10 Facts About Frederic McLaughlin

Frederic McLaughlin was an American businessman and soldier.

Frederic McLaughlin was the first owner of the Chicago Black Hawks National Hockey League ice hockey team.

McLaughlin was a graduate of Harvard University and served in the United States Army during World War I McLaughlin achieved the rank of Major and was often referred to as Major McLaughlin for the rest of his life.

Frederic McLaughlin named the team the Black Hawks after the nickname of his army unit, the 86th Infantry "Blackhawk" Division, where he had served in the 333rd Machine Gun Battalion.

At the time Frederic McLaughlin acquired the Black Hawks, he was married to Irene Castle, a famous dancer and film actress.

Frederic McLaughlin is credited with creating the "Indian head" design of the first Black Hawks sweater.

Frederic McLaughlin was a "hands on" owner and he made 13 coaching changes in 18 years.

Frederic McLaughlin was fiercely patriotic, and at various times during his ownership would try to fill his roster with as many Americans as possible, during a time when very few American-born players played in the NHL.

Where hockey was concerned, Major Frederic McLaughlin was the strangest bird and, yes, perhaps the biggest nut I met in my entire life.

Frederic McLaughlin died of heart disease in Lake Forest at age 67.