John Kilpatrick
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
John Reed Kilpatrick (Born 15 June 1889 - Died 7 May 1960) was an American athlete, soldier, and sports businessperson. He is a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame in the "Builder" category for his work to bring the New York Rangers into the National Hockey League (NHL). He is recognized for popularizing the sport of ice hockey in New York City.[1]
Contents |
[edit] Career and hockey influence
Kilpatrick was born and raised in New York City, and then attended Yale University. He competed in football and track and field, and was recognized as one of the top players of the era. After college, he worked in New York City before being drafted to serve in the United States Army in World War I. During this service, he won several honors including the Distinguished Service Medal. After the war, he commenced a successful business career in New York that led him to becoming the president of the Madison Square Garden Corporation.[1]
Kilpatrick ran Madison Square Garden for more than twenty-five years, during which time he saw the ice hockey team that plays at Madison Square Garden, the New York Rangers, become part of the NHL. The Rangers won the Stanley Cup in 1933 and 1940 while he was in charge. Kilpatrick introduced a number of other professional events at Madison Square Garden, such as ice shows, boxing, and college and professional basketball. In 1936, he was elected an NHL Governor.[1]
[edit] Later years
In June 1942, Kilpatrick was recalled to active military duty to serve in World War II and was promoted to Brigadier General. He retired from the Army in 1949 and resumed his career at Madison Square Garden, eventually becoming its Chairman of the Board.[1]
Kilpatrick continued to make contributions to the sport of ice hockey, including establishing the NHL Players Pension Society in 1947. He was elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1960[1], and in 1968, he received the Lester Patrick Trophy for outstanding service to hockey in the United States.[2]
