Hap Emms

Who was Hap Emms?

Leighton Alfred "Hap" Emms was a Canadian ice hockey player, coach, owner, general manager and pioneer of the game. Emms was as controversial as he was successful during close to 60 years in hockey. He played in the NHL between 1926 and 1938 for the Montreal Maroons, New York Americans, Boston Bruins and Detroit Red Wings.

After retiring from playing, he was the owner and coach of the Barrie Flyers of the Ontario Hockey Association from 1945 to 1960. He coached his team to winning the Memorial Cup in 1951, with his son Paul and nephew Don on the roster and in 1953, with future Boston Bruins stars, Doug Mohns and Don McKenney, among others. He later owned the Niagara Falls Flyers from 1960 to 1972 after moving the Barrie team. The Flyers in both Barrie and Niagara Falls were sponsored by the Bruins, until the direct NHL sponsorship of junior clubs halted in 1966–67.