Eddie Shore

Edward William Shore, hockey player (b at Ft Qu'Appelle, Sask 25 Nov 1902; d at Springfield, Mass 16 Mar 1985). He attended the Manitoba Agricultural Coll, played senior hockey in Melville and turned professional with Regina Caps and Edmonton Eskimos of the Western Hockey League. The WHL went bankrupt and Shore was sold to the Boston Bruins in 1926. Called the "Iceman," Shore was aloof and aggressive, a fearless rushing defenceman of legendary toughness. He was a brilliant and exciting player, but combative as well, and his career was marred by controversy. In Dec 1934 he almost killed "Ace" Bailey with a vicious check, and he himself suffered numerous serious injuries as a result of violent play. He was the greatest defenceman of his day, and was awarded the Hart Trophy (most valuable player) 4 times. Tales of his eccentric, even bizarre behaviour as owner of the AHL Springfield Indians, which he purchased in 1939, have become part of hockey folklore. For example, he made his netminders practise with a belt around their necks, tied to the crossbar of the goal. However, he remained widely respected for his astute understanding of the sport's fundamentals. Shore was one of the original inductees to the Hockey Hall of Fame.