Frederic McLaughlin

First owner of the Chicago Black Hawks; led the team to two Stanley Cup wins.

Frederic McLaughlin (27 June 1877 – 17 December 1944) was an American businessman and soldier. He was the first owner of the Chicago Black Hawks National Hockey League (NHL) ice hockey team.

Quick Facts

Born: 28 June 1877
Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Died: 17 December 1944
Place of death: Lake Forest, Illinois, U.S.
Burial place: Calvary Cemetery
Rank: Major
Unit: 333rd Machine Gun Battalion; 86th Infantry Division

Lore & Background

Born in Chicago, Illinois, McLaughlin inherited the successful 'McLaughlin's Manor House' coffee business from his father, who died in 1905. McLaughlin was a graduate of Harvard University and served in the United States Army during World War I. He achieved the rank of Major and was often referred to as Major McLaughlin for the rest of his life. In May 1926, the NHL had granted an expansion franchise to former football star Huntington Hardwick and his syndicate of investors. On 1 June, McLaughlin, who had no experience in the ice hockey business, purchased the Chicago expansion franchise from Hardwick. He named the team the Black Hawks after the nickname of his army unit, the 86th Infantry 'Blackhawk' Division, where he had served in the 333rd Machine Gun Battalion. Most of the Hawks players were from the Portland Rosebuds of the Western Hockey League purchased from WHL owner Frank Patrick for $100,000. During his 18 years as owner, McLaughlin would lead the franchise to two Stanley Cup wins, in 1934 and 1938. At the time McLaughlin acquired the Black Hawks, he was married to Irene Castle, a famous dancer and film actress. She is credited with creating the 'Indian head' design of the first Black Hawks sweater. McLaughlin was a 'hands on' owner and he made 13 coaching changes in 18 years. One Hawk coach was Godfrey Matheson, who got the job when he met McLaughlin on the train and impressed McLaughlin with his hockey knowledge. Matheson lost the job after two games. McLaughlin was fiercely patriotic, and at various times during his ownership would try to fill his roster with as many Americans as possible, during a time when very few American-born players played in the NHL. Yet, the 1938 Stanley Cup victory came with eight Americans on the roster, coached by Bostonian Bill Stewart. But despite that big win, Stewart was fired early the next season. As an owner, McLaughlin also feuded with other owners. James Norris, the Detroit owner, set up a competing Chicago team in the American Association, locking the Hawks out of the Chicago Stadium. The Norris family would eventually purchase the Hawks after McLaughlin's death.

Reader's Guide

Frederic McLaughlin was the first owner of the Chicago Black Hawks. He purchased the expansion franchise on 1 June 1926 from Huntington Hardwick. The team was named after the nickname of his army unit, the 86th Infantry 'Blackhawk' Division. Most players came from the Portland Rosebuds, purchased for $100,000. The team won the Stanley Cup in 1934 and 1938. The 1938 roster included eight Americans. McLaughlin died of heart disease in Lake Forest at age 67 and was interred at Calvary Cemetery in Evanston.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did he choose the name Black Hawks?

McLaughlin named the team after the 86th Infantry Division, known as the "Blackhawk" Division, in which he served during the war. This decision honored his specific time with the 333rd Machine Gun Battalion.

When did he acquire the franchise?

In June 1926, McLaughlin purchased the NHL expansion rights from Huntington Hardwick to bring professional hockey to Chicago. This transaction officially launched the Black Hawks as a league member.