Frank Finnigan

Lore & Background

Finnigan grew up in Shawville, Quebec, and learned early that money could be made in hockey, receiving his first fee of $10 at age 13. He played senior-level hockey for the University of Ottawa in the Ottawa City Hockey League, earning the nickname "Shawville Express" from taking the train from Shawville to Ottawa. He joined the Ottawa Senators in 1923–24 and became an integral member of the 1927 Stanley Cup champion team, playing on a line with Hec Kilrea and Frank Nighbor. He later served as Senators captain from 1930 to 1933.

When the Senators suspended operations for the 1931–32 season, Finnigan played for the Toronto Maple Leafs and won a second Stanley Cup. He returned to the Senators the following season and scored the final Senators goal in the team's last season in Ottawa. He moved with the franchise to St. Louis in 1934–35, then was sold back to the Maple Leafs, finishing his career as a defensive specialist. After retiring in 1937, he played amateur hockey, managed hotels, worked for a brewery, and served in the Canadian Air Force during World War II.

Reader's Guide

Finnigan's significance extends beyond his playing career. He was the last surviving member of the 1927 Stanley Cup champion Senators, a team that marked the end of the original Ottawa Senators dynasty. At the time of his death, he was also the oldest living NHL player. His most notable legacy came when the NHL planned expansion in 1989: Finnigan was signed to the 'Bring Back The Senators' campaign team, making public appearances and presenting to the NHL expansion committee in December 1990. The campaign succeeded, and the new Ottawa Senators began play in 1992–93.

Though Finnigan died before the new team's first game, he was scheduled to drop the puck for the ceremonial face-off. Instead, his son Frank Jr. performed the honour on opening night. The team retired Finnigan's #8 jersey, making him one of three NHL players to have his number retired by a team for which he never actually played. The retirement came 55 years after his NHL career ended—the longest wait for any player. A street in front of the Canadian Tire Centre is named Frank Finnigan Way, and a banner honouring his retired number hangs in the arena alongside those of Daniel Alfredsson, Chris Phillips, and Chris Neil.

Did You Know?

• Finnigan received his first hockey payment of $10 at age 13, playing for Quyon against Fitzroy Harbour.
• He scored the final goal for the original Ottawa Senators in their last NHL season in Ottawa, an unassisted goal at 1:07 of the second period on March 15, 1934.
• His daughter Joan Finnigan became a published writer.
• Finnigan's #8 jersey was retired by the Ottawa Senators 55 years after his NHL career ended, the longest wait for any player.