Seeing Red: Red Horner, Hockey's Bad Man

Red Horner, seven time NHL penalty minute leader in the 1930s, is the obvious cover boy for this February 1st, 1935 issue of MacLean's magazine.

Red was not only a very tough player, he could play good hockey as well. In 1933-34 Red scored 11 goals, only Earl Seibert had more goals among the defensemen (13). And in 1937-38 he led all defensemen in assists (20) and points (24). His playmaking was very good and although he wasn't a graceful skater he could break as fast as anyone except the true speedballs like King Clancy and Howie Morenz. Red was also a fine leader and was Toronto's captain between 1938-40, an honor Red considered the highest of his playing career. He retired after the 1939-40 season.

Although Red was the "badman" of the NHL he received the highest honor in the game by being inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1965, which further underlines the fact that he was a very fine player.

Conn Smythe said of Red: "Because of his courage and color he was one of the best drawing cards in the league. Truly, he helped establish NHL as a popular attraction."

Here's the full Red Horner biography