100 years ago, the Victoria Cougars became the last B.C. hockey team to win the Stanley Cup

This Sunday marks the 100th anniversary of the historic victory of the Victoria Cougars from British Columbia, who claimed the Stanley Cup on March 30, 1925. In a thrilling match against the Montreal Canadiens, the Cougars emerged victorious with a resounding 6-1 win, making them the last non-NHL team to hoist Lord Stanley’s cup.

To commemorate this momentous occasion, a series of events will be held in the Victoria area over the weekend. One of the highlights includes the display of the iconic Stanley Cup at the Oak Bay Recreation Centre on Sunday afternoon. Among the distinguished guests attending the celebration is Bob Miles, whose grand-uncle, Harry “Hap” Holmes, was a legendary goaltender who secured four Stanley Cups with four different teams, including the Cougars.

Holmes, known for his stoic demeanor and exceptional skills, revolutionized the game during an era when goaltenders were not allowed to drop to the ice to make saves. Despite using rudimentary equipment compared to modern-day netminders, Holmes’s talent and determination set him apart. He famously crafted his own pads from canvas, splints, straps, and felt, emphasizing that a goalie’s worth lies in the shots they stop.

Renowned for his bald scalp, Holmes sported a cap on the ice to shield himself from unruly fans who would spit tobacco juice at him. This unique characteristic added to his enigmatic persona, earning him the nickname “Happy” or “Hap” in jest.

Following the exhilarating victory over the Canadiens, the Cougars indulged in champagne from the Empress Hotel and proudly displayed the Stanley Cup at a local jewelry store in downtown Victoria. Despite falling short in the subsequent Stanley Cup final in 1926 against the Montreal Maroons, the Cougars left an indelible mark on the hockey world.

After the league disbanded, several Cougars players, including Holmes, were transferred to the newly formed NHL team in Detroit, initially named the Cougars in honor of their predecessors before evolving into the iconic Detroit Red Wings. Holmes’s legacy endures, with his posthumous induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1972.

As the Victoria community gears up to celebrate the Cougars’ historic triumph, Bob Miles envisions a vibrant and heartfelt tribute to honor his grand-uncle’s legacy. Despite Holmes’s somber demeanor, Miles believes that the festivities would bring a sense of pride and joy to the enigmatic goaltender, underscoring the enduring impact of the Victoria Cougars’ Stanley Cup triumph in 1925.