Duke Keats, born Gordon Blanchard Keats on March 1, 1895, in Montreal, Quebec, became a well-regarded figure in the early days of professional ice hockey. His career began in the Western Canada Hockey League (WCHL), where he played as a center and left-winger. Known for his aggressive style of play and scoring ability, Keats quickly gained attention in the hockey community.

Keats started his professional journey with the Edmonton Eskimos in the WCHL. His time with the Eskimos was marked by his offensive prowess, as he consistently ranked among the top scorers in the league. His performance helped the team secure several playoff appearances, and he was instrumental in leading the Eskimos to the WCHL championship in 1923. This victory allowed the team to compete for the Stanley Cup, although they were ultimately unsuccessful in their quest.

In 1926, the WCHL merged with the Prairie Hockey League (PHL), and Keats transitioned to the National Hockey League (NHL) as the league expanded. He joined the Chicago Black Hawks, bringing his experience and skill to the newly formed team. During his time with the Black Hawks, Keats continued to demonstrate his scoring ability, although the team struggled to find success in the standings.

Keats later played for the Detroit Cougars, another NHL team, where he continued to be a valuable player. His career in the NHL was characterized by his ability to adapt to the evolving style of play, maintaining his status as a reliable scorer and playmaker. Despite the challenges faced by his teams, Keats remained a respected player throughout his time in the league.

After retiring from professional hockey, Keats continued to be involved in the sport, taking on coaching roles and sharing his knowledge with younger players. His legacy in the hockey world was cemented when he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1958, recognizing his contributions to the game during its formative years.

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