Billy McGimsie
Inducted:
1963
Player Stats
5 ft 8 in (173 cm)
145 lb (66 kg; 10 st 5 lb)
Born:
June 7, 1880
Woodville, Ontario, Canada
Died:
October 28, 1968
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Position:
Centre
College:
NA
Billy McGimsie was a premier offensive force during the early years of competitive hockey, specifically within the Manitoba and North West leagues. As the star center for the Kenora Thistles, then known as the Rat Portage Thistles, he became famous for his incredible scoring pace, often averaging more than three goals per game. McGimsie played a pivotal role in the Thistles' historic rise, helping the small-town team challenge the giants of the era for hockey supremacy.
His greatest achievement came in 1907 when he led the Thistles to a Stanley Cup victory over the Montreal Wanderers, making Kenora the smallest town to ever host a Cup champion. Despite his shortened career, his impact on the game’s early development and his scoring prowess were undeniable. Billy McGimsie was officially inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1963.
McGimsie's Awards and Record:
- Stanley Cup Champion (1907)
- MNWHA Scoring Leader (1905)
- Led Manitoba Hockey League in goals (1905)
- Member of the legendary Kenora Thistles "Silver Seven" challengers
- Recorded an astonishing 28 goals in just 8 games, cementing his status as one of the most dangerous shooters of his time
Career Teams
Rat Portage Thistles (1901-1905)
Kenora Thistles (1905-1907)
Career Stats
Seasons Played:
6 (1901–1907)
Games Played:
38
Goals:
83
Assists:
2
Points:
85
Penalty Minutes:
3
Playoff Game:
7
Goals:
4
Points:
4
Penalty Minutes:
8
Stanley Cup:
1 (1907)