By the Letters: The Foundational "F" Builders in the Hockey Hall of Fame
In the sprawling alphabet of hockey history, letter “F” often stands for the fundamentals: fire, finishes, final minutes, and the frantic pace of an intense playoff game. But in the boardrooms and behind the benches, letter "F" helps represent the architects who built the modern game. Within the Hockey Hall of Fame, the "Builder" category is reserved for those who helped shape the game through vision and management; individuals who has built the game forward. Remarkably, in over a century of history, only two men have reached this pinnacle under the letter "F"—Cliff Fletcher and Emile Francis.
Cool Fact: The “Builder” category has been in existence since the beginning of the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Fletcher: The Architect of the Flames
Inducted as a “Builder” in 2004, Cliff Fletcher is the defining executive of the Flames franchise. Fletcher became the first GM of the expansion Atlanta Flames, and—after helping to orchestrate the team's move to Alberta, Canada—helped transform the Calgary Flames into a powerhouse.
Known as "Trader Cliff", Fletcher traded for NHL legends like Lanny McDonald and Doug Gilmour. Fletcher’s crowning achievement came in 1989 when the Flames defeated the Canadiens to win the Stanley Cup. He later moved to Toronto, where he pulled off a massive 10-player blockbuster trade to acquire Doug Gilmour, which “paid immediate dividends for Toronto”.
Cool Fact: Cliff Fletcher began his hockey career in 1956 (Montreal Canadiens); serving as a scout under Sam Pollock.
Francis: "The Cat" and the Ranger
Before he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame as a “Builder” in 1982, Emile Francis was a pioneer on the ice. Nicknamed "The Cat", Francis revolutionized the game by creating the prototype for the modern goalie “catcher” by repurposing a first baseman’s glove.
As GM of the New York Rangers from 1964 to 1975, Francis drafted a number of future stars (e.g., Brad Park, Pat Hickey, Rick Middleton), and helped lead the organization to the 1972 Stanley Cup Final. Later, Francis joined the St. Louis Blues in 1976 to become Executive Vice President, GM, and coach, helping the Blues set a franchise record with 107 points in 1980-81.
Cool Fact: As a long-time supporter of minor hockey, Francis founded the New York Junior League and the St. Louis Metro Junior B League.
The Foundation of "F" in NHL History
Whether through the bold trades of Fletcher or the innovative leadership of Francis, letter "F" honours an elite duo who helped “Build” the framework of modern hockey. Fletcher and Francis didn't just manage rosters; they saved franchises and changed how the game is governed. While players provide the on-ice highlights, these two hockey legends helped provide the foundation for greatness as the sole representatives of their letter “F” in the Hockey Hall of Fame’s “Builder” category.