Robert Lebel (ice hockey) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robert Lebel
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| Born | September 21, 1905 Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
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| Died | September 20, 1999 (aged 93) Chambly, Quebec, Canada
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| Alma mater | Quebec City Commercial Academy |
| Occupation | Hockey administrator, politician, bookkeeper |
| Known for | President of the IIHF, CAHA, QAHA and QMJHL |
| Awards | Hockey Hall of Fame, IIHF Hall of Fame, 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada Medal |
Robert Lebel (September 21, 1905 – September 20, 1999) was an important Canadian ice hockey leader. He was the president of two major hockey organizations: the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association (CAHA) and the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF).
Lebel started a senior hockey league during World War II. He then became president of the Quebec Amateur Hockey Association (QAHA). He even served as the mayor of Chambly, Quebec. Later, he helped create the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League for young hockey players. He received many honors, including being inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.
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Robert Lebel's Early Life
Lebel was born in Quebec City, Quebec, on September 21, 1905. He played junior ice hockey as a goaltender when he was younger. He played in leagues like the Beaupre Shore junior hockey league.
He also played in the Quebec Senior Hockey League. After playing, Lebel worked as a referee for nine seasons. He even coached a team briefly. Lebel studied at the Quebec City Commercial Academy. He worked as a bank teller and bookkeeper for a time.
Starting in Quebec Hockey
Lebel began his work as a hockey administrator in 1944. He started the Interprovincial Senior Hockey League. He was its president until 1947. This league included many players who were serving in the military during World War II.
He also led the Quebec Amateur Hockey Association (QAHA). He was president from 1945 to 1946, and again from 1951 to 1955. In 1951, he moved to Chambly, Quebec.
Lebel also got involved in local government. He was the mayor of Chambly from 1955 to 1957. As mayor, he started building a new water treatment plant for the Chambly area.
Leading Canadian Amateur Hockey
Robert Lebel became a top leader in Canadian hockey. He was the first vice-president of the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association (CAHA) from 1955 to 1957. Then, he became the president of the CAHA from 1957 to 1959.
When he was elected president on May 29, 1957, he made history. He was the first French Canadian to lead hockey across the country. Lebel also helped guide the Hockey Hall of Fame. He was on its governing committee for 17 years.
Robert Lebel and International Hockey
In July 1960, Lebel became president of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF). He was the second Canadian to hold this important global position. He served as IIHF president until 1962. Because he didn't like flying, Lebel often traveled by ship to meetings in Europe.
During his time as president, he faced challenges from the Cold War. The 1962 Ice Hockey World Championships were planned for Colorado Springs, USA. This was the first world championship after the Berlin Wall was built. Lebel had to deal with political issues affecting the games.
The East German team was not allowed to travel to the United States. Lebel insisted that East Germany was a full member of the IIHF. He tried to help them get travel permits. The Soviet Union then pulled out of the event in protest. Lebel refused to move the championship. He said the event would continue as planned. He was happy that 14 teams still participated, even without the Soviet Union and Czechoslovakia.
After his term, Lebel believed it was Europe's turn to lead the IIHF. He continued to be involved with hockey. He was appointed to a national council on fitness and amateur sports in Canada.
Returning to Quebec Hockey
Lebel returned to hockey in Quebec. In 1969, he helped combine two junior hockey leagues. This created the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). He became the first president of this new league.
He led the QMJHL until 1975. After that, he retired from his long career in hockey administration. He was named an honorary president of the league.
Awards and Recognition
Robert Lebel received many honors for his work in hockey. In 1958, he got an award from USA Hockey for helping American amateur hockey. He also received the Gold Stick award from the Ontario Hockey Association in 1959.
In 1964, he was made a life member of both the CAHA and the QAHA. In 1970, he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame as a "builder." This means he helped grow and improve the sport.
Lebel was also inducted into the Quebec Sports Hall of Fame in 1991. He was among the first people inducted into the Hockey Québec Hall of Fame in 1991. In 1992, he received the 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada Medal. This medal recognized his important contributions to his community and Canada.
He was the very first person inducted into the QMJHL Hall of Fame in 1995. In 1997, he was inducted into the IIHF Hall of Fame. He was also made an honorary life member by USA Hockey.
Robert Lebel's Legacy
Robert Lebel passed away at his home on September 20, 1999. He died just one day before his 94th birthday. He was buried in the St. Joseph Church cemetery in Chambly.
The city of Chambly honored Lebel in several ways. On September 14, 1976, they renamed their municipal sports center after him. The Centre Sportif Lebel has indoor and outdoor skating rinks. After his death, a boulevard in Chambly was also named after him.
The Quebec Major Junior Hockey League also honored him. They renamed their west division the Lebel division for the 1976–77 QMJHL season. The league also created the Robert Lebel Trophy in the 1977–78 QMJHL season. This trophy is given to the team with the best goals-against average.
