Rememberance: Allan “Scotty” Davidson

Lance-Corporal Allan "Scotty" Davidson

When war broke out in 1914, Allan “Scotty” Davidson of Kingston enlisted with the Canadian Expeditionary Force and was sent to Europe.  He was one of thousands and thousands of young people from all walks of life who answered the call to arms and gave their time, their effort, their health and often their life to the war.  Every story is special, heroic, inspiring and tragic in its own way.  They all deserve to be remembered.  Davidson is no exception.

One thing that stood out about the enlistment of Scotty Davidson is that he was something of a public figure.  Just 22, he was the captain of the Toronto Blueshirts, the reigning Stanley Cup champions.  In March, Toronto had defeated the Montreal Canadiens in a two-game total-goals series to be crowned NHA champions and the new holder of the Stanley Cup.  The Cup-winning goal was scored by Scotty Davidson.  Toronto would later sweep a three-game Cup challenge from Victoria in which Davidson’s physical play was a key factor.  The 1914 Cup was the first ever won by a Toronto team.

via Wikipedia. These are the 1913-14 Toronto Blueshirts, Stanley Cup Champions. Scotty Davidson is front row centre.

Recognized as one of the best wingers in the game (in 1925, when picking an all-time hockey team, MacLean’s magazine picked Davidson as the best right wing to have ever played), Scotty combined size, speed, skill and toughness in the manner that has always been popular.  He had a heavy shot that he used to score 42 goals in 40 career NHA games (along with 133 penalty minutes) and was second overall in assists in 1913-14 with 13.  While still a junior, he led Kingston to a pair of OHA titles. 

As a solider, he achieved the rank of lance-corporal.  He served in France and Belgium and was noted for bravery, having reportedly rescued a wounded officer while under fire.  He would be killed in action by machine gun fire on June 16, 1915.  His name is recorded on the Vimy Memorial in France.

The story of Scotty's death, Calgary Herald 1915. This story was printed several months later.

Scotty Davidson - from the Calgary Herald story - 1915

There are many names from the early Toronto teams that have been all but forgotten.  This is one I think should be remembered.  There should a trophy, maybe akin to the Hobey Baker, given to an exceptional young player from the area.  It would be fitting.

The report of Davidson’s death from the Calgary Daily Herald, Dec 9, 1915.

The game summary from the Toronto World, Mar 12, 1914 – Toronto beats Montreal and wins the Stanley Cup. 

Scotty Davidson at the HHOF. 

Scotty Davidson at the International HHOF in Kingston.

So much gets lost when compressed to a couple sentences.