| Born: | Nov 3, 1901 | Draft: | Undrafted |
| Hometown: | Toronto, Ontario | Position: | Defense |
| Known For: | Stanley Cup Champion (1964) | Shoots: | Right |
| National Team: | Canada |
Lionel Hitchman (November 3, 1901 – January 12, 1969) was a Canadian ice hockey player, having played his final year in the NHL with the Boston Bruins during the 1933-34 season. He was signed by the Ottawa HC (Senators) for the 1922-23 season and appeared in three games, registering one assist. The following year, he played a prominent role on the Senators blue line and filling in for a recently-retired Eddie Gerard, leading the team to a regular season championship in 1924. Despite early success, the 1924-25 season saw the Senators trend downwards and, as a result, Hitchman requested a trade to the Bruins. He was loaned to the team that year and offered a contract at the conclusion of the season.
Paired with the likes of Sprague Cleghorn and Eddie Shore, Hitchman became a key contributor to the Bruins defensive system. In 1927, he took over the captaincy from a retiring Cleghorn, and he served as the team’s leader for four seasons. He resigned the captaincy ahead of the 1931-32 season, handing over duties to George Owen, but would stay with the Bruins for three more seasons. He retired with 62 points (28 goals, 34 assists) and 523 penalty minutes in 417 career games. Regardless of his lack of offensive numbers, he is regarded as one of the greatest defensive defenseman of his time.
Lionel Hitchman Statistics
Deeper Dive
Staff History
- Boston Tigers/Cubs, CAHL (Player/Coach) 1934-1935
- Boston Cubs, CAHL (Head Coach) 1935-1936
- Springfield Indians, IAHL (Head Coach) 1938-1939
Achievements
- NHL Most Assists (10) (1924)
- NHL Most Assists by Defenseman (10) (1924)
- NHL Playoffs Most Goals by Defenseman (1) (1927)
- NHL Playoffs Most Assists by Defenseman (1) (1929)
- NHL Stanley Cup Champion (1929)