A pioneering figure in ice hockey, known for his multifaceted career as a player, coach, and referee, and for being one of the founding owners of the Montreal Canadiens.
Lo Dandurand, a pioneering sportsman and businessman, is best known for his ownership and coaching of the Montreal Canadiens ice hockey team in the National Hockey League (NHL). Under his leadership, the Canadiens won three Stanley Cup championships, cementing his legacy in the world of hockey.
Born on July 9, 1889, in Bourbonnais, Illinois, Lo Dandurand was part of a family with strong Canadian roots. His great-grandfather, Christome Marcel Dandurand, was born in Baie-Saint-Paul, Quebec, and later moved to Illinois. Lo's father, Francois Xavier Dandurand, was also born in Illinois but moved to Canada at the age of 16, where he attended St. Mary's College and became an athlete in baseball, hockey, and lacrosse.
Before diving into the world of sports, Lo Dandurand worked in real estate and wholesale tobacco in the Montreal area. His first sports-related investment was the Kempton Park racetrack in Laprairie, which marked the beginning of his foray into the sports industry.
On November 2, 1921, Lo Dandurand, along with partners Joseph Cattarinich and Hilarion Louis Ltourneau, purchased the Montreal Canadiens hockey club from the widow of George Kennedy for $11,000. Under their ownership, the Canadiens won the Stanley Cup in 1924, 1930, and 1931. Dandurand is also credited with inventing the rule limiting the number of concurrent penalties to two in ice hockey.
After retiring from professional sports, Lo Dandurand owned a successful restaurant in downtown Montreal. He passed away on June 26, 1964, at the age of 74, and was entombed at the Notre Dame des Neiges Cemetery in Montreal.
Lo Dandurand's impact on the world of hockey and sports as a whole is still felt today. His innovative approach to the game, his dedication to the Montreal Canadiens, and his contributions to the development of ice hockey have left an indelible mark on the sport.
Born in 1887
A pioneering athlete who excelled in both ice hockey and lacrosse, earning numerous championships and accolades in both sports. He's most known for being one of the first players in the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Born in 1883
A Hall of Fame right winger who played in the NHL from 1914 to 1928, known for his scoring prowess and rugged playing style.
Born in 1892
A Hall of Fame defenseman who played 15 seasons in the NHL, winning two Stanley Cups with the Detroit Red Wings. He was known for his rugged, defensive-minded play.
