Born in 1912 in Ottawa, Canada defenceman Lou Bates became arguably the most popular player in pre-war British ice hockey – so much so that he was featured on a cigarette card.
Bates first came to Britain as a member of Ottawa’s touring team, spent a year in Paris and then joined the Wembley Lions in 1934 for their inaugural season. The following season he was selected to the All-Star B-team, making it to the A-team four years later. His accurate passing to his wingers and athletic solo rushes up the ice made him the first crowd-pleasing Canadian ‘star’ in British hockey, the packed Empire Pool crowds heralding him with chants of “Lou-oo-oo-oo.” Serving as an inspirational on-ice captain of the Lions, he stayed until war stopped play in 1940.
After the war, he returned to the Lions as coach for the first post-war season. He then guided the GB squad to a European championship runners-up place in 1950 and then coached a season with Streatham, while developing a successful business career.
Lou Bates died July 30th, 1987 in London, England.
Compiled with research, provided by Martin C.Harris - April 1998.