Russell Bowie

Lore & Background

Bowie played centre and rover for amateur Montreal teams in the 1890s, making his senior debut in 1899 with the Montreal Victorias in the Canadian Amateur Hockey League (CAHL). He helped the Victorias win the Stanley Cup in 1898, recording one goal in two challenge games. In 1901, he scored seven goals in a game for the Victorias and later that season scored six goals against the Montreal Shamrocks, finishing with 24 goals, 14 more than his nearest rival. He led the CAHL in scoring in 1903, 1904, and 1905, and after the league was replaced by the Eastern Canada Amateur Hockey Association, he finished second in scoring in 1906 and 1907. He led his league in scoring five times overall: in 1901, 1903, 1904, 1905, and 1908.

Reader's Guide

Bowie's significance lies in his status as a dominant amateur player during the transition to professional hockey. He never accepted money to play, famously stating, 'I am an amateur, was an amateur, and will die an amateur.' He weathered a 1907 scandal alleging he took pay from the Montreal Wanderers, which was proven false, though the Wanderers sent him a grand piano as an inducement he refused. He retired from major play in 1909 when the professional National Hockey Association formed and the Victorias no longer played at a top level. He was one of the final players who had played in the 19th century. After retirement, he became a referee in the NHA until a broken collarbone forced his retirement. His career average of almost three goals per game was matched only by Frank McGee in major senior play. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1947.

Did You Know?

• Bowie scored seven goals in a game on February 20, 1901.
• He led his league in scoring five times: 1901, 1903, 1904, 1905, and 1908.
• He refused a grand piano sent by the Montreal Wanderers as an inducement to turn professional.
• He broke his collarbone in 1910, ending his officiating career.