|
The National Hockey League's official rule book contains no fewer than
22 pieces of legislation that were introduced by Frank Patrick. Probably
the rule that has the biggest impact on the way the game is played today
was the introduction of the blueline.
The Patrick family's involvement with hockey in British Columbia begins
in the early 1900's, when Joe Patrick financed and built two artificial
ice arenas. One of them, the Denman Street Arena, could seat 10,500 to
watch hockey. It was the larest arena in Canada at the time. The other
rink was the 3,500 seat Willow Arena in Victoria. They were the first
two artificial ice arenas in Canada.
Joe's two sons Lester and Frank ran the fledgling Pacific Coast Hockey
Association (1911-26).
|
Frank played for, coached and managed the
Vancouver Millionaires (later called the Maroons) and Lester played for,
managed and coached the Victoria Aristocrats (later renamed the
Cougars).
The Patricks were true innovators of the game. Among the improvements
attributed to them ( in addition to the introduction of the blue line )
were the foward pass, allowing goaltenders to leave their feet to make a
save, the playoff system, the penalty shot, delayed penalties, line
changes and many more.
Lester Patrick went on to be the coach and general manager of the New
York Rangers for several years.
Both Frank and Lester Patrick have also been elected into the Canadian
Hockey Hall of Fame.
|
