McLaughlin, Frederick

Originally published in the 2009 Founders' Day booklet

Frederic McLaughlin (1877-1944) was the founder and original owner of the Chicago Blackhawks. Born in Chicago, he inherited a successful coffee business, attended Harvard University and served in the U.S. Army in World War I, achieving the rank of Major. In 1926 he bought the Portland Rosebuds and relocated them to Chicago under a National Hockey League franchise. He renamed the team after his army unit, the 86th Infantry “Blackhawk” Division. McLaughlin later moved them from the Chicago Coliseum to the Chicago Stadium. During his 18 years as owner, the Blackhawks won two Stanley Cups (1934 and 1938). He was married to the famous actress Irene Castle, who is credited with the “Indian Head’ design on the Blackhawks sweater.