Albert Pudas

Juho Albert Pudas (originally Putaansuu) (February 17, 1899 – October 28, 1976) was a Finnish-Canadian hockey player and coach. He was the first Finnish-born hockey player in the National Hockey League and possibly in North America. Following his hockey career Pudas was active in the capacity of referee.

Albert Pudas
Born (1899-02-17)February 17, 1899
Siikajoki, Grand Duchy of Finland
Died October 28, 1976(1976-10-28) (aged 77)
Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada
Height 5 ft 10 in (178 cm)
Weight 160 lb (73 kg; 11 st 6 lb)
Position Winger
Shot Right
Played for NHL
Toronto Maple Leafs
Playing career 1921–1928

Pudas moved to Canada at the age of 18 months. He began his hockey career in Port Arthur, Ontario with the Pascoes, Ports, and later, the Port Arthur Bearcats. On October 28, 1926, Pudas accepted a contract offer from the Toronto St. Pats, along with fellow Bearcats Bill Brydge, Danny Cox and Lorne Chabot. Pudas was recalled December 29, 1926, by the Toronto St. Pats (renamed the Maple Leafs that same season on February 14, 1927) to play four games. These four games made Pudas officially the first Finnish-born player to play in the NHL.

In 1936, Pudas coached the Port Arthur Bearcats who represented Canada in the Winter Olympics in Garmisch-Partenkirchen in Bavaria, Germany. Canada won a silver medal with Pudas as coach (the only medal Canada won at these games).[1]

References
  1. Diane Imrie (15 February 2018). "Olympic hockey's controversial past". Chronicle Journal. Retrieved 8 February 2021.
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