Wilfrid Arthur Coutu, affectionately known as "Wild Beaver," was born on March 1, 1892, in Canada. He made a significant mark in the world of professional ice hockey as a defenceman, showcasing his skills over a decade-long career in the National Hockey League. Coutu played for notable teams including the Montreal Canadiens, Hamilton Tigers, and Boston Bruins, where he became known for his fiery temperament on the ice.
One of Coutu's most infamous moments came during a playoff game in 1923 against the Ottawa Senators, where he accumulated an astonishing forty-two penalty minutes, a record that still stands today. His aggressive style of play ultimately led to his lifetime ban from the NHL in 1927, following a notorious attack on a referee.
During his time with the Montreal Canadiens, Coutu faced a unique challenge when he was hospitalized during the cancelled 1919 Stanley Cup series. However, he achieved great success, winning the Stanley Cup in the 1923–24 NHL season and serving as the team's captain in the 1925–26 season. After his NHL career ended, he continued to contribute to the sport by playing for four years in the Canadian-American Hockey League and the American Hockey Association, eventually taking on a coaching role with the Providence Reds in the C-AHL.