Frank "Pud" Glass

I have no idea as to the origins of Frank Glass' nickname, but anyone named Pud Glass deserves inclusion at GreatestHockeyLegends.com

Frank was born in some place called Kirk's Ferry, Scotland in 1884 but grew up in Montreal playing the great game of hockey.  He emerged as a top junior player early in the 1900s.

Professional hockey was struggling to get a footing back then. Professionalism was frowned upon back then, believe it or not, and amateur athletes were regarded more highly. That would change in relatively short order thanks to pioneers like Glass. Glass never had any problem accepting employment as a hockey player. In fact he was guilty (and fined) for signing two different contracts in one season.

The 5'10" 190lb left winger left the famed Montreal AAA to join the Montreal Wanderers for $750 for the 1906 season. He would star with the Wanderers for the next six years, winning five Stanley Cups.

He was described as a tireless skater who played well at both ends of the ice - not necessarily a common trait among forwards back then. He was reportedly a good playmaker but he could put the puck in the net, too. Stats are always sketchy back then, but by my count he had 85 goals in 85 major league games. He also had a 10 game goal scoring streak (in 1909-10).

In 1911 Pud Glass joined the Montreal Canadiens, then starting their third season. By doing so Glass became the first English player to be signed Les Canadiens.