The Hockey File

James McGill Society Presidential Address & Stanley Frost Annual Lecture

The Hockey File
By Ronald Critchley

This event occurs in the past. Watch the recorded presentation here.

McGill plays a central role in Hockey history. On March 3, 1875 the first organized indoor game, at Victoria Skating Rink, included several McGill students. In 1877 McGill students codified seven ice hockey rules. The McGill University Hockey Club, founded in 1877, is the world’s first and oldest ice hockey club.

Men’s McGill Hockey Team, circa 1940, with Dr. Bobby Bell, Dentistry’28, described as the “winningest” hockey coach in McGill history. RCAF – McGill Archives PR000996

“In nine seasons (1929-37, 1942-43, 1944-45), Dr. Bell guided the Redmen to a 137-58-25 record, winning six Queen’s Cup championships, one International Intercollegiate Ice Hockey League championship (Alexis Thompson Trophy) and two provincial titles in the Quebec Senior Hockey League.” Source: McGill Athletics Hall of Fame

The women's team has won 7 championships. The men's team, between 1883 and 1946, won 16 championships, and between 1985 and 2011 6 championships, including the 2012 CIS University Cup national championship.

Ron Critchley, in addition to being President of the James McGill Society, is a past-president of the McGill University Non-Academic Staff Association (MUNASA) and for 9½ years served as staff representative on McGill’s Board of Governors.