George Richardson (ice hockey)

George Taylor Richardson (September 14, 1886 – February 10, 1916) was a Canadian ice hockey player in the era before professional ice hockey. Richardson played for Queen's University. George was regarded as one of the best hockey players of his era, either professional or amateur. After graduating from Queen's, Richardson joined the family grain-handling business. He later became a hockey executive. During World War I, Richardson enlisted in the army and died in action in Belgium.

Richardson was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1950.

Personal life
George Taylor Richardson was born and raised in Kingston, Ontario, son of George Richardson. He attended Queen's University and in 1906, graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree. Upon completion of his studies, George became a member of his family's firm, James Richardson & Sons, a great grain-forwarding business with warehouses from Vancouver to Halifax. At the time of his death, he was survived by his sister, Agnes, brother, James and an uncle, H.W. Richardson who was like a father to him.

Playing career
Richardson played from 1902 to 1906 with the Queen's University Golden Gaels. During his years with Queen's, the team won the Intercollegiate Championship of America in 1903, and the Canadian Intercollegiate championship in 1904 and 1906. In 1906, Richardson played for the team that won the Ontario Hockey Association title, then challenged the Ottawa Hockey Club for the Stanley Cup. Richardson then joined the Kingston 14th Regiment senior team, for whom he played until 1909. The Regiment team played in the OHA finals from 1907 through 1909, winning in 1908. Richardson then joined the Kingston Frontenacs club as an executive of the junior team, and played a few games with the Frontenacs senior team, first in exhibition games in 1909-10, and playoff games in 1911-12.

Soldier
World War I was declared in Canada in August 1914 and Richardson joined the Canadian Expeditionary Force on September 22, 1914 (enlisted at Valcartier). He was initially a Lieutenant and held the rank of Captain when he was killed in action February 10, 1916 (only 8 months after the death of fellow hockey great, and Kingstonian, Allan McLean "Scotty" Davidson). He is buried in Bailleul, France in grave II. B. 74. George Richardson was with the 2nd Battalion. He was awarded La Légion d'honneur Croix de guerre by the President of the French Republic (announced in Ottawa, March 19, 1916).

Awards and honours

 * 1916 - Awarded La Légion d'honneur Croix de Guerre by France
 * 1920 - Richardson Stadium at Queen's named in his honour