Frederic McLaughlin

  • Contest: The US Athletic Hall of Fame - Contributors 2024
  • Sport(s): Hockey Owner
  • Statistics: 2 Stanley Cups (1934 & 1938)
    Member of the Hockey Hall of Fame
  • A former Major in the U.S. Army, Frederic McLaughlin bought the expansion franchise for Chicago from Huntington Hardwick before any team ever saw the ice. McLaughlin, who had no prior hockey experience, had an immediate plan, as he bought the Portland Rosebuds of the Western Hockey League and transferred their best players to Chicago.

    McLaughlin built a team that won two Stanley Cups, and his famous wife, Irene Castle, allegedly designed his team's stylish logo. Chicago won the Stanley Cup in 1934 and 1938, though the hands-on owner often made it difficult, as he went through 13 head coaches in his 16 years of ownership.

    A fierce patriot, McLaughlin staffed his team with Americans where possible, and his 1938 Stanley Cup winning team had eight American players and an American coach. McLaughlin passed away in 1944, and while he was considered eccentric in all circles, he was a stable and robust owner, which the league desperately needed.

    McLaughlin was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1963.

    We are proud to nominate Frederic McLaughlin for the United States Athletic Hall of Fame.

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