Clarence Campbell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Clarence Campbell
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Clarence Campbell poses with the Stanley Cup in 1957
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| 3rd President of the National Hockey League | |
| In office 1946–1977 |
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| Preceded by | Red Dutton |
| Succeeded by | John Ziegler Jr. |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Clarence Sutherland Campbell
July 9, 1905 Fleming, Assiniboia District, NWT, Canada |
| Died | June 24, 1984 (aged 78) Montreal, Quebec, Canada |
| Resting place | National Field of Honour |
| Alma mater | University of Alberta Oxford University |
| Occupation | NHL executive |
Clarence Sutherland Campbell (July 9, 1905 – June 24, 1984) was an important Canadian figure in ice hockey. He worked as a referee in the National Hockey League (NHL) during the 1930s. Later, he served in the Canadian Army during World War II. After the war, he became the third president of the NHL, a role he held from 1946 to 1977.
During his time as president, the NHL saw big changes, including the famous Richard Riot and the league's major 1967 NHL expansion. Campbell's contributions to hockey were recognized when he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1966. The Clarence S. Campbell Bowl is also named in his honor.
Contents
Early Life and Hockey Beginnings
Clarence Campbell was born in Fleming, Assiniboia District, North-West Territories, Canada. He went to high school in Edmonton, Alberta. He later studied law and arts at the University of Alberta. In 1924, he earned a special scholarship called a Rhodes Scholarship. This allowed him to study at Oxford University in England. While at Oxford, he played for the Oxford University Ice Hockey Club.
In the 1930s, Campbell was involved with amateur hockey in Alberta. He helped make rules for amateur players.
Refereeing in the NHL
Campbell worked as a referee in the NHL from 1933 to 1939. He was on the ice for some memorable games. One such game was in 1937, when the great player Howie Morenz broke his leg, which sadly led to his death later.
Campbell also refereed a tough playoff game between the Montreal Maroons and the Boston Bruins. In this game, player Dit Clapper used his stick on another player. Campbell got angry and said something rude to Clapper. Clapper then punched Campbell, knocking him down. Campbell later gave a very mild report about the incident. Because of this, NHL president Frank Calder only gave Clapper a fine.
In 1939, Campbell made a controversial call in a game involving the Toronto Maple Leafs. A player named Red Horner was hit with a stick and was bleeding, but Campbell only gave a small penalty. The Leafs' owner, Conn Smythe, asked that Campbell not be hired again, and the league agreed.
From War to NHL President
After his refereeing career, NHL president Frank Calder invited Campbell to work in his office. It seemed Calder was preparing Campbell to take over as president. However, World War II began, and Campbell joined the Canadian Army. He became a lieutenant colonel and received an award called the Order of the British Empire in 1945. After the war, he helped with investigations into war crimes.
While Campbell was overseas, President Calder passed away. The NHL then named Red Dutton as president. But Dutton did not want the job permanently. When Campbell returned to Canada in 1946, Dutton resigned, and Campbell became the new NHL president.
One of his first big decisions was in 1948. He removed two players, Billy Taylor and Don Gallinger, from the NHL.
Leading the League
As NHL President, Clarence Campbell is perhaps most remembered for a decision involving Montreal Canadiens superstar Maurice "Rocket" Richard. Campbell suspended Richard for the rest of the 1955 regular season and the playoffs. This happened after Richard got into a fight during a game. He hit a linesman who was trying to break up the fight.
On March 17, Campbell attended a game in Montreal. Fans were very angry about his decision and threw things at him. After a tear gas bomb was set off in the arena, Campbell left the building. The game was stopped, and a large riot broke out in the city. Many people were arrested, and there was a lot of damage.
Campbell was elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1966. He played a key role in the 1967 expansion, which doubled the number of teams in the league. He often worked very long hours to manage the growing league.
In 1967, the NHL teams decided to honor Campbell by creating the Clarence S. Campbell Bowl. This trophy was given to the best team in one of the league's divisions. When the league reorganized in 1974, one of the two main conferences was named the Clarence Campbell Conference. Even though the conference was renamed the Western Conference in 1993, the Campbell Bowl is still awarded to the Western Conference playoff champion today.
Later Years
Clarence Campbell retired as NHL president in 1977. He had been ill for some time. He spent his final years dealing with breathing problems and passed away on June 24, 1984. He was buried at the National Field of Honour in Pointe-Claire, Quebec.
Images for kids
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Campbell's grave marker
See also
In Spanish: Clarence Campbell para niños
