed to miss the services of Lowe.
1894
Scott threatens the goal, but Cameron and Collins end it with some “clever head work
Hodgson and Cameron make some good rushes for Montreal, Scott and Swift return the favor for Quebec
O’Brien is said to be no equal to Cameron at cover, despite his good play at the position.
“Hodgson did grandly along the sides, and did more to break the Ottawa defence than any other man on the team. Barlow did likewise. His speed told seriously against Ottawa. He was generally in the right place and scored nearly all of the goals. In James the Montrealers had a cool cover point who held up his end magnificently, and Cameron and Collins proved themselves worthy of the positions they occupied”
Cameron stops a sure goal, and James and Collins are also forced to do good work
“Cameron, the old reliable defence man, did not seem to be himself, and the probabilities were that his injured leg was again giving him trouble”
... but the Montreal defence, Collins, Cameron, and James, were excellent, and indeed as far as James was concerned, very foul, and with the aid of a lenient referee the latter repeatedly spoiled fine Ottawa dashes”.
1895
Quebec gets the equalizer off of a long lift from Cahill that Cameron and Collins missed
A Montreal paper wrote that Collins and Cameron were each said to have “muffed the puck though each put up some splendid play”.
A Montreal paper noted that the M.A.A.A. team would be improved if Hodgson and Cameron return to the team.
Cameron and Hodgson suited up again for Montreal HC, eliciting cheers from the Montreal crowd
An Ottawa paper claims that Cameron once jumped on Young’s back when Young was laying on the ice.
“At point Mussen was a host of strength and very little got past him, while Cameron at cover played very effectively in his old-time way. In the forward division Hodgson and Routh were the bright particular stars”
Cameron was said to have done “wonders at coverpoint in the second game. All the Montreal team played well, but his coolness was especially noticeable”
Collins is described as having “little to do” as a result of Cameron and Bickerdike, but that changes in the third game, as he is forced to do some work
“Hodgson, Barlow, and Cameron were the stars for Montreal, the latter playing one of his old time defence games. For Quebec, Swift, Watson, and Davidson put up the best game”. Cameron was also described as “putting up the game of his life”.
“There was every sort of good play in the match and plenty of ‘lifting’ the puck. Young outlifted Cameron of the Montrealers and twice nearly scored.”
Cameron and Bickerdike on the other end are also playing well.
1888
Cameron, “a strong tower in himself” sends it back
For M.A.A.A, one paper lists Cameron, Hodgson, Virtue, and Lowe are listed as having good games, another singles out Paton, Virtue, Lowe, and Hodgson
Cameron is making nice passes to his forwards
For Montreal HC, Paton, Lowe, Hodgson, Cameron, and Virtue were mentioned for fine play.
Cameron, Hodgson, and Lowe are having a good game
1889
Cameron and Stewart are doing good work defensively
Again it is mentioned that Hodgson and Cameron are playing well
Campbell does attempt a late rush, and he beats Cameron, but Cameron takes him down. A fight ensued
1890
The Victorias started off hot, and despite the good play of Cameron, Stewart and Paton, Fairbanks scored twice
Cameron had a good second game, and reportedly repelled many attacks; anything that made it past him was handled by Stewart
Indeed, Cameron, Stewart, and Paton were said to have done “some remarkable work” on several occasions
Game 2 highlights Cameron and Paton for M.A.A.A., with Kingan and McNaughton doing work at forward
Cameron scores the first game after the half on a run
Cameron scores on “a good lift”
1891
Stewart appears to have struggled a bit without Cameron ahead of him
Cameron scored having “worked through the whole line”
1892
Additionally, neither McNaughton (usually at forward, probably Irving took his place) nor Cameron (usually at cover) played; the loss of these two players was lamented, Cameron for the confidence he inspires in the forwards, and McNaughton for his shooting.
The stars of the Montreal team were Lowe, McNaughton, and Hodgson, though Cameron and Paton get some good press as well
Another Ottawa paper noted that Paton, Cameron, McNaughton, and Hodgson were “crack lacrosse players”, and stated that they were “beautiful skaters, all of them, noted for their agility”. They also had good hockey sense.
1893
Cameron played well, but rough. Apparently he fouled Young, Chauncy Kirby, and Bradley at some point. Bradley seems to have gotten even via “a body check that lifted him feet off the ice”. Bradley is a big dude- at some point (not during coverage of this game) he is listed at 200 lbs.
Cameron apparently got a little rough in this one too.
Cameron’s play was described a lot in this one- mostly for defensive play, but also with some rushes and lifts
Watson makes a rush, but “Stewart and Cameron were hard men to pass”
Paton makes a save, and Cameron and Stewart are described as playing “a strong game”
A Montreal paper described Paton as “active and ever on the alert”, and said he did “splendid work”. Stewart “has seldom been seen to better advantage”. “Cameron was a tower of strength, and played with judgment, feeding the forwards well”
Whenever the Vics looked like they had something promising going on offensively, “Paton, Stewart, or Cameron would come in their way and upset their calculations”.
Paton received the honors for the M.A.A.A. men “for his clever work in goal and many thought that it was due to his energy that the Montreal colors did not fall”. Stewart and Cameron were said to have played “strong defence” as well. Hodgson and Barlow were the best of the forwards, but Routh wasn’t said to have played poorly. Indeed, it was Irving who “cannot undertake to fill Lowe’s place”. Indeed, one Montreal paper said that they “seemed to miss the services of Lowe.
1894
Scott threatens the goal, but Cameron and Collins end it with some “clever head work
Hodgson and Cameron make some good rushes for Montreal, Scott and Swift return the favor for Quebec
O’Brien is said to be no equal to Cameron at cover, despite his good play at the position.
“Hodgson did grandly along the sides, and did more to break the Ottawa defence than any other man on the team. Barlow did likewise. His speed told seriously against Ottawa. He was generally in the right place and scored nearly all of the goals. In James the Montrealers had a cool cover point who held up his end magnificently, and Cameron and Collins proved themselves worthy of the positions they occupied”
Cameron stops a sure goal, and James and Collins are also forced to do good work
“Cameron, the old reliable defence man, did not seem to be himself, and the probabilities were that his injured leg was again giving him trouble”
... but the Montreal defence, Collins, Cameron, and James, were excellent, and indeed as far as James was concerned, very foul, and with the aid of a lenient referee the latter repeatedly spoiled fine Ottawa dashes”.
1895
Quebec gets the equalizer off of a long lift from Cahill that Cameron and Collins missed
A Montreal paper wrote that Collins and Cameron were each said to have “muffed the puck though each put up some splendid play”.
A Montreal paper noted that the M.A.A.A. team would be improved if Hodgson and Cameron return to the team.
Cameron and Hodgson suited up again for Montreal HC, eliciting cheers from the Montreal crowd
An Ottawa paper claims that Cameron once jumped on Young’s back when Young was laying on the ice.
“At point Mussen was a host of strength and very little got past him, while Cameron at cover played very effectively in his old-time way. In the forward division Hodgson and Routh were the bright particular stars”
Cameron was said to have done “wonders at coverpoint in the second game. All the Montreal team played well, but his coolness was especially noticeable”
Collins is described as having “little to do” as a result of Cameron and Bickerdike, but that changes in the third game, as he is forced to do some work
“Hodgson, Barlow, and Cameron were the stars for Montreal, the latter playing one of his old time defence games. For Quebec, Swift, Watson, and Davidson put up the best game”. Cameron was also described as “putting up the game of his life”.
“There was every sort of good play in the match and plenty of ‘lifting’ the puck. Young outlifted Cameron of the Montrealers and twice nearly scored.”
Cameron and Bickerdike on the other end are also playing well.
Last edited:
Graham Drinkwater
Graham Drinkwater is one of the few 1890s players whose name I was really familiar with before we started this project- he’s a member of the HHoF, he played on one of the sports’ earliest dynasties, and his reputation (deserved or undeserved) as a good skater, clean player, and ability to play multiple positions has lasted long enough that he’s a known name over a century later. His Senior level career began in 1893, and it wasn’t overly successful- the Vics finished at the bottom of the standings, and Drinkwater himself only played a couple games and scored a single goal. He did not play on the Senior team in 1894, but then came back with a vengeance in 1895, tying for 3rd in scoring (according to my stats) as the Victorias’ dynasty was born. Drinkwater remained near the top of the scoring tables in 1896, but he only played 4 games in 1897. He was back among the top scorers in 1898, but 1899 saw his offensive productivity crater- he did play 4 games at point (2 at one of the forward positions), but I don’t know if that fully explains how he recorded just a single confirmed point (an assist) on the season.I think the game summaries confirm his defensive reputation, so that should be taken into account for this- he did, in my opinion, bring value to his teams outside of offense, which I don’t think all the other forwards this round can say. His defense was particularly well regarded in the games where he was at point; indeed, the praise he gets in those games is far more impressive (IMO) than what he received on the forward line. Additionally, as noted below, when he missed games, the papers usually mentioned that his absence negatively impacted the Vics. That, too, is another mark in his favor.
Selection of Quotes (and Notes):
1893 (AHAC)
The big news was that Davidson and Drinkwater were out, but the paper noted this “did not seem to make the team weaker, although Davidson was missed”
A Montreal paper really ripped into the Vics' decision to, after the injury to M.A.A.A.’s Lowe near the end of the game, sit Rankin to even up the teams. The paper said that Rankin was “one of the most efficient and energetic of their team”, and said that the Vics could have sat Drinkwater or Irwin. The same paper said that Rankin “was always on the aggressive”.
1895 (AHAC)
Nothing of particular note
1896 (AHAC)
“The Vics forwards were almost perfect; the back division was as near faultless as possible. Jones, Willitt and Grant played a splendid game. The star of the forward line was Cam Davidson; he was always with the puck, he was quick, steady and reliable. Shirley Davidson, Macdougall and Drinkwater were in good trim and played well”
Drinkwater makes some nice runs
“Gordon Lewis, the goal-keeper, is a man Montreal may well be proud of, and the Victoria hockey club be happy in the possession of. He is certainly a splendid custodian, as his work last night clearly proved. He had many shots to stop, and he acquitted himself in such a manner that nothing else can be said but that he did his duty well. He is a very rapid clearer and does not allow the puck to linger very long in the vicinity of his posts; and he is very creditable on the lift. Henderson at point was all that could be desired. He was always to be seen on the right spot and at the right time when wanted. Captain Grant as cover-point could not be improved upon. In those meteoric flashes of his last night, he doubtless caused many to think of poor ‘Higgy’ and how he used to shine along those same lines. As a check he was of immense value to his team, not that he used any great roughness, but he used his body wisely. He was ever strong when lifting and his play right throughout the game was most praiseworthy. It is an old saying that ‘comparisons are odious’, but aside from that it would be unwise to single out any player of the Montreal forward line of last night and say he played the best of them all. They are a quartette of brilliant stick handlebars, and skillful manipulators of the puck. They are splendid skaters and individually and as a combination they were greatly admired last night. Then there is not one man among them who is not a good shot on goal. They were as quick as steel traps to take every chance which offered itself to them on the ice during the match”
“That the number of goals which the Winnipegs were defeated by was not larger is owing to the brilliant defence game put up by Merritt and Flett. Merritt was a grand goal keeper. Some of the shots he stopped were simply marvellous. He has certainly not lost his reputation because he played on a losing side, but he has added to it, for he stopped every shot that it was possible for a mortal to stop. ‘Roddy’ Flett, as point, has not a peer in Canada. He played the star game of the team last night, his work throughout the whole game was almost perfect. He was indefatigable in his efforts. He was here, there and everywhere, and always there when wanted first. He stopped many a deadly rush on goal last night, and spoilt many a combine. He was not caught napping at any stage of the game, and when he was called upon to fill cover point position, he was of inestimable value to the forward rank while playing in that position. Charlie Hohnston did not play the game that was looked for from him. He was not sure at any point o the game, although he did some excellent work at times. Of the forwards what can be said, but that they played there best game they could and it was nearly as good as the Montrealers, but not quite. Armytage worked like a Trojan and not till the finish of the game did he acknowledge defeat. Howard was as true on the goal as ever, and he caused Lewis, the Montreal goal keeper, not a little uneasiness. He undoubtedly lost one goal last night by some means or other. Bain and Campbell both played hard, conscientious hockey”
“Gordon Lewis, who plays goal this year for the Victorias, has not been seen on the team for the past three years. He was born in Montreal 23 years ago, is 5 ft. 9 in. in height and weighs 156 pounds… Three years ago he won on the senior team, but in the following football season, while playing with the Montreal club, he was unfortunate enough to have his left knee cap broken. This of course laid him up very effectually… It was a surprise to many to see him don the maroon jersey again this year, but his old record as a star goalkeeper and the work he has done in practice this year, fully justifies his selection by the committee. It is not only that he is exceedingly sure in stopping, but he is quick at returning and the work that he has done behind the flags has at times been phenomenal”
“D. Howard Henderson, who plays at point, is the tallest man on the team, going a quarter inch of the six foot mark. He is also a Montrealer by birth. He is 21 years of age and weighs in condition 150 lbs… His height is of course greatly to his advantage in the position he holds. He is an excellent skater and is utterly fearless of the biggest man or the strongest rush. At lifting he is an adept and he needs very little room or time in which to lift. He is decidedly one of the best men on the team”
“Captain Michael Grant is undoubtedly one of the best known hockey players in eastern Canada. Among the younger generation of players in Montreal his has been a name to conjure by. He was born in Montreal in 1874, stands 5 ft, 10 in. in height and tips the scale at 170… Captain Grant is undoubtedly a tower of strength to his team. His keener critics said that last year was an "off" year with him, but, whether that be so or not his work this season has been fully up to his old standard. He has body enough and pluck enough to stop any rush and is himself quick to take the aggressive when the occasion offers. As a captain he has few superiors for he is cool, even to a fault, and knowing his men thoroughly he is well aware of their capabilities at all times”
“Shirley Davidson, who is considered by many to be the bright particular star of the Victorias’ forward line, comes from good athletic stock… The subject of this sketch was born in Montreal in 1875. He is 5 ft. 6 in. in height and weighs 150 pounds. At a casual glance it would not be thought that he was so heavy a man, but he ‘strips’ well and is always in the pink…. For the past four years he has figured on the seniors, and it can be honestly said that he has not played a poor game in all that time. When his play was varied it has simply been more brilliant on some occasions than on others. He is an exceedingly rapid skate, dodges well, has perfect control of the puck and shoots with accuracy and swiftness. He is an adept in breaking his opponents combinations, the one point in which his fellow forwards are most decidedly weak.”
“Graham Drinkwater’s athletic career runs in exactly a similar groove to that of Davidson. He is just the same age, though he is 5:10 ½ in height and weighs 164 pounds… He, too, is a swift skater, and good stick handler, and his work in combination with Davidson and McDougall has won him any amount of praise in the past”
“Bob McDougall, another Montrealer born, is only 20 years of age. He is 5 feet 6 ½ inches and weighs 158 pounds… but in the meantime he is putting up just such a game of hockey as the gods delight to see. He is quick as a flash, and is very sure footed. His shooting is accurate and he perhaps scores more often in a season than any man on the Victoria team. He has played for three years with the seniors, and has always retained his place on the team”
“Hartland McDougall is no relation to Bob… He is 20 years of age, 5 ft. 10 ½ in. in height, and weighs 158 pounds. He has generally played defence, having occupied the goal one season and played cover point for a portion of another. He is a ‘general utility man’, for he has several times played more than an ordinarily good game on the forward line, but on the whole his hockey is not up to the same standard as that of the others. He is a fast skater, and a hard all round player, but is not a strong stick handler”
“Ernest H. McLea, a Montrealer by birth, is 20 years of age, 5 ft. 10 in. in height and weighs 149 pounds…He plays with a vim and dash, but of necessity he lacks the experience of the others on the forward line. He is certainly indefatigable, and as he would cheerfully tackle a runaway freight train on a downgrade he is particularly useful in breaking up opposing combinations”
“Dave Gillelan is 24 years of age, 5 ft. 8 ½ in. in height and weighs 155 pounds… He is a strong aggressive forward through his passing is not at all times as accurate as might be desired”
1897 (AHAC)
“Drinkwater was not up to his usual standard, and this weakened the Vics’ forward line somewhat; but McLea, Macdougall and Davidson played a rattling game. Grant was in splendid trim and worked like a Trojan. It was Grant’s good judgment that won the deciding game”
Apparently the champions felt very comfortable in their prowess, and two of their best players, Shirley Davidson and Graham Drinkwater, were not on the team. They were very much missed, too, especially in the first half, when the men in green had decidedly the best of play”
“Of the visitors, Drinkwater was a little off color, but nevertheless played well, while the others were well nigh perfect. ‘Mike’ Grant showed that he is almost the equal of ‘Weldy’ Young at cover-point”
“The local team was short of Drinkwater, and he was sadly missed. His place was taken by Molson, who does not seem to be quite good enough for the company he was in on Saturday”
The game was apparently so lopsided that the Victorias, having acquired a 4-1 lead by the half, “took things easy. Bob MacDougall loafed around and let Drinkwater do the work; he knew there was no reason to get in any kind of hurry”.
1898 (AHAC)
“Shirley Davidson, Bob Macdougall, McLea, and Drinkwater worked unceasingly and kept up a continual attack that told in the end. The men were in fine fettle and their victory was well deserved. The defence performed their end just as satisfactorily. Grant played a splendid game and was the cool and dashing ‘Mike’ of old. Hartland Macdougall was not less brilliant and he made some hair-raising plays that deserved the applause they received. Lewis made some beautiful stops and did his little utmost to prevent the puck from going through the poles too often”
“Cam Davidson has had the cloak of his brother fall upon him, and in a very short time he will probably have a bigger name in the hockey world, although this is saying a great deal, for there are few the equal of Shirley. Graham Drinkwater played his old-time steady and brilliant game. This is enough, for hockey people know what kind of a game this is”
“In the case of Drinkwater, who gave Hutchison the ‘elbow’ in the stomach, it was no doubt a case of forgetfulness, for he is generally a most gentlemanly player”
“A good deal of loafing off-side was indulged in by Gillespie, and two or three of the Victoria men, and Drinkwater did a good deal of tripping and other foul work. A.D. Scott was warned for a cross-check, but on the whole the match was clean. Drinkwater being the worst offender. At the same time, he played the star game for the Victorias.
“Drinkwater, Davidson, and Grant played the star games for the visitors, the former doing most of the scoring”
“Any difference that lay between the men was in favor of the Victoria quartette on account of their superior shooting qualities. In this respect they had a noticeable point in their favor, and had not Collins been a goal keeper of more than ordinary ability there is no knowing where the scoring would have stopped. Bob Macdougall was in fine fettle, and played a superb game, and was ably assisted by ‘Cam’ Davidson, McLea, and Drinkwater. It would be difficult to single out any of the four for special mention; they all did their best, they won, what more could they do. Grant was cool, and did his work thoroughly, while Hartland Macdougall played a magnificent game at point. Lewis’ bulky figure was again seen in goals, and there were some difficult shots that Lewis stopped in fine style”
The four forwards played well down, and with the lifting of Wall were able to score four times before the Vics knew what they were at. Harry Trihey and his three assistants came out of the crowd time and again, only to be stopped by the Victoria defence, but their attack was so determined that no defence could stave it off. On the other hand, the Victorias seemed to be taking things easy, and did not follow up well, and with the exception of Cam Davidson and Drinkwater, who at times came through, but were not backed up. Ewan played up well, but Bowie was not up to his usual form. Mike Grant played well down, and kept the other forwards at their work”
“The visitors played a brilliant game, but their style was more showy than effective. The men performed many fancy plays and handled their sticks as if they didn’t care whether they won or not. The defence seemed careless, and even big genial Mike Grant put up a listless game at times. The forwards skated well, and on several occasions performed pieces of combination play that were fairly dazzling. There is but one worker on the forward line, and that is Cam Davidson. The other three who formed the attacking portion of the Vics were content to hang back and wait for a chance to rush up the ice while Davidson followed up every lift made by Grant or Capt. Drinkwater. McLea did some bery effective work, and his shooting at long range was simply beautiful. Bowie and Ewing also did some nice work. Mike Grant’s rush when he tallied the goal that made the score five all was one of the features of the evening”
“The individual work of the visitors was fairly good, and would have been much more effective in the score had they made some efforts to overcome their indiscriminate looseness in the advancing rush. Here they were badly handicapped against old-timers like Drinkwater and Grant, and their attacks invariably went to pieces for this reason”
“McDougall, on the forward line, and Grant and Drinkwater, and point and cover, were in perfect settle and invincible”
“Drinkwater should make a great point. McLea and Bob McDougall are both well known to the Winnipeg men. McDougall, in shape, McCulloch considers the best forward playing. Cam. Davidson and Bowie are new men”
The Vics missed the reliability of MacDougall and the rushing power of McLea, but their back division was imperturbable and steadier than Montreal’s. The latter seemed to be able to get into the wrong place at the wrong time, and how the agility of the Vics forwards told against them, for a goalkeeper, be he ever so vigilant, cannot withstand a combined rush of forwards if the point and cover men have been left hopelessly in the rear. It was in a particular method of steady defence that the Victorias showed superior judgment. Grant, for instance, could afford to take a dashing chance because he knew Drinkwater was in his place behind him and that the latter would be able to attend to anything that came his way. In fact had it not been for the fine defence of the point and cover, Montreal would likely have won, for their forward line took every chance and went fast”
“The forwards were equally matched, but Drinkwater and Grant for the Victorias proved a better defence than Elliott and Charlton of the Montrealers”
McDougall makes a couple more dangerous rushes; a paper notes that “MacDougall’s runs and Drinkwater’s checking were features of this part of the game. Farrell did some excellent shooting; but it was well stopped”.
“But the Victoria defence played a grand game too. Mike Grant by all odds played his best game of the season, and Graham Drinkwater worked like a Trojan and his rushes down the ice were wonderful to behold. ‘Geordie’ Lewis stopped wonderfully well, and how he managed to prevent some of the lift shots from scoring, no one can tell”
“Drinkwater has just made one of his famous rushes”
“Both teams’ defences were strong, but the Montreal Victorias’ showed up to better advantage owing to the ability of Grant and Drinkwater to go down the ice whenever there was an opening”
“The Montreal Victorias defence was in great trim and the manner in which Grant and Drinkwater played was wonderful. Grant was in fine form and played the very game of his life, while Drinkwater surpassed himself”
The big news was that Davidson and Drinkwater were out, but the paper noted this “did not seem to make the team weaker, although Davidson was missed”
A Montreal paper really ripped into the Vics' decision to, after the injury to M.A.A.A.’s Lowe near the end of the game, sit Rankin to even up the teams. The paper said that Rankin was “one of the most efficient and energetic of their team”, and said that the Vics could have sat Drinkwater or Irwin. The same paper said that Rankin “was always on the aggressive”.
1895 (AHAC)
Nothing of particular note
1896 (AHAC)
“The Vics forwards were almost perfect; the back division was as near faultless as possible. Jones, Willitt and Grant played a splendid game. The star of the forward line was Cam Davidson; he was always with the puck, he was quick, steady and reliable. Shirley Davidson, Macdougall and Drinkwater were in good trim and played well”
Drinkwater makes some nice runs
“Gordon Lewis, the goal-keeper, is a man Montreal may well be proud of, and the Victoria hockey club be happy in the possession of. He is certainly a splendid custodian, as his work last night clearly proved. He had many shots to stop, and he acquitted himself in such a manner that nothing else can be said but that he did his duty well. He is a very rapid clearer and does not allow the puck to linger very long in the vicinity of his posts; and he is very creditable on the lift. Henderson at point was all that could be desired. He was always to be seen on the right spot and at the right time when wanted. Captain Grant as cover-point could not be improved upon. In those meteoric flashes of his last night, he doubtless caused many to think of poor ‘Higgy’ and how he used to shine along those same lines. As a check he was of immense value to his team, not that he used any great roughness, but he used his body wisely. He was ever strong when lifting and his play right throughout the game was most praiseworthy. It is an old saying that ‘comparisons are odious’, but aside from that it would be unwise to single out any player of the Montreal forward line of last night and say he played the best of them all. They are a quartette of brilliant stick handlebars, and skillful manipulators of the puck. They are splendid skaters and individually and as a combination they were greatly admired last night. Then there is not one man among them who is not a good shot on goal. They were as quick as steel traps to take every chance which offered itself to them on the ice during the match”
“That the number of goals which the Winnipegs were defeated by was not larger is owing to the brilliant defence game put up by Merritt and Flett. Merritt was a grand goal keeper. Some of the shots he stopped were simply marvellous. He has certainly not lost his reputation because he played on a losing side, but he has added to it, for he stopped every shot that it was possible for a mortal to stop. ‘Roddy’ Flett, as point, has not a peer in Canada. He played the star game of the team last night, his work throughout the whole game was almost perfect. He was indefatigable in his efforts. He was here, there and everywhere, and always there when wanted first. He stopped many a deadly rush on goal last night, and spoilt many a combine. He was not caught napping at any stage of the game, and when he was called upon to fill cover point position, he was of inestimable value to the forward rank while playing in that position. Charlie Hohnston did not play the game that was looked for from him. He was not sure at any point o the game, although he did some excellent work at times. Of the forwards what can be said, but that they played there best game they could and it was nearly as good as the Montrealers, but not quite. Armytage worked like a Trojan and not till the finish of the game did he acknowledge defeat. Howard was as true on the goal as ever, and he caused Lewis, the Montreal goal keeper, not a little uneasiness. He undoubtedly lost one goal last night by some means or other. Bain and Campbell both played hard, conscientious hockey”
“Gordon Lewis, who plays goal this year for the Victorias, has not been seen on the team for the past three years. He was born in Montreal 23 years ago, is 5 ft. 9 in. in height and weighs 156 pounds… Three years ago he won on the senior team, but in the following football season, while playing with the Montreal club, he was unfortunate enough to have his left knee cap broken. This of course laid him up very effectually… It was a surprise to many to see him don the maroon jersey again this year, but his old record as a star goalkeeper and the work he has done in practice this year, fully justifies his selection by the committee. It is not only that he is exceedingly sure in stopping, but he is quick at returning and the work that he has done behind the flags has at times been phenomenal”
“D. Howard Henderson, who plays at point, is the tallest man on the team, going a quarter inch of the six foot mark. He is also a Montrealer by birth. He is 21 years of age and weighs in condition 150 lbs… His height is of course greatly to his advantage in the position he holds. He is an excellent skater and is utterly fearless of the biggest man or the strongest rush. At lifting he is an adept and he needs very little room or time in which to lift. He is decidedly one of the best men on the team”
“Captain Michael Grant is undoubtedly one of the best known hockey players in eastern Canada. Among the younger generation of players in Montreal his has been a name to conjure by. He was born in Montreal in 1874, stands 5 ft, 10 in. in height and tips the scale at 170… Captain Grant is undoubtedly a tower of strength to his team. His keener critics said that last year was an "off" year with him, but, whether that be so or not his work this season has been fully up to his old standard. He has body enough and pluck enough to stop any rush and is himself quick to take the aggressive when the occasion offers. As a captain he has few superiors for he is cool, even to a fault, and knowing his men thoroughly he is well aware of their capabilities at all times”
“Shirley Davidson, who is considered by many to be the bright particular star of the Victorias’ forward line, comes from good athletic stock… The subject of this sketch was born in Montreal in 1875. He is 5 ft. 6 in. in height and weighs 150 pounds. At a casual glance it would not be thought that he was so heavy a man, but he ‘strips’ well and is always in the pink…. For the past four years he has figured on the seniors, and it can be honestly said that he has not played a poor game in all that time. When his play was varied it has simply been more brilliant on some occasions than on others. He is an exceedingly rapid skate, dodges well, has perfect control of the puck and shoots with accuracy and swiftness. He is an adept in breaking his opponents combinations, the one point in which his fellow forwards are most decidedly weak.”
“Graham Drinkwater’s athletic career runs in exactly a similar groove to that of Davidson. He is just the same age, though he is 5:10 ½ in height and weighs 164 pounds… He, too, is a swift skater, and good stick handler, and his work in combination with Davidson and McDougall has won him any amount of praise in the past”
“Bob McDougall, another Montrealer born, is only 20 years of age. He is 5 feet 6 ½ inches and weighs 158 pounds… but in the meantime he is putting up just such a game of hockey as the gods delight to see. He is quick as a flash, and is very sure footed. His shooting is accurate and he perhaps scores more often in a season than any man on the Victoria team. He has played for three years with the seniors, and has always retained his place on the team”
“Hartland McDougall is no relation to Bob… He is 20 years of age, 5 ft. 10 ½ in. in height, and weighs 158 pounds. He has generally played defence, having occupied the goal one season and played cover point for a portion of another. He is a ‘general utility man’, for he has several times played more than an ordinarily good game on the forward line, but on the whole his hockey is not up to the same standard as that of the others. He is a fast skater, and a hard all round player, but is not a strong stick handler”
“Ernest H. McLea, a Montrealer by birth, is 20 years of age, 5 ft. 10 in. in height and weighs 149 pounds…He plays with a vim and dash, but of necessity he lacks the experience of the others on the forward line. He is certainly indefatigable, and as he would cheerfully tackle a runaway freight train on a downgrade he is particularly useful in breaking up opposing combinations”
“Dave Gillelan is 24 years of age, 5 ft. 8 ½ in. in height and weighs 155 pounds… He is a strong aggressive forward through his passing is not at all times as accurate as might be desired”
1897 (AHAC)
“Drinkwater was not up to his usual standard, and this weakened the Vics’ forward line somewhat; but McLea, Macdougall and Davidson played a rattling game. Grant was in splendid trim and worked like a Trojan. It was Grant’s good judgment that won the deciding game”
Apparently the champions felt very comfortable in their prowess, and two of their best players, Shirley Davidson and Graham Drinkwater, were not on the team. They were very much missed, too, especially in the first half, when the men in green had decidedly the best of play”
“Of the visitors, Drinkwater was a little off color, but nevertheless played well, while the others were well nigh perfect. ‘Mike’ Grant showed that he is almost the equal of ‘Weldy’ Young at cover-point”
“The local team was short of Drinkwater, and he was sadly missed. His place was taken by Molson, who does not seem to be quite good enough for the company he was in on Saturday”
The game was apparently so lopsided that the Victorias, having acquired a 4-1 lead by the half, “took things easy. Bob MacDougall loafed around and let Drinkwater do the work; he knew there was no reason to get in any kind of hurry”.
1898 (AHAC)
“Shirley Davidson, Bob Macdougall, McLea, and Drinkwater worked unceasingly and kept up a continual attack that told in the end. The men were in fine fettle and their victory was well deserved. The defence performed their end just as satisfactorily. Grant played a splendid game and was the cool and dashing ‘Mike’ of old. Hartland Macdougall was not less brilliant and he made some hair-raising plays that deserved the applause they received. Lewis made some beautiful stops and did his little utmost to prevent the puck from going through the poles too often”
“Cam Davidson has had the cloak of his brother fall upon him, and in a very short time he will probably have a bigger name in the hockey world, although this is saying a great deal, for there are few the equal of Shirley. Graham Drinkwater played his old-time steady and brilliant game. This is enough, for hockey people know what kind of a game this is”
“In the case of Drinkwater, who gave Hutchison the ‘elbow’ in the stomach, it was no doubt a case of forgetfulness, for he is generally a most gentlemanly player”
“A good deal of loafing off-side was indulged in by Gillespie, and two or three of the Victoria men, and Drinkwater did a good deal of tripping and other foul work. A.D. Scott was warned for a cross-check, but on the whole the match was clean. Drinkwater being the worst offender. At the same time, he played the star game for the Victorias.
“Drinkwater, Davidson, and Grant played the star games for the visitors, the former doing most of the scoring”
“Any difference that lay between the men was in favor of the Victoria quartette on account of their superior shooting qualities. In this respect they had a noticeable point in their favor, and had not Collins been a goal keeper of more than ordinary ability there is no knowing where the scoring would have stopped. Bob Macdougall was in fine fettle, and played a superb game, and was ably assisted by ‘Cam’ Davidson, McLea, and Drinkwater. It would be difficult to single out any of the four for special mention; they all did their best, they won, what more could they do. Grant was cool, and did his work thoroughly, while Hartland Macdougall played a magnificent game at point. Lewis’ bulky figure was again seen in goals, and there were some difficult shots that Lewis stopped in fine style”
The four forwards played well down, and with the lifting of Wall were able to score four times before the Vics knew what they were at. Harry Trihey and his three assistants came out of the crowd time and again, only to be stopped by the Victoria defence, but their attack was so determined that no defence could stave it off. On the other hand, the Victorias seemed to be taking things easy, and did not follow up well, and with the exception of Cam Davidson and Drinkwater, who at times came through, but were not backed up. Ewan played up well, but Bowie was not up to his usual form. Mike Grant played well down, and kept the other forwards at their work”
“The visitors played a brilliant game, but their style was more showy than effective. The men performed many fancy plays and handled their sticks as if they didn’t care whether they won or not. The defence seemed careless, and even big genial Mike Grant put up a listless game at times. The forwards skated well, and on several occasions performed pieces of combination play that were fairly dazzling. There is but one worker on the forward line, and that is Cam Davidson. The other three who formed the attacking portion of the Vics were content to hang back and wait for a chance to rush up the ice while Davidson followed up every lift made by Grant or Capt. Drinkwater. McLea did some bery effective work, and his shooting at long range was simply beautiful. Bowie and Ewing also did some nice work. Mike Grant’s rush when he tallied the goal that made the score five all was one of the features of the evening”
“The individual work of the visitors was fairly good, and would have been much more effective in the score had they made some efforts to overcome their indiscriminate looseness in the advancing rush. Here they were badly handicapped against old-timers like Drinkwater and Grant, and their attacks invariably went to pieces for this reason”
“McDougall, on the forward line, and Grant and Drinkwater, and point and cover, were in perfect settle and invincible”
“Drinkwater should make a great point. McLea and Bob McDougall are both well known to the Winnipeg men. McDougall, in shape, McCulloch considers the best forward playing. Cam. Davidson and Bowie are new men”
The Vics missed the reliability of MacDougall and the rushing power of McLea, but their back division was imperturbable and steadier than Montreal’s. The latter seemed to be able to get into the wrong place at the wrong time, and how the agility of the Vics forwards told against them, for a goalkeeper, be he ever so vigilant, cannot withstand a combined rush of forwards if the point and cover men have been left hopelessly in the rear. It was in a particular method of steady defence that the Victorias showed superior judgment. Grant, for instance, could afford to take a dashing chance because he knew Drinkwater was in his place behind him and that the latter would be able to attend to anything that came his way. In fact had it not been for the fine defence of the point and cover, Montreal would likely have won, for their forward line took every chance and went fast”
“The forwards were equally matched, but Drinkwater and Grant for the Victorias proved a better defence than Elliott and Charlton of the Montrealers”
McDougall makes a couple more dangerous rushes; a paper notes that “MacDougall’s runs and Drinkwater’s checking were features of this part of the game. Farrell did some excellent shooting; but it was well stopped”.
“But the Victoria defence played a grand game too. Mike Grant by all odds played his best game of the season, and Graham Drinkwater worked like a Trojan and his rushes down the ice were wonderful to behold. ‘Geordie’ Lewis stopped wonderfully well, and how he managed to prevent some of the lift shots from scoring, no one can tell”
“Drinkwater has just made one of his famous rushes”
“Both teams’ defences were strong, but the Montreal Victorias’ showed up to better advantage owing to the ability of Grant and Drinkwater to go down the ice whenever there was an opening”
“The Montreal Victorias defence was in great trim and the manner in which Grant and Drinkwater played was wonderful. Grant was in fine form and played the very game of his life, while Drinkwater surpassed himself”
Scoring Tables (not counting the points that are disputed):
1893 (AHAC)- Drinkwater only scored 1 goal, so he’s way down on the list.
1895 (AHAC)
1896 (AHAC)
1897 (AHAC)
1898 (AHAC)
1899 (CAHL)- Drinkwater only had an assist, so he is way down on the table.
1895 (AHAC)
| Rank | Name | Team | Goals | Assists | Points |
| 1 | Haviland Routh | Montreal HC | 15 | 1 | 16 |
| 2 | Robert MacDougall | Victorias | 10 | 1 | 11 |
| T-3 | Graham Drinkwater | Victorias | 8 | 2 | 10 |
| T-3 | Archie Hodgson | Montreal HC | 5 | 5 | 10 |
| 5 | Dolly Swift | Quebec HC | 8 | 1 | 9 |
1896 (AHAC)
| Rank | Name | Team | Goals | Assists | Points |
| 1 | Robert MacDougall | Victorias | 11 | 1 | 12 |
| 2 | Dolly Swift | Quebec HC | 8 | 2 | 10 |
| 3 | Alf Smith | Ottawa HC | 6 | 2 | 8 |
| T-4 | Pat Doyle | Quebec HC | 5 | 2 | 7 |
| T-4 | Graham Drinkwater | Victorias | 5 | 2 | 7 |
| T-4 | Shirley Davidson | Victorias | 4 | 3 | 7 |
| T-4 | A.D. Scott | Quebec HC | 4 | 3 | 7 |
1897 (AHAC)
| Rank | Name | Team | Goals | Assists | Points |
| T-1 | Clare McKerrow | Montreal HC | 11 | 1 | 12 |
| T-1 | Robert MacDougall | Victorias | 10 | 2 | 12 |
| T-1 | Billy Barlow | Montreal HC | 9 | 3 | 12 |
| 4 | Ernie McLea | Victorias | 7 | 4 | 11 |
| 5 | Alf Smith | Ottawa HC | 8 | 1 | 9 |
| T-11 | Graham Drinkwater | Victorias | 3 | 1 | 4 |
1898 (AHAC)
| Rank | Name | Team | Goals | Assists | Points |
| 1 | Clare McKerrow | Montreal HC | 11 | 4 | 15 |
| 2 | Desse Brown | Shamrocks | 10 | 0 | 10 |
| T-3 | Howard Hutchison | Ottawa HC | 9 | 0 | 9 |
| T-3 | Graham Drinkwater | Victorias | 8 | 1 | 9 |
| T-3 | James GIllespie | Quebec HC | 6 | 3 | 9 |
| 6 | Robert MacDougall | Victorias | 7 | 1 | 8 |
1899 (CAHL)- Drinkwater only had an assist, so he is way down on the table.
Scoring Tables (counting disputed points; split points worth .5 (or .33) points, maybe points given full credit but not added to goals or assists):
1893 (AHAC)- Drinkwater only scored 1 goal, so he’s way down on the list.
1895 (AHAC)
1896 (AHAC)
1897 (AHAC)
1898 (AHAC)
1899 (CAHL)- Drinkwater only had an assist, so he is way down on the table.
1895 (AHAC)
| Rank | Name | Team | Goals | Assists | Points |
| 1 | Haviland Routh | Montreal HC | 17.5 | 1 | 18.5 |
| 2 | Robert MacDougall | Victorias | 11 | 1 | 12 |
| 3 | Graham Drinkwater | Victorias | 9.5 | 2 | 11.5 |
| T-4 | Dolly Swift | Quebec HC | 9 | 1 | 11 |
| T-4 | Norman Rankin | Victorias | 9 | 2 | 11 |
1896 (AHAC)
| Rank | Name | Team | Goals | Assists | Points |
| 1 | Robert MacDougall | Victorias | 12 | 1 | 14 |
| 2 | Dolly Swift | Quebec HC | 8.5 | 2.5 | 11 |
| 3 | Shirley Davidson | Victorias | 6.17 | 4.5 | 10.67 |
| 4 | Alf Smith | Ottawa HC | 7.33 | 2 | 10.33 |
| 5 | Chauncey Kirby | Ottawa HC | 3 | 4.5 | 9.5 |
| 6 | Graham Drinkwater | Victorias | 6.5 | 2 | 8.5 |
1897 (AHAC)
| Rank | Name | Team | Goals | Assists | Points |
| 1 | Billy Barlow | Montreal HC | 10 | 3 | 15 |
| T-2 | Clare McKerrow | Montreal HC | 12.5 | 1 | 13.5 |
| T-2 | Robert MacDougall | Victorias | 10.5 | 2 | 13.5 |
| 4 | Ernie McLea | Victorias | 7.5 | 4.5 | 12 |
| 5 | Alf Smith | Ottawa HC | 10.34 | 1 | 11.34 |
| T-11 | Graham Drinkwater | Victorias | 3.5 | 1.5 | 5 |
1898 (AHAC)
| Rank | Name | Team | Goals | Assists | Points |
| 1 | Clare McKerrow | Montreal HC | 11 | 4 | 16 |
| T-2 | Desse Brown | Shamrocks | 10 | 0 | 10 |
| T-2 | Robert MacDougall | Victorias | 8 | 2 | 10 |
| 4 | Howard Hutchison | Ottawa HC | 9.5 | 0 | 9.5 |
| 5 | Graham Drinkwater | Victorias | 8 | 1 | 9 |
1899 (CAHL)- Drinkwater only had an assist, so he is way down on the table.
Scoring tables, if we assign players a proportional percentage of the unknown goals, rounded to the hundredth (first table for each year is without the split credit points, the second table includes them). I am only looking at 1897 and 1898 as they are the only years with a significant amount of unknown goals-
1897 (AHAC)
1898 (AHAC)
| Rank | Name | Team | Goals | Assists | Points |
| 1 | Robert MacDougall | Victorias | 15.50 | 2 | 17.50 |
| 2 | Ernie McLea | Victorias | 10.84 | 4 | 14.84 |
| 3 | Clare McKerrow | Montreal HC | 11 | 1 | 12 |
| 4 | Billy Barlow | Montreal HC | 9 | 3 | 12 |
| 5 | John Dobby | Shamrocks | 8.59 | 1 | 9.59 |
| T-11 | Graham Drinkwater | Victorias | 4.65 | 1 | 5.65 |
| Rank | Name | Team | Goals | Assists | Points |
| 1 | Robert MacDougall | Victorias | 16.26 | 2 | 19.26 |
| 2 | Ernie McLea | Victorias | 11.61 | 4.5 | 15.51 |
| 3 | Billy Barlow | Montreal HC | 10 | 3 | 15 |
| 4 | Clare McKerrow | Montreal HC | 12.5 | 1 | 13.5 |
| 5 | Shirley Davidson | Victorias | 3.87 | 6.5 | 12.37 |
| T-10 | Graham Drinkwater | Victorias | 5.42 | 1 | 6.42 |
1898 (AHAC)
| Rank | Name | Team | Goals | Assists | Points |
| 1 | Clare McKerrow | Montreal HC | 13.85 | 4 | 17.85 |
| 2 | Graham Drinkwater | Victorias | 13.68 | 1 | 14.68 |
| 3 | Desse Brown | Shamrocks | 13.89 | 0 | 13.89 |
| 4 | James Gillespie | Quebec HC | 10.88 | 3 | 13.88 |
| 5 | Robert MacDougall | Victorias | 11.97 | 1 | 12.97 |
| Rank | Name | Team | Goals | Assists | Points |
| 1 | Clare McKerrow | Montreal HC | 13.85 | 4 | 18.85 |
| 2 | Robert MacDougall | Victorias | 13.68 | 2 | 15.68 |
| 3 | Graham Drinkwater | Victorias | 13.68 | 1 | 14.68 |
| 4 | Desse Brown | Shamrocks | 13.89 | 0 | 13.89 |
| 5 | James Gillespie | Quebec HC | 10.88 | 3 | 13.88 |
jigglysquishy
Registered User
Allan Cameron is a name that sticks out positively for me. If we are talking purely defensively, is he not he best player pre 1895? Arguably pre 1900 or even 1905?
I struggle ranking him in relation to Paton.
Just a collection of names for the teams by year
1893 Montreal AAA
Haviland Routh
Allan Cameron
James Stewart
Tom Paton
1894 Montreal AAA
Haviland Routh
Allan Cameron
James Stewart
1895 Montreal AAA
Clarence McKerrow
Haviland Routh
Allan Cameron
1895 Montreal Victorias (for reference)
Graham Drinkwater
Bob McDougall
Mike Grant
Those 1893-1895 Montreal AAA teams were the first great hockey team. They lost Stewart and kept winning. They lost Paton and kept winning. For a defensive team like them it was Cameron that was the backbone. In an era where being the point was a defence only position and Cameron stood alone as the best in that regard.
I'll be including both Routh and Cameron in my ballot this week. Maybe I find room for Paton too.
I struggle ranking him in relation to Paton.
Just a collection of names for the teams by year
1893 Montreal AAA
Haviland Routh
Allan Cameron
James Stewart
Tom Paton
1894 Montreal AAA
Haviland Routh
Allan Cameron
James Stewart
1895 Montreal AAA
Clarence McKerrow
Haviland Routh
Allan Cameron
1895 Montreal Victorias (for reference)
Graham Drinkwater
Bob McDougall
Mike Grant
Those 1893-1895 Montreal AAA teams were the first great hockey team. They lost Stewart and kept winning. They lost Paton and kept winning. For a defensive team like them it was Cameron that was the backbone. In an era where being the point was a defence only position and Cameron stood alone as the best in that regard.
I'll be including both Routh and Cameron in my ballot this week. Maybe I find room for Paton too.
ResilientBeast
Proud Member of the TTSAOA
Jack Adam's really stands out in a weird way in this group of players to me
For a late teens-20s star he has 8 full seasons
He peaked higher offensively than someone like Oatman ever did, but Oatman has almost twice as many full seasons played
Of the wingers available (Adams, Cleghorn, Hyland, Broadbent, Darragh, Harris), Adams has the highest season by point allocation.
Looking at peaks with offensive point allocation in a similar way as 70s vsx tables
Hyland, Cleghorn and Adams are the class of the field offensively
For a late teens-20s star he has 8 full seasons
He peaked higher offensively than someone like Oatman ever did, but Oatman has almost twice as many full seasons played
Of the wingers available (Adams, Cleghorn, Hyland, Broadbent, Darragh, Harris), Adams has the highest season by point allocation.
Looking at peaks with offensive point allocation in a similar way as 70s vsx tables
| Name | 7 Year Sum | 5 Year Sum | 3 Year Sum |
| Harry Hyland | 76 | 64 | 40 |
| Jack Adams | 74 | 59 | 38 |
| Odie Cleghorn | 77 | 60 | 38 |
| Jack Darragh | 61 | 48 | 34 |
| Fred Harris | 59 | 48 | 32 |
| Harry Broadbent | 55 | 44 | 32 |
| Eddie Oatman | 59 | 45 | 29 |
Hyland, Cleghorn and Adams are the class of the field offensively
ResilientBeast
Proud Member of the TTSAOA
Hutton, Paton and Hern are vying to be our first goalie since Moran back at 36.
We only have 9 more spots on our initial scope (though I am open to extending as 70s mentioned cheekily to 80) and I feel like we need to get at least two of them on here .
Quotes from my MLD 2015 bio for Hutton
We only have 9 more spots on our initial scope (though I am open to extending as 70s mentioned cheekily to 80) and I feel like we need to get at least two of them on here .
Quotes from my MLD 2015 bio for Hutton
The Globe ; Dec 15 said:
Times-Colonist ; Jan 23 said:
Standard (St. Catharines Ont : Aug said:
The Province (Vancouver said:
Ottawa West EMC said:
Edmonton Bulletin said:
Montreal Gazette Jan 19 said:
Montreal Gazette Dec 1 said:
The Montreal Gazette Dec 16 said:
The Montreal Gazette Dec 31 said:
The Montreal Gazette Dec 28 said:
Ottawa Citizen Apr 25 said:
Ottawa Citizen Feb 13 said:
ResilientBeast
Proud Member of the TTSAOA
Ernie Russell is the biggest victim of @rmartin65 's research. I definitely had him waaaaay too high on my initial list but he's now in danger of missing the list entirely. He was 10th on the last ballot so depending on the shifting moods of voters it might come down to the wire.
Hopefully now that Marty Walsh has made it through people look a little more favorably on Russell.
Hopefully now that Marty Walsh has made it through people look a little more favorably on Russell.
seventieslord
Student Of The Game
Sorry this took me so long!
VsX Equivalents for this round's forwards:
These older guys really suffer from the short careers of the day. That said, Dolly Swift looks fantastic compared to the scores other players from this era have earned during this project.
Also, have we underrated Jack Adams thus far? I didn't expect him to shoot pretty much to the top of the list here.
VsX Equivalents for this round's forwards:
| 3y | 5y | 7y | 10y | |
| Carson Cooper | 87 | 79 | 76 | 70 |
| Jack Adams | 86 | 81 | 74 | 58 |
| Odie Cleghorn | 84 | 77 | 72 | 66 |
| Ernie Russell | 89 | 78 | 69 | 51 |
| Harry Hyland | 84 | 75 | 68 | 58 |
| Smokey Harris | 82 | 74 | 68 | 61 |
| Eddie Oatman | 76 | 71 | 66 | 61 |
| Dolly Swift | 85 | 73 | 62 | 44 |
| Punch Broadbent | 77 | 66 | 60 | 53 |
| Jack Darragh | 69 | 66 | 63 | 57 |
| Jack Marshall | 72 | 64 | 53 | 41 |
| Harry Westwick | 70 | 60 | 53 | 46 |
| Blair Russell | 65 | 60 | 55 | 45 |
| Haviland Routh | 93 | 56 | 40 | 28 |
| Harry Trihey | 82 | 53 | 38 | 27 |
| Graham Drinkwater | 59 | 42 | 30 | 21 |
| Scotty Davidson | 59 | 35 | 25 | 18 |
These older guys really suffer from the short careers of the day. That said, Dolly Swift looks fantastic compared to the scores other players from this era have earned during this project.
Also, have we underrated Jack Adams thus far? I didn't expect him to shoot pretty much to the top of the list here.
seventieslord
Student Of The Game
Does anyone really strongly object to going to top-80 with this?
Speaking specifically to those of us who've been here the whole time and have voted every round.
Speaking specifically to those of us who've been here the whole time and have voted every round.
jigglysquishy
Registered User
Professor What
Registered User
My only question is do we have a long enough list to effectively do a top 80? Like, how many players were on the consolidated list?
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