Frank McGee, born Francis Clarence McGee on November 4, 1882, in Ottawa, Ontario, was more than just a hockey player; he was a symbol of early hockey dominance and the face of the Ottawa Senators during their "Silver Seven" era. McGee's journey to becoming a hockey legend is marked by both exceptional skill and personal tragedy, solidifying his place as the Senators' first franchise player.
McGee came from a prominent Canadian family. His uncle, Thomas D'Arcy McGee, was a Father of Confederation, and his father, John Joseph McGee, served as the Clerk of the Privy Council for 25 years under six Prime Ministers. McGee excelled in various sports, including lacrosse, rugby, and football. However, a severe eye injury at the age of 18 nearly ended his athletic career. In an amateur game in 1900, a puck struck his eye, resulting in the loss of sight in that eye. This earned him the nickname "One-Eyed Frank McGee".
Despite the significant setback, McGee's love for hockey persisted. In 1903, he joined the Ottawa Hockey Club, also known as the Silver Seven. Despite being the team's youngest and one of the smallest players at 5'6", McGee quickly became a dominant force. In his debut game, he scored two goals, signaling the start of his remarkable career. McGee’s impact was immediate, as he finished the 1903 season with 14 goals in six games.
From 1903 to 1906, McGee led the Ottawa Silver Seven to unprecedented success, winning the Stanley Cup in each of those years. Known for his prolific scoring ability, McGee amassed 135 goals in just 45 games. In one memorable Stanley Cup game against Dawson City in 1905, he scored 14 goals, a record that remains unbroken. Eight of those goals were scored in less than nine minutes. During the 1906 season, McGee tallied an astounding 28 goals in seven games. His highest single-game total in regular-season play was eight goals against the Montreal Hockey Club on March 3, 1906.
McGee's career was cut short when he retired from hockey in 1906 at the young age of 23. One of the primary reasons for his retirement was his government position, which offered better pay and did not allow for extensive travel. The Ottawa Journal noted that McGee had received tempting offers to return to the game but declined them.
Frank McGee's contributions to hockey were recognized with his posthumous induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1945 as one of the original nine inductees. In 1950, the Ottawa Silver Seven and subsequent Ottawa Senators were voted the best team of the first half of the 20th century. He was also inducted into the Ottawa Sports Hall of Fame in 1966.
Tragically, Frank McGee's life was cut short during World War I. Despite having vision in only one eye, he enlisted in the Canadian Expeditionary Force. He was killed in action on September 16, 1916, near Courcelette, France, during the Battle of the Somme. McGee is commemorated on the Vimy Memorial in France.
Frank McGee's legacy extends beyond his statistical achievements. He was a symbol of excellence and determination, overcoming adversity to lead his team to victory. His impact on the Ottawa Senators and the sport of hockey as a whole is undeniable, solidifying his place as the team's first true franchise player.
