Lionel Hitchman

Lionel Hitchman, born on November 3, 1901, was a distinguished Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman whose career spanned twelve seasons in the National Hockey League. He played for two of the league's most storied franchises, the Ottawa Senators and the Boston Bruins, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.

Hitchman is celebrated as one of the finest defensemen of his era, renowned for his exceptional skills on the ice. He formed a legendary defensive pairing with the iconic Eddie Shore, a collaboration that is often regarded as one of the greatest in hockey history. Their synergy not only fortified their teams' defenses but also captivated fans across North America.

In recognition of his remarkable contributions to the game, Hitchman's #3 jersey was retired by the Boston Bruins on February 22, 1934. This momentous occasion marked only the second time in North American professional sports history that a player's number was officially retired, following the Toronto Maple Leafs' retirement of #6 for Ace Bailey just eight days earlier.