Frank Fredrickson

Lore & Background

Fredrickson was born in Winnipeg to Icelandic immigrants and learned English at school. He attended Kelvin Technical Institute and Central Collegiate before studying law at the University of Manitoba, where he captained the hockey team. His playing career was interrupted by World War I; he enlisted in 1916, transferred to the Royal Flying Corps, and survived the sinking of the SS Leasowe Castle by a German torpedo.

After the war, he captained the Winnipeg Falcons to the 1920 Allan Cup and Olympic gold. Following the Olympics, he moved to Iceland to work for Flugfélag Íslands, the country's first airline, becoming the second man to pilot a plane in Iceland. He also set a national record in discus while there.

Professionally, he played for the Victoria Cougars, Boston Bruins, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Detroit Falcons. He scored four goals in a single game for Boston in 1927. After retiring, he coached the Pittsburgh Pirates and later the Princeton University ice hockey team, where he befriended Albert Einstein, sharing an interest in the violin.

Reader's Guide

Fredrickson's significance lies in his dual achievements as an Olympic and Stanley Cup champion, a feat he shared with teammate Haldor Halderson, making them the first players to win both. He was a scoring champion in the PCHA and earned a reputation as a dynamic centre. His career was cut short by a knee injury in 1931. He later coached at the professional and collegiate levels.

His induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1958 recognized his contributions to the sport. He is also a member of the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame. His pioneering flight work in Iceland adds a unique dimension to his legacy, highlighting his versatility beyond hockey.

Did You Know?

• He scored four goals in a single game for the Boston Bruins on January 18, 1927.
• He was the highest-paid player in the NHL during the 1926–27 season, with a salary of $6,000.