Get To Know a Hall of Famer: Graham Drinkwater

There is a pretty good reason why so few people have heard of Hockey Hall of Famer Graham Drinkwater. The man with the great name ended his hockey career before the year 1900.

Graham Drinkwater was the centerpiece of the Montreal Victorias dynasty that won four Stanley Cups at the close of the 19th century. The Montreal native grew up playing hockey and football with the Montreal AAA junior team. He went on to star in football at McGill University and with the Vics in hockey.

Described as a brilliant stickhandler, wonderful skater and a natural scorer, he was also a versatile and complete player. He excelled at both forward and defense. When playing on the back end he teamed with fellow Hall of Famer Mike Grant to form not only the best blue line in all of hockey, but the cornerstone of a hockey dynasty.

Montreal won the Stanley Cup in 1895, 1897, 1898 and, with Drinkwater as captain, in 1899.

Drinkwater left the ice before the turn of the 20th century. He became a successful stock broker. He also served as one of the original trustees of the Allan Cup, the trophy given to Canada's amateur champions. Back then the Allan Cup was as revered as the Stanley Cup.

Drinkwater also had a love of music. He served as vice president and major fundraiser of the Montreal Symphony Orchestra. He remained very active in the Montreal music scene until his death in 1946.

Graham Drinkwater was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1950.