Claude C. Robinson
Hockey builder C.C. Robinson is “remembered as the founder of the CAHA” according to Vince Leah in his book Manitoba Hockey: A History. As the Western representative for the Allan Cup, he pushed for a national association at preliminary talks held in Winnipeg in 1914. The Canadian Amateur Hockey Association came into being on December 4th of that year, in Ottawa, and he served as its first Secretary-Manager-Treasurer. Born in Ontario, Robinson moved out west and became involved with the Winnipeg Victorias as a player (1904) and later as an executive. He served as Secretary-Treasurer of the Vics’ senior squads that captured the Allan Cup in consecutive seasons in 1911 and 1912.
A highlight of Robinson’s illustrious career as a builder of hockey came in 1932 when he managed the Winnipegs (inducted in 1987) at the Lake Placid Olympics. The ‘Pegs won the Gold Medal at those games in New York. In 1925 he was elected as the first Life Member of the CAHA. Claude C. Robinson was inducted into the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame in 1945 and into the National Hockey Hall of Fame in 1947.
b. December 17, 1881
d. June 27, 1976
