Hitch Hockey's Unsung Hero: The Story of Boston Bruin Lionel Hitchman

Distinguished sportswriter Elmer Ferguson called him the greatest defensive defenseman of his day. The NHLs revered chief referee Cooper Smeaton ranked him ahead of his defense partner Eddie Shore. Legendary manager of the Boston Bruins Art Ross wouldnt sell him at any price. And yet he goes unrecognized by the Hockey Hall of Fame.Lionel Hitchman or Hitch played 12 seasons in the NHL. First with the Ottawa Senators helping them to a Stanley Cup win and then with the Boston Bruins for ten years. As the Bruins captain and first money player Hitch led them to their first Stanley Cup final and championship and to the NHLs best winning point percentage of all time.His hockey stats belie his real contribution to the success of the Boston Bruins. Hitch was the last original Bruin and thefirst to have his sweater retired. After his playing career he went on to coach in the Boston system for several years before parting ways with the franchise.Hitch Hockeys Unsung Hero is the story of an unheralded superstar the times he lived through and the fascinating people who helped shape his character and life choices. It is told through the scribes of the day with interjections by some notable people who knew him well. A few family tales are revealed including one that helps explain Hitchs absence from hockeys highest shrine.