{{Short description|Canadian ice hockey administrator (1900–1955)}} {{Use mdy dates|date=January 2021}} {{Use Canadian English|date=January 2021}} {{Infobox person | name = Doug Grimston | image = Douglas George Grimston photo.png | alt = Black and white photo of Grimston in a suit and tie, sitting at a desk with pen and paper | birth_date = {{Birth date|1900|5|18}} | birth_place = New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada | death_date = {{Death date and age|1955|9|14|1900|5|18}} | death_place = New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada | resting_place = Forest Lawn Memorial Park | occupation = Businessman and parks commission chairman | known_for = Canadian Amateur Hockey Association and British Columbia Amateur Hockey Association president }}
'''Douglas George Grimston''' (May 18, 1900{{spnd}}September 14, 1955) was a Canadian ice hockey administrator who served as president of the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association (CAHA) from 1950 to 1952. He oversaw the establishment of the Major Series for the Alexander Cup and implemented a new deal for player contracts in senior ice hockey, in response to the Allan Cup championship being dominated by a small group of teams who sought to protect themselves from professional leagues recruiting their players. He opposed the National Hockey League wanting its junior ice hockey prospect players on stronger teams, which led to limits on the transfer of players to keep balanced competition for the Memorial Cup. After the 1952 Winter Olympics where the Canada men's national ice hockey team won the gold medal, Grimston recommended withdrawal from Olympic hockey since European nations would never agree to ice hockey rules which allowed physical play. Grimston later accused International Ice Hockey Federation vice-president Bunny Ahearne of financially exploiting of the Edmonton Mercurys on a European tour, which led to a physical altercation between them.
Grimston served as president of the British Columbia Amateur Hockey Association from 1942 to 1947, and was credited by The Canadian Press for keeping junior ice hockey operational despite the lack of facilities and dwindling attendance during World War II. He also sat on the national committee to oversee minor ice hockey in Canada, and sought for the transparency of finances in amateur hockey. He served as a director for the New Westminster Royals and played a leading role in their successful bid to join the Western Hockey League in 1952. He was a vocal supporter of the Penticton Vees and led a committee to oversee travel arrangements for the team as it won the 1955 Ice Hockey World Championships for Canada. He was a member of multiple community service groups, served four terms as chairman of the New Westminster Parks Commission and was president of the local Rotary Club. He sought for the construction of the Queen's Park Stadium and to expand and beautify city parks. Grimston died in 1955 at age 55, was posthumously recognized by New Westminster with Grimston Park named in his honour the same year, and was described by Jimmy Dunn as "one of the most colourful and aggressive presidents the CAHA ever had".<ref name="Jimmy-Dunn">{{cite news|title=Doug Grimston, 55, Ex-CAHA Head Dies|date=September 15, 1955|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=44 |url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-sep-15-1955-1002209/}}; {{cite news|title=CAHA Past-Prexy Grimston Passes|date=September 15, 1955|newspaper=Winnipeg Tribune|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=35|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-sep-15-1955-2112083/}}</ref>
==Early life and family== thumb|Aerial view of New Westminster|alt=Aerial photo of the downtown area and eastward along the Fraser River
Douglas George Grimston was born on May 18, 1900, in New Westminster, British Columbia.<ref name="NW-Archives">{{cite web|url=http://archives.newwestcity.ca/permalink/90292/|title=Douglas George Grimston|website=New Westminster Archives|publisher=Museums and Heritage Services|location=New Westminster, British Columbia|access-date=December 1, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|title=British Columbia Death Registrations 1955|place=British Columbia|publisher=British Columbia Vital Statistics Agency|volume=621}}</ref> He was the son of George Grimston and Jean McCormack, both of whom were Protestants from England.<ref name="NW-Archives" /> Grimston played baseball, soccer and lacrosse as a youth.<ref name="CP-obit">{{cite news|title=CAHA Official Doug Grimston Passes at 55|date=September 15, 1955|newspaper=Lethbridge Herald|location=Lethbridge, Alberta|page=7|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-sep-15-1955-1002204/}}; {{cite news|title=Hockey Official Dies In Hospital|date=September 15, 1955|newspaper=Medicine Hat News|location=Medicine Hat, Alberta|page=4 |url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-sep-15-1955-2112086/}}</ref> He was a member of the British Columbia Manufacturing Company baseball team who were the New Westminster city champions in 1920 and 1923, and was a member of the Sapperton AFC team who won the second division and the Lower Mainland Cup championship during the 1923 and 1924 soccer seasons.<ref name="Columbian">{{cite news|title=Doug Grimston remembered|date=September 15, 1955|newspaper=The British Columbian|location=New Westminster, British Columbia|page=1}}</ref>
Grimston married schoolteacher Marjorie Evelyn Gilley on September 5, 1928, in New Westminster.<ref>{{Citation|title=British Columbia Marriage Registrations 1928|place=British Columbia|publisher=British Columbia Vital Statistics Agency|volume=339}}</ref> They had one son and three daughters,<ref name="NW-Archives" /><ref name="CP-obit" /> and were married until her death on October 4, 1952.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://archives.newwestcity.ca/permalink/89329/|title=Marjorie Evelyn Grimston|website=New Westminster Archives|publisher=Museums and Heritage Services|location=New Westminster, British Columbia|access-date=December 1, 2020}}</ref>
==Business and community life== Grimston worked for Westminster Ice Limited, a trucking company which delivered ice and was owned by his father.<ref name="newwestcity">{{cite web|url=https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/Grimston_Park_History.pdf|title=Grimston Park History|website=City of New Westminster|publisher=Parks and Recreation Department|access-date=December 1, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://archives.newwestcity.ca/permalink/92004/|title=George Wilson Grimston|website=New Westminster Archives|publisher=Museums and Heritage Services|location=New Westminster, British Columbia|access-date=December 1, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://archives.newwestcity.ca/permalink/24713/|title=Westminster Ice Limited trucks and staff outside building|website=New Westminster Archives|publisher=Museums and Heritage Services|location=New Westminster, British Columbia|access-date=December 1, 2020}}</ref> Grimston later worked at Westminster Hog Fuels for 25 years and was a managing director for the company.<ref name="NW-Archives" /> He was a member of the local Masonic lodge and the Elks of Canada; and served as a president of the New Westminster Rotary Club, the junior board of trade in New Westminster, and the Vancouver Golf Club.<ref name="CP-obit" />
Grimston was a director for the New Westminster Royals, and insisted on the continuation of a smoking ban at the Queen's Park Arena. Despite criticism by the local parks commissioner that the ban had a negative effect on attendance, Grimston indicated that he would take financial responsibility for lost attendance.<ref>{{cite news|title=Western Briefs|date=March 10, 1949|newspaper=Baldur Gazette|location=Baldur, Manitoba|page=2|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-mar-10-1949-2115701/}}</ref> He also served as president of the New Westminster Athletic Association, and played a leading role in a successful bid by the Royals to join the Western Hockey League in 1952.<ref name="newwestcity" /> He later served four terms as chairman of the New Westminster Parks Commission. He sought to expand and beautify parks in the city, and for the construction of the Queen's Park Stadium.<ref name="newwestcity" /> He was defeated for re-election to the commission in 1954.<ref name="CP-obit" />
==BCAHA executive== thumb|upright=0.8|The Allan Cup was the championship trophy for amateur senior ice hockey in Canada.|alt=Silver bowl trophy with two large handles, mounted on a black plinth
Grimston first joined to the British Columbia Amateur Hockey Association (BCAHA) executive in 1938,<ref name="jun-10-1950">{{cite news|title=Grimston Heads CAHA|date=June 10, 1950|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=21|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-jun-10-1950-2110064/}}</ref> and was elected its vice-president in 1941.<ref name="nov-25-1941">{{cite news|title=Fan Fare|last=Matthews|first=Dick|date=November 25, 1941|newspaper=Lethbridge Herald|location=Lethbridge, Alberta|page=10|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-nov-25-1941-2112397/}}</ref> Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, he announced the cancellation of games until the end of blackout orders along the coast of the Pacific Ocean, and hoped to resume games with adjustments made for the blackout.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nitzyshockeyden.blogspot.com/2018/06/194142-pacific-coast-senior-hockey_22.html?m=1|title=1941/42 Pacific Coast Senior Hockey Association, Part 3|date=June 22, 2018|website=Nitzy's Hockey Den|access-date=December 1, 2020}}; {{cite news|title=Blackout Cancels Coast Puck Games|date=December 9, 1941|newspaper=Lethbridge Herald|location=Lethbridge, Alberta|page=2|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-dec-09-1941-2112401/}}</ref>
In 1941, Grimston predicted the collapse of senior ice hockey in the province due to rumours that sponsors from the British Columbia Interior were tired of supporting expensive amateur teams, and that the Kimberley Dynamiters and the Trail Smoke Eaters would drop down to the lower intermediate level classification to save money. The ''Trail Daily Times'' denied the rumors and stated a desire to remain at the top level and be eligible for the Allan Cup.<ref name="nov-25-1941" /> The teams played in the West Kootenay League which subsequently suspended operations in 1941 due to World War II.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.trailhistory.com/monument.php?action=display&id=66 |title=Hockey History in Trail (archived copy) |publisher=Trail Historical Society |year=2004 |accessdate=January 4, 2021 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717084707/http://www.trailhistory.com/monument.php?action=display&id=66 |archivedate=July 17, 2011 }}</ref>
Grimston was elected president of the BCAHA to succeed A. W. McDonald in 1942.<ref name="BCAHA">{{cite web|url=http://bchockey.net/NewsItem.aspx?id=2993|title=BC Hockey 100 Great Moments: BC Hockey Presidents|date=January 14, 2019|website=BC Hockey|access-date=December 1, 2020}}</ref> At the next CAHA general meeting in 1943, Grimston was appointed to the committee to oversee minor ice hockey in Canada, and was named one of three trustees for the Edmonton Journal Cup.<ref>{{cite news|title=Sargent Is Returned As C.A.H.A. President|date=April 27, 1943|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=12|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-apr-27-1943-2112413/}}</ref> The trophy had been donated by the ''Edmonton Journal'' and was to be awarded as the championship for Western Canada intermediate level ice hockey.<ref>{{cite book|title=Constitution, By-laws, Regulations, History|author=Canadian Amateur Hockey Association|date=1990|location=Gloucester, Ontario|page=140}}</ref>
In December 1944, brothers Norm and Jack Kirk who played for the Nanaimo Clippers, went on strike and demanded more pay for amateur play. Although the brothers faced a possible suspension since the demands were too high, Grimston stated a preference to have amateur finances in the open rather than under-the-table bonuses being given.<ref>{{cite news|title=Snap-ups|last=Thomas|first=Syd|date=December 30, 1944|newspaper=Medicine Hat Daily News|location=Medicine Hat, Alberta|page=4|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-dec-30-1944-2112459/}}</ref>
In February 1945, Major Ian Eisenhardt, the director of physical fitness for the national fitness branch of the Ministry of Health, stated that his department would be the future liaison between the Government of Canada and sports organizations in Canada. Grimston felt that hockey had been successful since its leaders sacrificed personal gain for the betterment of the sport, and stated that "the government is missing the boat if it's going to try and regiment sports as it has regimented business".<ref>{{cite news|title=Sports Officials Divided In Opinions|date=February 21, 1945|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=12|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-feb-21-1945-2112471/}}</ref>
The BCAHA was scheduled to host the 1945 Allan Cup final in Vancouver, but only two of the nine teams eligible for the Eastern Canada championship from the Quebec Amateur Hockey Association were willing to attend the final series. Grimston recommended the championship series be cancelled due to the lack of interest in travelling across the country due to financial constraints during World War II.<ref>{{cite news|title=Snap-ups:A Voice in the West|last=Kerner|first=Fred|date=February 24, 1945|newspaper=Medicine Hat News|location=Medicine Hat, Alberta|page=4|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-feb-24-1945-2112475/}}</ref> CAHA president Frank Sargent announced the cancellation of the 1945 Allan Cup playoffs, which was the first season in which the trophy had not been contested since the inaugural 1909 Allan Cup.<ref>{{cite news|title=No Allan Cup Competition?|date=February 26, 1945|newspaper=Winnipeg Tribune|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=23|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-feb-26-1945-1641068/}}</ref>
The national senior hockey championship resumed with the 1946 Allan Cup. The Vancouver Canucks and the New Westminster Royals expressed interest, but both teams played in the Pacific Coast Hockey League (PCHL) which had a playoffs schedule which overlapped with the CAHA's Allan Cup playoffs structure.<ref>{{cite news|title=Pacific Coast Leaders Face Playoff Headache|date=January 19, 1946|newspaper=Medicine Hat Daily News|location=Medicine Hat, Alberta|page=5 |url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-jan-19-1946-2114074/}}</ref> Grimston's appeal to accommodate the teams by extending the Allan Cup deadlines was declined, and only the New Westminster Royals entered the Allan Cup since they did not qualify for the PCHL playoffs.<ref>{{cite news|title=New Westminster Enter Allan Cup|date=March 6, 1946|newspaper=Medicine Hat Daily News|location=Medicine Hat, Alberta|page=4|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-mar-06-1946-2114094/}}</ref>
The CAHA had accepted an invitation by Grimston for the BCAHA to host the 1945 general meeting,<ref>{{cite news|title=C.A.H.A. Closes 27th Annual Puck Confab|date=April 13, 1944|newspaper=Medicine Hat Daily News|location=Medicine Hat, Alberta|page=4 |url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-apr-13-1944-2112436/}}</ref> but hosting the meeting in Vancouver was deferred until after the war in 1946.<ref>{{cite book|title=Constitution, By-laws, Regulations, History|author=Canadian Amateur Hockey Association|date=1990|location=Gloucester, Ontario|page=123}}</ref> He entertained delegates to the 1946 meeting with sightseeing visits in Vancouver, Victoria and Nanaimo.<ref>{{cite news|title=Winding Up The Annual Meeting Of The C.A.H.A.|last=Armstrong|first=E. A.|date=May 10, 1946|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=14|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-may-10-1946-2114097/}}</ref> During five years as president of the BCAHA, Grimston was credited by The Canadian Press for keeping junior ice hockey operational in British Columbia despite the challenges of the lack of facilities and dwindling attendance during the war.<ref>{{cite news|title=Junior Hockey Not So Hot On Coast|last=McCurdy|first=Jim|date=November 12, 1946|newspaper=Lethbridge Herald|location=Lethbridge, Alberta|page=11|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-nov-12-1946-2114099/}}</ref> He was succeeded as president by F. F. Becker in 1947.<ref name="BCAHA" />
==CAHA vice-president== thumb|upright=0.8|The Memorial Cup was the championship trophy for junior ice hockey in Canada.|alt=Silver bowl trophy with two large handles, mounted on a wide black plinth engraved with team names on silver plates
Grimston was elected second vice-president of the CAHA in May 1947, receiving more votes than Manitoba Amateur Hockey Association president Jimmy Dunn.<ref>{{cite news|title=U.S. Body Declines To Pay Transfer Fee|date=May 6, 1947|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=14|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-may-06-1947-2114104/}}</ref> The general meeting in 1947 discussed a new financial agreement with the National Hockey League (NHL) to increase payments for amateurs signed to contracts, and proposed creating a higher level of senior hockey competition since a small group of teams were dominating the Allan Cup playoffs.<ref>{{cite news|title=Manitoba Forces Action To Improve Hockey Sticks|date=May 5, 1947|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=15 |url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-may-05-1947-2114106/}}</ref> In his first season as a vice-president, Grimston sought a new agreement to govern player transfers between leagues, since the movement of players had been a recurring issue with teams in Western Canada and the PCHL.<ref>{{cite news|title=Puck Transfers Cause Trouble|date=October 18, 1947|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=20 |url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-oct-18-1947-2114113/}}</ref>
In the weeks leading up to the 1948 general meeting, the CAHA considered two proposals to semi-professionalize player contracts in junior and senior hockey.<ref>{{cite news|title=Seven-Man Committee To Air Semi-Pro Plan|date=April 20, 1948|newspaper=Winnipeg Tribune|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=16|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-apr-20-1948-2108806/}}</ref> Grimston sat on a special seven-person committee which deliberated on the ideas submitted by NHL president Clarence Campbell and Ontario Hockey Association president George Panter, then declined to present the proposals for voting on by the delegates to the general meeting. The committee also rejected calls to drop the word amateur from its name, and stated that the CAHA was built upon teams which operated as a community efforts and that profits were invested into development of minor hockey.<ref>{{cite news|title=C.A.H.A. Rejects Pro Contracts Temporarily|date=April 27, 1948|newspaper=Winnipeg Tribune|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=15 |url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-apr-27-1948-2108861/}}</ref>
Grimston was elected first vice-president of the CAHA, to fill the void left by the unexpected death of Norman Dawe,<ref>{{cite news|title=Pickard Re-elected C.A.H.A. President|date=April 28, 1948|newspaper=Winnipeg Tribune|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=22|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-apr-28-1948-2108876/}}</ref> and was named chairman of the CAHA's resolutions committee.<ref name="jun-03-1949">{{cite news|title=Maritimes and B.C. Receive Concessions|date=June 3, 1949|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=19|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-jun-03-1949-2112122/}}</ref> The committee sent an invitation to the Newfoundland Amateur Hockey Association to join the CAHA, since Newfoundland had become Canada's tenth province on March 31, 1949.<ref name="jun-03-1949" /> The committee wanted to balance competition for the Memorial Cup and Allan Cup, and avoid a repeat occurrence where no team from British Columbia entered the 1948 Memorial Cup playoffs due to the difficulty of being competitive. The committee allowed BCAHA junior teams to import four players per team during the playoffs, compared to two players elsewhere in Canada. In senior hockey, the committee allowed BCAHA and Maritime Amateur Hockey Association teams to import six players per team, compared to four players elsewhere in Canada.<ref name="jun-03-1949" /><ref>{{cite news|title=B.C. Out of Memorial Cup Series This Year|date=March 17, 1948|newspaper=Winnipeg Tribune|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=20|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-mar-17-1948-2115696/}}</ref> The committee also agreed that the CAHA should seek for the professional-amateur agreement with the NHL to be amended with respect to the placement of players and avoid concentrating talent in certain geographic areas. Grimston felt that the NHL could determine when a junior player became professional, but should not be allowed to dictate player transfers and tell the CAHA which team the junior-aged player would be on.<ref name="jun-03-1949" />
Grimston was re-elected first vice-president in June 1949.<ref>{{cite news|title=Officers Serve Another Season|date=June 7, 1949|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=18|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-jun-07-1949-2112144/}}</ref> He served as chairman of the rules and regulations committee which debated at great length several proposed changes to the icing the puck rule. Grimston sought to delete the existing rule which further penalized a team that was playing short-handed, whereas other delegates favoured keeping the rule which made the defending team carry the puck past their own blue line.<ref>{{cite news|title=$160,000 Series Cut For C.A.H.A.|date=June 8, 1950|newspaper=Winnipeg Tribune|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=18|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-jun-08-1950-2117282/}}</ref> A compromise was reached, where an icing infraction would not be called if a player on the defending team attempted to gain control of the puck.<ref name="jun-16-1950">{{cite news|title=Senior Hockey Setup Revised By The C.A.H.A.|date=June 16, 1950|newspaper=Corner Brook Western Star|location=Corner Brook, Newfoundland|page=18|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-jun-16-1950-2117301/}}</ref>
==CAHA president== ===First term=== thumb|upright|Viscount Alexander, the 17th Governor General of Canada|alt=Photo of Harold Alexander, 1st Earl Alexander of Tunis in military uniform
Grimston was elected president of the CAHA on June 10, 1950, to succeed Al Pickard.<ref name="jun-10-1950" /> At the general meeting, the CAHA decided that its five best calibre senior leagues would compete for a new trophy at a higher level than the Allan Cup. The Western Canada Senior Hockey League, the OHA Senior A League, the Quebec Senior Hockey League, the Maritime Major Hockey League, and the Cape Breton Senior Hockey League, requested a new deal, and complained that their players were too costly to obtain and could easily leave since no contractual commitment was required.<ref name="jun-15-1950-2117291">{{cite news|title=Super League To Discuss Contracts|date=June 15, 1950|newspaper=Winnipeg Tribune|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=24|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-jun-15-1950-2117291/}}</ref><ref name="jun-15-1950-2117296">{{cite news|title=Senior Setup To Be Aired|date=June 15, 1950|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=29|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-jun-15-1950-2117296/}}</ref>
Grimston supported the concept and sought to stabilize Allan Cup competition, insisted that the proposed contract have a termination clause, and wanted to resolve the differences since he felt that the leagues might break away from the CAHA and become professional without an agreement in place.<ref name="jun-15-1950-2117291" /><ref name="jun-15-1950-2117296" /> The CAHA agreed on contracts for senior hockey which tied players to a team for the season, gave the first right of refusal to the same for the following season, and proposed that professional teams could draft senior players.<ref name="jun-16-1950" />
In July 1950, Grimston announced that the CAHA would operate a Major Series in a similar east-versus-west playoffs format as the Allan Cup. The CAHA set a minimum salary of C$1,000 per player, and allowed teams in the Maritimes to import an additional four players from outside of their territory to strengthen perceived weaker teams.<ref>{{cite news|title=New Senior Hockey Deal|date=July 24, 1950|newspaper=Lethbridge Herald|location=Lethbridge, Alberta|page=14|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-jul-24-1950-2117309/}}</ref> Professional leagues did not approve of the Major Series proposal, since it meant they would lose control of players already on their reserve lists. The decision indefinitely deferred the Major Series.<ref>{{cite news|title=Hockey's New Setup Not Liked By Pros|date=July 25, 1950|newspaper=Medicine Hat News|location=Medicine Hat, Alberta|page=3|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-jul-25-1950-2117305/}}</ref>
In September 1950, Grimston announced the revival of the Major Series including the same five leagues.<ref>{{cite news|title=Five Leagues In "Super Series" Says Grimston|date=September 28, 1950|newspaper=Lethbridge Herald|location=Lethbridge, Alberta|page=17|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-sep-28-1950-2117529/}}</ref> Teams from the BCAHA considered joining, although Grimston urged them to remain in the more affordable lower level series for the Allan Cup.<ref>{{cite news|title=Grimston Urges B.C. Senior Clubs To Stay In "Poor" Loop|date=September 24, 1950|newspaper=Lethbridge Herald|location=Lethbridge, Alberta|page=16|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-sep-24-1950-2117507/}}</ref> In November 1950, he announced the Alexander Cup would be the championship trophy of the Major Series, as presented by the Viscount Alexander, the 17th Governor General of Canada.<ref>{{cite news|title=Alexander Trophy For Major Series|date=November 20, 1950|newspaper=Lethbridge Herald|location=Lethbridge, Alberta|page=10|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-nov-20-1950-2117582/}}</ref> Players in the Major Series were not signed to contracts as originally proposed,<ref>{{cite news|title=Super-Duper Series|last=Sullivan|first=Jack|author-link=Jack Sullivan (journalist)|date=October 27, 1950|newspaper=Lethbridge Herald|location=Lethbridge, Alberta|page=15|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-oct-27-1950-2117569/}}</ref> and the CAHA reached an agreement with the NHL which limited the number of players that could be drafted.<ref>{{cite news|title=Pro-Amateur Pact Ratified|date=January 2, 1951|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=14|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-jan-02-1951-2117609/}}</ref>
thumb|Lethbridge Maple Leafs in 1951|alt=Black and white team photo
Grimston announced that the Lethbridge Maple Leafs who played intermediate level senior hockey, were chosen to represent Canada at the 1951 Ice Hockey World Championships and to play a European tour.<ref>{{cite news|title=Lethbridge Maple Leafs Get Chance To Make Trip To Europe for Hockey Title|date=September 25, 1950|newspaper=Brandon Daily Sun|location=Brandon, Manitoba|page=4|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-sep-25-1950-2117518/}}</ref> Lethbridge won the World Championships and were undefeated at the event. Grimston commended the team on its sportsmanship and gentlemanly play on behalf of Canada.<ref>{{cite news|title=With the Maple Leafs: Back in London|last=Obodiac|first=Stan|date=March 27, 1951|newspaper=Lethbridge Herald|location=Lethbridge, Alberta|page=11|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-mar-27-1951-2117616/}}</ref>
===Second term=== Grimston was re-elected president in May 1951.<ref name="may-26-1951">{{cite news|title=New Look For Hockey|date=May 26, 1951|newspaper=Lethbridge Herald|location=Lethbridge, Alberta|page=7|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-may-26-1951-2112225/}}</ref> The CAHA continued the Major Series and required its leagues to post a $5,000 bond and guarantee a champion by a national deadline.<ref name="may-26-1951" /> Grimston later announced that only the Quebec Senior Hockey League and the Maritime Major Hockey League would play in the Major Series for the 1951–52 season.<ref name="jul-30-1951">{{cite news|title=Mercurys Are Chosen For 1952 Olympics|date=July 30, 1951|newspaper=Lethbridge Herald|location=Lethbridge, Alberta|page=11|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-jul-30-1951-2119522/}}</ref> The CAHA amended its icing rule to allow the defending team to shoot the puck from anywhere behind its own blue line. Grimston voted against the change and felt it would decrease offensive action on a power play.<ref name="may-26-1951" /> The change caused a potential rift with the NHL since it contradicted their agreement to have mutual ice hockey rules.<ref name="jun-18-1952">{{cite news|title=C.A.H.A. To Ask Sweeping Changes In Agreement With Professional Hockey Clubs|date=June 18, 1952|newspaper=Brandon Daily Sun|location=Brandon, Manitoba|page=4|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-jun-18-1952-2119610/}}</ref><ref name="jun-20-1952">{{cite news|title=C.A.H.A. Looks To Showdown With N.H.L.|date=June 20, 1952|newspaper=Corner Brook Western Star|location=Corner Brook, Newfoundland|page=12|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-jun-20-1952-2119646/}}</ref>
thumb|left|Edmonton Mercurys jersey used in ice hockey at the 1952 Winter Olympics|alt=Photo of hockey jersey with a maple leaf crest
In July 1951, Grimston announced that the Edmonton Mercurys were chosen to represent Canada in ice hockey at the 1952 Winter Olympics in Oslo. The team previously won the 1950 Ice Hockey World Championships representing Canada.<ref name="jul-30-1951" /> Grimston was appointed an ex-officio member of the European executive council of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), which would oversee hockey at the Olympics.<ref>{{cite news|title=Canadian Appointed|date=November 12, 1951 |newspaper=Lethbridge Herald|location=Lethbridge, Alberta|page=13|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-nov-12-1951-2119535/}}</ref> Less than two weeks before the Olympics began, George VI died. Grimston issued a directive that no games be played under CAHA jurisdiction on February 15, 1952, the day of the king's funeral.<ref>{{cite news|title=No Hockey On Friday|date=February 8, 1952|newspaper=Lethbridge Herald|location=Lethbridge, Alberta|page=14|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-feb-08-1952-2112235/}}</ref>
Swiss newspapers criticized the rough play by Canada and the United States team, and questioned whether hockey should be part of the Olympics. Grimston felt the games were tame compared to North American standards and that the Olympics would suffer without hockey which was its biggest attraction.<ref name="feb-22-1952">{{cite news|title=No Rowdyism Says I.I.H.F. Chief Kraatz|date=February 22, 1952|newspaper=Lethbridge Herald|location=Lethbridge, Alberta|page=18|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-feb-22-1952-2121222/}}</ref> He also stated that he would not complain if Canada was no longer invited to Olympic hockey.<ref name="feb-22-1952" />
Canada and the United States played to a draw in the final game of the round-robin, which placed the teams first and second respectively in the standings for the gold and silver medals. Had Canada won, the United States would have placed fourth. A newspaper in Moscow charged that a deal had been made to predetermine the outcome and assure the United States of a silver medal and to exclude the Czechoslovakia team from a medal.<ref name="feb-28-1952">{{cite news|title=U.S.-Canada Tie Rapped In Russia|date=February 28, 1952|newspaper=Charleston Gazette |location=Charleston, West Virginia|page=15|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-feb-28-1952-2121253/}}; {{cite news|title=Reds Suggest Fix Was On|date=February 28, 1952|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=23|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-feb-28-1952-2121237/}}</ref> Grimston dismissed the charges as silly, and implied that they were made in relation to the Soviet Union team's intention to begin participating in hockey at the Olympics in 1956.<ref name="feb-28-1952" /><ref name="mar-06-1952">{{cite news|title=Canuck Pucksters May Not Enter Olympics Again|date=March 6, 1952|newspaper=Fairbanks Daily News Miner|location=Fairbanks, Alaska|page=2|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-mar-06-1952-2121572/}}</ref> He further stated, "I told [the Soviets] they were crybabies, and that's quite a feat getting it over to them, as they use an interpreter who speaks only French".<ref name="mar-06-1952" />
The CAHA booked European tours and accommodations for the Canada men's national ice hockey team through travel agent Bunny Ahearne, who at the time was also the secretary of the British Ice Hockey Association and vice-president of the IIHF.<ref name="Gordon-Harris">{{cite book|last1=Gordon|first1=David S.|last2=Harris|first2=Martin C.|title=Lion in Winter: A Complete Record of Great Britain at the Olympic, World and European Ice Hockey Championships, 1910–1981|publisher=British Ice Hockey Heritage Publications|date=2019|location=London, England|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=EU-9DwAAQBAJ|isbn=9781527247475|pages=211–212|via=Google Books}}</ref> Grimston and Ahearne had a physical altercation in an Oslo hotel lobby on February 25, 1952, which was not publicized until two weeks later.<ref name="mar-07-1952">{{cite news|title=Ahearne In Trouble With C.A.H.A. Again|date=March 7, 1952|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=23|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-mar-07-1952-2121612/}}</ref> Journalist Jim Coleman reported that Grimston threw a punch at Ahearne, who in turn kicked Grimston in the stomach.<ref name="Gordon-Harris" /> Grimston stated that the perceived exploitation of the Edmonton Mercurys on their European tour by Ahearne led to the altercation,<ref name="Gordon-Harris" /> and later admitted that he was wrong to lose his temper but that he never punched Ahearne and had grabbed him by the shirt and shook him.<ref name="Gordon-Harris" /> Grimston complained that Edmonton Mercurys players were given only five pounds per week for expenses, which he felt was "hardly enough to pay their laundry and some postage stamps".<ref>{{cite news|title=Canadian Backer Peeved By Puck Team Treatment|date=March 9, 1952|newspaper=Pacific Stars and Stripes|location=Tokyo, Japan|page=12|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-mar-09-1952-2121619/}}</ref> The Edmonton Mercurys continued playing after "heated discussions" in which the team threatened to shorten the tour and accused Ahearne of "siphoning profits" beyond his 10 per cent cut.<ref name="mar-07-1952" />
After Grimston returned from Europe, he recommended that Canada withdraw from Olympic ice hockey and made note of the difference in style of play where body checking was not allowed in Europe, nor shadowing a player defensively.<ref name="mar-06-1952" /><ref name="mar-06-1952-2121588">{{cite news|title=Forget Hockey At Olympics – Grimston|date=March 6, 1952|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=22 |url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-mar-06-1952-2121588/}}</ref> He felt the notion that European tours by Canadian teams had created goodwill was "plain bunk", and argued that European newspapers frequently criticized Canadians for rough play.<ref name="jun-19-1952">{{cite news|title=Overseas Tours Are Plain Bunk|last=Sullivan|first=Jack|author-link=Jack Sullivan (journalist)|date=June 19, 1952|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=22|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-jun-19-1952-2119639/}}</ref>
{{Quote|text="There is no use carrying on any longer. European nations in particular, will not agree to uniform rules. As a result, every game is a confusion of shinny, with a sprinkling of hockey".|author=Doug Grimston|source=March 6, 1952<ref name="mar-06-1952" /><ref name="mar-06-1952-2121588" />}}
====1952 general meeting==== [[File:Minaki Lodge, Ontario (1929).jpg|thumb|Minaki Lodge hosted the 1952 CAHA general meeting.<ref name="jun-16-1952-2119572">{{cite news|title=Unlikely That CAHA Will Raise Junior Age Limit|date=June 16, 1952|newspaper=Medicine Hat News|location=Medicine Hat, Alberta|page=6|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-jun-16-1952-2119572/}}</ref>|alt=Black and white aerial view of lodge and surrounding area]]
The Canadian Press expected a showdown at the 1952 general meeting where Grimston would call for the resignation of Ahearne as the CAHA's European representative, but argued that Ahearne would likely be retained due to the strong influence he wielded and the need to have representation for Canadians playing in European leagues.<ref name="mar-07-1952" /><ref name="jun-16-1952-2119572" /> Ahearne volunteered his resignation instead, and said "In fairness to everybody it is best that I resign". The CAHA accepted the resignation with no discussion.<ref name="Gordon-Harris" /><ref name="jun-17-1952-2119581">{{cite news|title=CAHA Slaps Eastern Puck Raiders|last=Sullivan|first=Jack|author-link=Jack Sullivan (journalist)|date=June 17, 1952|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=18|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-jun-17-1952-2119581/}}</ref>
The CAHA ratified an agreement Grimston reached with the NHL and its minor leagues, which set a deadline of January 15 for drafting players from the Major Series with exceptions only for emergency replacements. The deal avoided the loss of players for the Alexander Trophy playoffs.<ref>{{cite news|title=Puck Chiefs Come To An Agreement|date=May 27, 1952|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=16|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-may-27-1952-2119558/}}</ref>
The CAHA wanted to balance the Memorial Cup playoffs, and avoid a further talent shift in junior hockey due to requests by professional teams to transfer prospect players to teams in Eastern Canada. The CAHA declined to grant transfers for junior players from Western Canada to Eastern Canada for two seasons, and Grimston felt the decision was within the limits of the existing agreement with the NHL.<ref name="jun-17-1952-2119581" />
Grimston had indefinitely suspended Guyle Fielder during the 1950–51 season, for failure to report to the minor league affiliate of the Chicago Black Hawks after the player had signed a C-form which a financial bonus in exchange for a future commitment. The CAHA recognized that the C-form was a controversial clause since its incorporation into the agreement with the NHL in 1947, and that it had been frequently criticized by the media, coaches and players' parents as slavery.<ref>{{cite news|title=Fielder Draws Hockey Suspension|date=September 30, 1950|newspaper=Lethbridge Herald|location=Lethbridge, Alberta|page=14 |url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-sep-30-1950-2117562/}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Time Out: Sports Views|last=Hogle|first=Bruce|date=October 7, 1950|newspaper=Medicine Hat News|location=Medicine Hat, Alberta|page=4 |url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-oct-07-1950-2117556/}}</ref><ref name="jun-17-1952">{{cite news|title=C Form Wobbles|date=June 17, 1952|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=18 |url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-jun-17-1952-2119581/}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Emancipation Day For CAHA|date=June 17, 1952|newspaper=Medicine Hat News|location=Medicine Hat, Alberta|page=3|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-jun-17-1952-2119577/}}</ref> The resolutions committee agreed to ask for revisions to the agreement with respect to the C-form, the size of reserve lists and the right of the NHL to sponsor to junior players and teams.<ref name="jun-17-1952" /> Grimston clarified the requests by saying that the intent was to tell the NHL that members of the CAHA were not satisfied, rather than "holding a pistol to their heads".<ref name="jun-18-1952" /><ref name="jun-20-1952" />
W. B. George from the Ottawa District Hockey Association was elected CAHA president to succeed Grimston.<ref name="jun-19-1952" />
==Later life and honours== thumb|upright=0.7|Ice Hockey World Championships trophy won by Penticton|alt=Photo of trophy
As past president of the CAHA, Grimston remained involved on the committee to negotiate agreements with the NHL.<ref>{{cite news|title=C.A.H.A. Officials Decide On "Nothing" At Meeting|date=August 19, 1952|newspaper=Medicine Hat News|location=Medicine Hat, Alberta|page=3|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-aug-19-1952-2119651/}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Smythe, C.A.H.A. Officials Talk|date=April 22, 1954|newspaper=Winnipeg Tribune|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=36 |url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-apr-22-1954-2115802/}}</ref> His contributions to building ice hockey were recognized with the Amateur Hockey Association of the United States citation award in 1952,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usahockey.com/layout_container/show_layout_tab?layout_container_id=27569776&page_node_id=837446&tab_element_id=54968|title=Citation Award|year=1976|website=USA Hockey|access-date=November 21, 2020}}</ref> and the Ontario Hockey Association Gold Stick Award in 1953.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ohahockey.ca/view/oha/about-us/association-awards/gold-stick|title=Gold Stick Award|year=2020|website=Ontario Hockey Association|access-date=November 27, 2020}}</ref> He was also made a life member of the BCAHA,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pcaha.ca/rules/18-19_07-PCAHA_Special_Awards.pdf|title=Special Awards and Trophies|page=146|year=2019|website=Pacific Coast Amateur Hockey Association|access-date=December 1, 2020}}</ref> and an honorary president of the Manitoba Amateur Hockey Association.<ref>{{cite news|title=Portage Sportsman Elected President|date=October 2, 1950|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=24|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-oct-02-1950-2117538/}}</ref>
In July 1954, the CAHA announced that the 1954 Allan Cup champion Penticton Vees were chosen to represent Canada at the 1955 Ice Hockey World Championships in West Germany. Grimston was appointed to lead a three-person committee to oversee travel arrangements for the team.<ref>{{cite news|title=CAHA Chooses Penticton|date=July 19, 1954 |newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=17|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-jul-19-1954-2115794/}}</ref> Grimston felt that the Vees were strong enough to win the World Championships without the need to have the CAHA add extra players, and were aware of the style of play differences in Europe. He sought for the team to be endorsed by the entire CAHA, and felt he should not be personally blamed if they did not become world champions.<ref>{{cite news|title=Slants On Sport|last=Sigurdson|first=Hal|author-link=Hal Sigurdson|date=January 10, 1955|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=19|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-jan-10-1955-2115752/}}</ref> Confident in the capabilities of the players on the Vees, he vetoed the import of former NHL players Bill Juzda and Bill Robinson from Winnipeg, and declined to add any current NHL players to the team.<ref>{{cite news|title=Juzda, Robinson Not Joining Vs|date=January 15, 1955|newspaper=Medicine Hat News|location=Medicine Hat, Alberta|page=4|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-jan-15-1955-2115760/}}; {{cite news|title=No NHL Stars For Penticton|date=January 24, 1955|newspaper=Winnipeg Tribune|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=14|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-jan-24-1955-2115773/}}</ref> Grimston later stated, the Vees "are the fightingest team in hockey today and can do a better job of representing this country than any all-star team".<ref>{{cite news|title=Cinderella Had Nothing On Penticton V's Club|date=February 12, 1955|newspaper=Winnipeg Tribune|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=21 |url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-feb-12-1955-2115784/}}</ref>
Grimston announced exhibition games for the Vees from February 16 to 23, in Paris, Düsseldorf, Berlin and Czechoslovakia, prior to the World Championships starting on February 24. He expected the team to play exhibition games against Canadian military teams stationed in Europe after the World Championships concluded.<ref>{{cite news|title=Release Dates For Penticton V's Tour|date=January 26, 1955|newspaper=Medicine Hat News|location=Medicine Hat, Alberta|page=7|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-jan-26-1955-2115780/}}</ref> The Penticton Vees won all eight games played at the 1955 World Championships by scoring 60 goals and conceding only 6 goals, to regain the title that Canada had lost at the 1954 Ice Hockey World Championships.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.passionhockey.com/hockeyarchives/mondial1955.htm|title=Championnats du monde 1955|website=Passion Hockey|language=fr|access-date=December 31, 2020}}</ref>
{{multiple image|align=left|total_width=350|image1=Memorial cairn at Grimston Park in New Westminster.jpg|alt1=Cairn made of stones and mortar with a bronze plaque, surrounded by gardens in a city park|image2=Douglas George Grimston grave marker.jpg|alt2=Flat bronze plaque in a cemetery, including him name, with birth and death years|footer=His memorials at Grimston Park and Forest Lawn Memorial Park}}
Grimston died at the Royal Columbian Hospital in New Westminster on September 14, 1955, following a six-month illness with colon cancer.<ref name="NW-Archives" /><ref name="CP-obit" /> He was interred at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Burnaby, British Columbia.<ref name="NW-Archives" />
Grimston was remembered by a front-page obituary in ''The British Columbian'' which stated, "It's difficult to say in words how this community felt about its favorite son, Doug Grimston. He was a leader in the organization and growth of Canadian amateur hockey; he assisted financially and morally - every type of sport found in the Royal City. He gave many hours and dollars to organized charities".<ref name="Columbian" /><ref name="newwestcity" /> CAHA president Jimmy Dunn described Grimston as a good friend and said he was, "one of the most colourful and aggressive presidents the CAHA ever had".<ref name="Jimmy-Dunn" /> The New Westminster Parks Commission renamed Westside Park in his honour to Grimston Park on November 21, 1955, and erected a memorial cairn.<ref name="newwestcity" /> The BCAHA established the Doug Grimston Memorial Trophy, awarded to the champion team of the AAA bantam age group in British Columbia.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.trailsportshistory.ca/minor-hockey-championships/|title=Minor Hockey Championships|year=2011|website=Trail Sports History|access-date=December 1, 2020}}</ref>{{Clear}}
==References== {{Reflist}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Grimston, Doug}} Category:1900 births Category:1955 deaths Category:20th-century Canadian businesspeople Category:Businesspeople from British Columbia Category:Canadian Amateur Hockey Association presidents Category:Canadian Amateur Hockey Association vice-presidents Category:Canadian businesspeople in the energy industry Category:Canadian corporate directors Category:Canadian Freemasons Category:Canadian people of English descent Category:Canadian Protestants Category:Canadian sports builders Category:Canadian sports executives and administrators Category:Deaths from cancer in British Columbia Category:Deaths from colorectal cancer in Canada Category:Ice hockey people from New Westminster Category:Municipal government of New Westminster