Hugh Lehman, a goaltender hailing from Pembroke, Ontario, became a respected figure in the early days of professional ice hockey. His career began in the Ontario Hockey Association with the Pembroke Lumber Kings, where he quickly established himself as a reliable presence between the pipes. Lehman's agility and quick reflexes caught the attention of teams in the newly formed professional leagues, leading to his move to the Canadian West.

In 1911, Lehman joined the New Westminster Royals of the Pacific Coast Hockey Association (PCHA), a league that was instrumental in the development of professional hockey on the west coast of Canada and the United States. His tenure with the Royals was marked by consistent performances, and he soon became known for his ability to keep his team competitive in tightly contested matches.

Lehman's career took a significant turn when he signed with the Vancouver Millionaires in 1914. It was with the Millionaires that he achieved one of the highlights of his career. In 1915, Lehman backstopped the team to a Stanley Cup victory, defeating the Ottawa Senators in a three-game series. This triumph was a testament to his skill and composure under pressure, as he played a crucial role in securing the championship for Vancouver.

Throughout his time with the Millionaires, Lehman was recognized for his innovative style of play. He was one of the early goaltenders to adopt the practice of leaving the crease to play the puck, a tactic that would become more common in later years. His willingness to adapt and try new techniques set him apart from many of his contemporaries.

Lehman's career continued with the Millionaires until the team was renamed the Vancouver Maroons in 1922. He remained a steadfast presence in goal, providing leadership and experience to the squad. In 1926, the PCHA merged with the Western Canada Hockey League (WCHL), and Lehman transitioned to the Chicago Black Hawks of the National Hockey League (NHL) when the WCHL folded.

At the age of 41, Lehman joined the Black Hawks for their inaugural season in 1926-27. Despite being in the twilight of his career, he brought veteran savvy and a wealth of experience to the young franchise. Lehman played one season with Chicago before retiring from professional hockey in 1928.

🏒