It’s been 100 years since one of the most brutal wars in the history of mankind concluded, but it doesn’t mean that it’s slipping to the back of our minds.

November in particular is a time to reflect and remember all those that gave their lives for our freedom. Canada felt the effects not just in homes and families, but on the ice as well. Many prominent hockey figures at the time laid down their hockey sticks and picked up a uniform.

World War I

“The Great War” finished 100 years ago, but we still remember those that were lost. In terms of professional hockey, surprisingly few casualties were lost overseas. Despite over 100 pre-NHLers heading over, only two lost their lives – Allan “Scotty” Davidson and George Richardson.

The most prominent hockey figure to serve overseas has quite the stories. Conn Smythe, who was an owner and manager rather than a player, served in WW1 with the artillery, and later in the air force. While in the air force, Smythe was shot down, and he would go on to spend 14 months imprisoned as a POW. He went on to also fight in WW2, getting badly injured by grenade shrapnel in France (1944).

One of the other most famous hockey figures to fight in World War One was Frank McGee. He wasn’t an NHLer at the time, so he isn’t included in the two out of 100 list from earlier, but he lost his life during the Battle of Fiers – part of the massive amount of Canadians lost during the Somme offensive. McGee’s body was never recovered, along with 11,000 other Canadians.

 

World War II

Howie Meeker, who was one of Smythe’s prospects, also suffered an injury overseas. He was badly wounded by a grenade blast, and it cost him his ability to walk. The promising prospect would obviously not return to the ice either, instead settling for a career in broadcasting.

Other “Hall-of-Fame caliber players” such as Sid Abel, Syl Apps, Doug Harvey, Hap Day, Tiny Thompson, and more served in the war as well. The Boston Bruins lost their top line, Woody Dumart, Bobby Bauer, and Milt Schmidt, to the Royal Canadian Air Force. Ken Reardon, a defenceman for the Montreal Canadiens, was awarded Field Marshall Montgomery’s Certificate of Merit for acts of bravery in battle.

 

These two wars were two of the worst wars in human history, and they will not be forgotten. Hockey paid tribute to the service in a variety of ways, including helmet details, commemorative jerseys, and moments of silence.

Lest we forget, and thank you for your service.

(H/T Everything Zoomer)