Elmer Lach

Elmer James Lach was a Canadian professional ice hockey player who playedseasons for the Montreal Canadiens in the National Hockey League . A centre, he was a member of the Punch line, along with Maurice Richard and Toe Blake. Lach led the NHL in scoring twice, and was awarded the Hart Memorial Trophy in 1945 as the leagues most valuable player.

Lach was born in Nokomis, Saskatchewan, a small town 133 kilometres north of Regina. Elmer was the youngest of two boys and four girls born to William and MaryAnn Lach, who arrived in Canada from Eastern Europe in 1910. Lachs father was at first a farmer, then took a job as the head of public works for Nokomis, population 550. Lach played ice hockey for his school team, starting at age 12. Against the wishes of his Baptist parents, Elmer would sneak away to play ice hockey on a local pond instead of attending church on Saturday mornings.

Source: Wikipedia