The Montreal Canadiens are one of the most successful and storied teams in the history of the National Hockey League (NHL), with 24 Stanley Cup championships to their name. Over the years, the team has had several notable captains who have played a pivotal role in their success on the ice. From legends like Toe Blake, Jean Beliveau and Maurice Richard to modern-day stars like Shea Weber and Saku Koivu, the Montreal Canadiens captains have left an indelible mark on the team’s history and the sport of hockey as a whole. Let’s take a deep dive into the history of Montreal Canadiens’ captains and explore the impact they had on the team and the sport. So, buckle up and get ready to learn about some of the greatest leaders in NHL history.
Here is a look at all the Montreal Canadiens captains from 1915 to 1948 along with their tenures, achievements, and stories that made them some of the greatest leaders in the history of the NHL:
Edouard “Newsy” Lalonde (1915-1922) Edouard “Newsy” Lalonde became the first captain of the Montreal Canadiens when he was appointed in 1915. He was a prolific scorer who helped lead the team to their first Stanley Cup championship in 1916. Lalonde was known for his fiery temper on the ice, which earned him a reputation as a tough and intimidating player.
Billy Coutu (1922-1925) Billy Coutu took over as captain of the Canadiens after Lalonde’s departure in 1922. He was a tough and rugged defenseman who played with a physical edge and was not afraid to drop the gloves. Coutu was also known for his leadership skills, which helped him guide the team to two Stanley Cup championships during his tenure as captain.
Sprague Cleghorn (1925-1926) Sprague Cleghorn became the captain of the Canadiens in 1925. Cleghorn’s leadership helped the team win the Stanley Cup championship in 1926.
Sylvio Mantha (1926-1932) Sylvio Mantha was named the captain of the Canadiens in 1926. He was a solid defenseman who was known for his defensive prowess and leadership skills. Mantha helped lead the team to two Stanley Cup championships during his tenure as captain.
George Hainsworth (1932-1933) George Hainsworth was named the captain of the Canadiens in 1932. He was a goaltender who was known for his exceptional skills between the pipes. Hainsworth’s leadership helped the team reach the Stanley Cup finals during his tenure as captain.
George Hainsworth is one of only six goalies in NHL history to be named as team captain.
Albert “Babe” Siebert (1933-1934) Albert “Babe” Siebert was named the captain of the Canadiens in 1933. He was a solid defenseman who was known for his leadership skills and physical play. Siebert helped lead the team to the Stanley Cup championship in 1934.
Sylvio Mantha (1934-1936) Sylvio Mantha became the captain of the Canadiens for the second time in 1934. He was a solid defenseman who was known for his defensive prowess and leadership skills. Mantha helped lead the team to the Stanley Cup championship in 1935.
Albert “Babe” Siebert (1936-1939) Albert “Babe” Siebert was named the captain of the Canadiens for the second time in 1936. Siebert helped lead the team to the Stanley Cup championship in 1938.
Walter Buswell (1939-1940) Walter Buswell was named the captain of the Canadiens in 1939. He was a solid defenseman who was known for his leadership skills and physical play. Buswell’s leadership helped the team reach the Stanley Cup finals during his tenure as captain.
Ray Getliffe (1940-1945) Ray Getliffe was named the captain of the Canadiens in 1940. Getliffe helped lead the team to the Stanley Cup championship in 1944.
Toe Blake (1945-1948) Toe Blake was a legendary figure in the National Hockey League who served as the captain of the illustrious Montreal Canadiens for four consecutive seasons from 1945-1948. His leadership, skill and influence set him apart from his peers, helping establish the organization as one of the most successful franchises in the history of professional sports.
Toe Blake was born in Victoria Mines, Ontario, in 1912 and began playing hockey at a young age. He joined the Montreal Canadiens organization in 1935, and by 1938-39 he had established himself as one of the team’s top players. Playing on a line with fellow Hall of Famers Maurice Richard and Elmer Lach, the trio earned the nickname “The Punch Line” due to their offensive prowess and scrappy nature.
After being named team captain in 1945 his ability to lead by example quickly helped the team achieve massive success. His inspirational presence in the locker room coupled with his on-ice performance allowed the Canadiens to win 4 Stanley Cups during his tenure as captain. Toe’s overall goals and assists totals in each of the four seasons of his captaincy were all in the top 10 of the respective NHL season.
Toe Blake’s leadership extended beyond captaining the Montreal Canadiens and winning four Stanley Cups. Blake was a strong advocate for the rights of players, and in particular French-Canadian players. He was involved in a number of negotiations with the National Hockey League and the Montreal Canadiens that helped to create more equitable pay for players and raise the salaries for fellow players.
Blake’s legacy lives on with the Montreal Canadiens, where his number 4 is retired and hung above the ice of the Bell Centre. Toe Blake was an inspiration to his teammates, and a steadfast leader both on and off the ice. He was truly one of the greats who helped form the amazing history of the Montreal Canadiens.
Click here for Montreal Canadiens Captains from 1948 to Present day.
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