By Anthony Caruso III | Publisher
In this spotlight story, we’ll look into the career of former hockey player Fred Higginbotham. He played from 1890 through 1896.
Before making his professional hockey debut, he played lacrosse in the late 1880s. When hockey debuted in the 1890s, he was one of the first players to play in the 1890s. Higginbotham was part of a Stanley Cup Championship team in 1896.
His Winnipeg Victorias team defeated the Montreal Victorias. He was listed as a defenseman. However, he was considered not a ‘true’ defenseman.
The Canadian native competed when there were just seven players on the ice, including a goaltender. Higginbotham played the ‘cover-point position, which is the role that many NHL defensemen play in today’s game.
The hard-hitter was responsible for bringing the puck out of the defensive end. He passed away in September 1896. He was involved in a riding accident at a friend’s house that resulted in his death.
He suffered a spinal cord injury in the accident. The next morning, he passed away.
Higginbotham is buried in his hometown of Bowmanville, Ontario, Canada.
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