William J. Tobin: Key Figure in Chicago Blackhawks History (1948)
William J. Tobin has been an integral part of the Chicago Black Hawks organization since its inception in 1926. Initially serving as business manager, he became deeply involved when he and Major Frederick McLaughlin acquired the franchise of the Portland Rosebuds from the Pacific Coast Hockey League and relocated it to Chicago. In 1939, following McLaughlin's declining health, Tobin took control of the Black Hawks by purchasing the team from his estate in August 1946. Over the past 20 years, Tobin has distinguished himself in various executive roles, including general manager and occasional coach. A native of Ottawa, he boasts a solid hockey background, having been a standout goaltender in amateur leagues, particularly with the Northern Ontario Hockey Association, which at that time featured some of the strongest senior teams in Canada.