PODCAST · history
Pucks and Cups
by Craig Baird
Each week I look at the early history of the NHL, mostly pre-1970. I look at the players, the stories and the teams that helped to make the NHL the greatest league, and hockey the greatest sport, in the world. Join me as I explore Canada's game.
Episodes
-
The Shortest Goalie: Roy "Shrimp" Worters
He stood at five-foot-three and was the shortest goalie in NHL history. While he played on mostly terrible teams, he showed how good he was by keeping those teams in the playoff hunt. It is clear why he is in the Hall of Fame. ORDER MY FIRST HISTORY BOOK! CANADA'S MAIN STREET:...
-
Straight Into The Hall: Dit Clapper
Dit Clapper was the first NHL player to play 20 seasons. He once held the most games played record and was one of the greatest players of his era. Along the way, he won three Stanley Cups. The first living person inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, he was also the first player to have the...
-
The Little Big Man: Cully Wilson
In his hockey career in the PCHA, WCHL and NHL, he won two Stanley Cups and found himself going coast-to-coast for various teams. It was said he was the stitched up player in hockey history when he retired. Support: patreon.com/canadaehx Merch:...
-
A Forgotten Canadien: Sylvio Mantha
Among the Legends of the Montreal Canadiens, Sylvio Mantha is not well remembered. He earned his place in history in his Hall of Fame career though. Only Jean Beliveau captained the Canadiens longer. In his career, Mantha led the Canadiens to three Stanley Cups. Support: patreon.com/canadaehx...
-
A Champion At Every Level: Hap Day
Hap Day captained the Maple Leafs to their first Stanley Cup, then coached them to a dynasty and finished things off by managing them to another Stanley Cup over the course of 33 years. Support: patreon.com/canadaehx Merch: https://www.ohcanadashop.com/collections/canadian-history-ehx Donate:...
-
The Greatest Maple Leaf?: Syl Apps
He has been called the Jean Beliveau of English-speaking Canada and the greatest Maple Leaf of all-time. Syl Apps remains a legend to this day, and one of the greatest players in NHL history. Support: patreon.com/canadaehx Merch: https://www.ohcanadashop.com/collections/canadian-history-ehx…
more -
Canada's First Golden Team: The Winnipeg Falcons
In 1920, the Winnipeg Falcons won Canada's first hockey gold at the Olympics but there is much more to the story of the team than than bit of glory in Belgium. Support: patreon.com/canadaehx Merch: https://www.ohcanadashop.com/collections/canadian-history-ehx Donate: buymeacoffee.com/craigu…
more -
Risking Life and Limb: Hockey Players At War
During the First World War, several prominent hockey players in Canada decided to join up and do their part in the war. While some made it home, others did not. This is the story of the hockey players who served Canada. Support: patreon.com/canadaehx Merch:...
-
The Lost Season: The Spanish Flu Hits The NHL
Prior to the lockout season nine decades later, the only time the Stanley Cup was not awarded in NHL history was in 1918-19 when the Spanish Flu was raging through the country. Support: patreon.com/canadaehx Merch: https://www.ohcanadashop.com/collections/canadian-history-ehx Donate:...
-
Before The Maple Leafs: The Toronto St. Patricks
Before the Toronto Maple Leafs existed, there was the Toronto St. Patricks. They only existed for a few years in the early-to-mid-1920s, but during that time they won the Stanley Cup in 1922 and had several legends on their roster. Support: patreon.com/canadaehx Merch:...
-
Four Cups With Four Teams: Harry "Hap" Holmes
One of the greatest goaltenders of his era, Harry "Hap" Holmes won four Stanley Cups with four different teams, something that has never been equaled to this day. Support: patreon.com/canadaehx Merch: https://www.ohcanadashop.com/collections/canadian-history-ehx Donate: buymeacoffee.com/craigu...
-
Banned For Life: Billy Coutu
Billy Coutu was one of the roughest players in NHL history, and racked up plenty of fines and suspensions. Then, he was banned for life from the NHL for beating up a referee. Support: patreon.com/canadaehx Merch: https://www.ohcanadashop.com/collections/canadian-history-ehx Donate:...
-
Taken By The Flu: Hamby Shore
Hamby Shore isn't in the Hall of Fame, but he was a reliable player during his career. It was a career cut shot when Shore died of the Spanish Flu. Support: patreon.com/canadaehx Merch: https://www.ohcanadashop.com/collections/canadian-history-ehx Donate: buymeacoffee.com/craigu Donate:...
-
A Slugger On The Ice: Harvey Pulford
As the captain of the Silver Seven, Harvey Pulford led his team to four Stanley Cups to create hockey's first 20th century dynasty. Support: patreon.com/canadaehx Merch: https://www.ohcanadashop.com/collections/canadian-history-ehx Donate: buymeacoffee.com/craigu Donate: canadaehx.com (Click...
-
A Career Cut Short: Eddie Gerard
One of the nine original inductees into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1945, Eddie Gerard was one of the greats of the 1910s and 1920s, winning four Stanley Cups in a row with two different teams in the early-1920s. Support: patreon.com/canadaehx Merch:...
-
The Bad Man Of Hockey: Red Horner
In 18 years with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Red Horner didn't get a lot of points but he was someone who kept his teammates safe. After he retired, his career penalty minute record lasted for a decade and a half. A Hall of Famer, he was beloved by Leafs fans for decades. Support:...
-
Rising Above The Terrible: Paddy Moran
One of the best goalies of his era, Paddy Moran was on a lot of terrible teams but still managed to win two Stanley Cups in a Hall of Fame career. Support: patreon.com/canadaehx Merch: https://www.ohcanadashop.com/collections/canadian-history-ehx Donate: buymeacoffee.com/craigu Donate:...
-
More Than Hockey: Chubby Power
He played only a few years for the Quebec Hockey Club in the early-1900s, but then went on to be twice wounded in the First World War, and then began a four decade career as one of the most influential Parliamentarians of the first half of the 20th century. Support: patreon.com/canadaehx Merch:...
-
The Tough And Angry Duke Keats
Duke Keats was a man with an angry streak who wasn't afraid to charge into the stands to fight a fan. He was also one of the greatest playmaking centres of his era. Support: patreon.com/canadaehx Merch: https://www.ohcanadashop.com/collections/canadian-history-ehx Donate: buymeacoffee.com/craigu...
-
The Forgotten Tommy Phillips
Tommy Phillips was one of the best players of his era, often being compared to the great Frank McGee. When it came time to induct the first class into the Hockey Hall of Fame, Phillips was one of the nine. Support: patreon.com/canadaehx Merch:...
-
The Tragedy of Charlie Gardiner
Playing for the Chicago Blackhawks, he won two Vezinas, a Stanley Cup and was one of the first nine inductees into the Hockey Hall of Fame. Sadly, his career and life was cut far too short. Support: patreon.com/canadaehx Merch: https://www.ohcanadashop.com/collections/canadian-history-ehx Donate:...
-
The Forgotten Quebec Bullodgs
The Quebec Bulldogs existed from the 1870s to 1920s, and along the way in their history had a host of Hall of Famers play for them while winning two Stanley Cups in a row. Support: patreon.com/canadaehx Merch: https://www.ohcanadashop.com/collections/canadian-history-ehx Donate:...
-
The Chicoutimi Cucumber: George Vezina
From 1910 to 1925, George Vezina emerged as one of the best goalies in hockey history. He played in 327 consecutive games and helped the Montreal Canadiens win two Stanley Cups. His sudden death cemented his legend in hockey history. Support: patreon.com/canadaehx Merch:...
-
The Little Dictator: Conn Smythe
A First Wold War veteran, he bought the St. Pats and turned them into the Maple Leafs, creating one of the most famous teams in NHL history. He also helped guide the team to some of its greatest glories. Support: patreon.com/canadaehx Merch:...
-
The Rise and Fall of Busher Jackson
Part of the Kid Line with the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 1920s and 1930s, he was a scoring star and Stanley Cup champion. Sadly, his partying and alcoholism prevented him from being inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame until after his death. Support: patreon.com/canadaehx Merch:...
-
Another Hockey Cathedral: The Montreal Forum
For seven decades, the Montreal Forum saw legendary musicians, impressive politicians and many, many Stanley Cups. Support: patreon.com/canadaehx Merch: https://www.ohcanadashop.com/collections/canadian-history-ehx Donate: buymeacoffee.com/craigu Donate: canadaehx.com (Click Donate) E-mail:...
-
A Hockey Innovator: Frank Patrick
He is credited with 22 rule changes in the NHL rule book. An advocate for women's hockey, he was a manager, coach and one of the best players of the 1910s. A Stanley Cup champion and a Hockey Hall of Famer. Support: patreon.com/canadaehx Merch:...
-
A Tragic Hockey Great: Howie Morenz
The most dynamic player of the inter-war era, he would redefine the record book of the NHL and become the first superstar of the Montreal Canadiens in a line that would extend to Guy Lafleur. His story is one of dizzying heights, before a sudden fall and tragic death that robbed the hockey world…
more -
Before Ace Bailey: The First-Ever All-Star Game
While the Ace Bailey Benefit Game is cited as the first All-Star Game, the actual first All-Star Game dates back to 1908, when a game was held to benefit the family of hockey star Hod Stuart, who had died the previous year. Support: patreon.com/canadaehx Merch:...
-
The Other Montreal Team: The Wanderers
The Montreal Wanderers were the first hockey dynasty, predating the NHL by a decade. The team won or defended the Stanley Cup 10 times from 1904-1911, losing only twice. The team was stacked as well, with 10 Hall of Fame players. Support: patreon.com/canadaehx Merch:...
-
The Trophy Namesake: Art Ross
The award given to the highest point-getter in the NHL each season is named for him, but Art Ross only had one point in the NHL. While that may seem odd, his career in hockey lasted for decades and he would change the game forever as a player, coach and manager, leaving a massive and lasting mark...
-
The Praying Goalie: Clint Benedict
Clint Benedict was one of the greatest goalies of the 1920s in the NHL. He would win four Stanley Cups with Ottawa and Montreal, and forced the NHL to change its rules regarding goalies leaving their feet. Most notably, he was the first NHL goalie to wear a mask, which he did for a few games at…
more -
The One That Started It All: The First Stanley Cup Series
After the Stanley Cup was donated in 1893, it was in 1894 that the first Stanley Cup series was played. Played between 3 teams, on poor ice, it was the start of something amazing. Support: patreon.com/canadaehx Merch: https://www.ohcanadashop.com/collections/canadian-history-ehx Donate:...
-
A Hockey Cathedral: Maple Leaf Gardens
A hockey cathedral, Maple Leaf Gardens was built in The Great Depression by Conn Smythe and it would not only be the home of the Maple Leafs during their 11 Stanley Cups, but where The Beatles would play, where Winston Churchill spoke, where Canada battled the Russians in the Summit Series, and...
-
The Fastest NHL Ever: Cyclone Taylor
Season 3 of Pucks and Cups begins with the story of Cyclone Taylor. Known for skating backwards faster than any player could skate forward, he would win two Stanley Cups and be involved in an infamous part of Canadian history. He would also turn the sod on the Hockey Hall of Fame, and drop the...
-
The Proto-Black Hawks: The Regina Capitals
Starting in 1921, the Regina Capitals were one of the best teams in the league, nearly playing for the Stanley Cup. In 1927, its players formed the basis of the Chicago Black Hawks. Among the players on the original Capitals was one named Eddie Shore. Support: patreon.com/canadaehx Merch:...
-
A Small Town, A Big Win: The Kenora Thistles
With a stacked team of nine Hall-of-Famers, including five home-grown players, the Kenora Thistles won the 1907 Stanley Cup, making Kenora the smallest community to ever claim the Cup. Support: patreon.com/canadaehx Merch: https://www.ohcanadashop.com/collections/canadian-history-ehx Donate:...
-
The First To 200 Goals: Cy Denneny
In the 1920s, Cy Denneny was one of the best players in the NHL. Playing for the Ottawa Senators for most of the decade, winning four Stanley Cups. He added another with the Boston Bruins. Along the way, he became the 1st NHLer to score 200 goals, which he did in only 181 games. Support:...
-
A Legendary Team: The Trail Smoke Eaters
From 1926 - 1962, there was possibly no better amateur hockey team in Canada than The Trail Smoke Eaters. They would win 2 Allan Cups, 2 World Championships & 16 Savage Cups. Even when the Soviets dominated during a tour of Canada in 1960, they couldn't beat the Smoke Eaters. Support:...
-
The Cleanest Player: Frank Boucher
Frank Boucher was a player so clean he won seven Lady Byngs, more than anyone else in history. He won it so many times the NHL just just gave him the trophy to keep. In his 29 years with the New York Rangers as player, coach and GM, he won three Stanley Cups and helped to revolutionize hockey....
-
A Veteran and Hockey Star: Bullet Joe Simpson
From 1921 to 1931, Bullet Joe Simpson was a premier defenceman in the WCHL & NHL, dazzling crowds with his speed and end-to-end rushes. Simpson was an Allan Cup winner, a decorated WW1 veteran and a Hockey Hall of Famer. Support: patreon.com/canadaehx Merch:...
-
The One-Eyed Legend: Frank McGee
With only one eye, Frank McGee took to the ice for the Ottawa Silver Seven for only three seasons from 1903 to 1906. While his time was short, he made the most of it, winning three Stanley Cups and dominating with his goal-scoring. He would sadly die in World War One. Support…
more -
The Other Hockey Cup: The Allan Cup
Created in 1909, the Allan Cup has become one of the most sought after amateur hockey trophies in Canada. Many legendary players, and teams, have fought hard to list it over the years. In this episode, I look at its first few decades. Support: patreon.com/canadaehx Merch:...
-
One Epic Journey: The Dawson City Nuggets
Few teams have gone through as much in the hopes of capturing the Stanley Cup as the Dawson City Nuggets. From Dec 1904-Jan 1905, the Nuggets travelled 6,500 km by dog sled, bicycle, foot, ship & train to play the Ottawa Silver Seven for the Stanley Cup in a legendary journey. Support:...
-
The Other 1920s Babe: Babe Dye
During the 1920s, it could be said no one was a better goal scorer than Babe Dye. Gifted with a hard and accurate shot that made up for his poor skating ability, Dye would lead the league several times in scoring and goals before a broken leg began a sharp decline in his career. Support:...
-
The First To 300 Goals: Nels Stewart
Today, I'm looking an early hockey star, Nels Stewart. One of the greatest goal scorers in the early NHL, he was the first player to score 300 goals and his goal record lasted until 1952 when it was beaten by Maurice Richard. Support: patreon.com/canadaehx Merch:...
-
Changing History: When The Canadiens Almost Moved To Cleveland
As crazy as it sounds now, the Montreal Canadiens almost moved to Cleveland, Ohio. It almost happened in the mid-1930s, and it would have robbed Canada of iconic moments from Maurice Richard, Jean Beliveau, Guy Lafleur and Patrick Roy. Support: patreon.com/canadaehx Merch:...
-
Hockey, Football, Politics: Lionel Conacher
Today, I look at one of the greatest athletes in Canadian history, Lionel Conacher. A member of four Hall-of-Fames, the Ontario Legislature and the House of Commons, he had a life well-lived. Was a pretty great hockey player too. Support: patreon.com/canadaehx Merch:...
-
A Brief Existence: The Philadelphia Quakers
Today, I look at the team that lasted one season during The Great Depression, the Philadelphia Quakers. A team that was so bad, it would take 40 years before a worse team came along. Support: patreon.com/canadaehx Merch: https://www.ohcanadashop.com/collections/canadian-history-ehx Donate:...
-
Old Poison: Newsy Lalonde
The first star of the Montreal Canadiens, and the man who led them to their first Stanley Cup, Lalonde would set the NHL record for goals that lasted until Rocket Richard beat it. Tough, skilled and determined, he helped the early NHL find its feet. Support: patreon.com/canadaehx Merch:...
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
Each week I look at the early history of the NHL, mostly pre-1970. I look at the players, the stories and the teams that helped to make the NHL the greatest league, and hockey the greatest sport, in the world.
Join me as I explore Canada's game.
HOSTED BY
Craig Baird
Loading similar podcasts...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Pucks and Cups have?
Pucks and Cups currently has 50 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Pucks and Cups about?
Each week I look at the early history of the NHL, mostly pre-1970. I look at the players, the stories and the teams that helped to make the NHL the greatest league, and hockey the greatest sport, in the world. Join me as I explore Canada's game.
How often does Pucks and Cups release new episodes?
Pucks and Cups has 50 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Pucks and Cups?
You can listen to Pucks and Cups on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Pucks and Cups?
Pucks and Cups is created and hosted by Craig Baird.
URL copied to clipboard!