Albertine Lapensée Should Be Inducted In The Hockey Hall Of Fame

Hockey Historians have written extensively about Albertine Lapensée because details about her life remain elusive. There is no widely known obituary that is easily accessible for Lapensée, and details regarding her later life including her burial site remains a mystery. Lapensée was born in Cornwall, Ontario, Canada in 1898 To Phillipe and Matilda Lapensée. She played for the Cornwall Victorias and Cornwall Nationals. She quickly rose to prominence against established teams. Her greatest achievement as a player was scoring 200 goals in a brief career. Lapensée reminds me of Homer’s Achilles. Both figures share a common thread in their youthful days; their meteoric rise and disappearances from the spotlight which deepens their legendary status’. Like Achilles, he was known for his unparalleled prowess in battle and his life ended abruptly at a young age. Her mysterious exit from hockey, combined with her incredible performance in a sport dominated by men, echoes the idea of a "heroic flame" that burns brightly but briefly. Like Achilles, whose feats on the battlefield seemed almost superhuman, Albertine’s talent on the ice appeared to transcend the norms of her time, leaving people in awe.

Albertine Lapensée became a legend during World War I, dominating the ice with her extraordinary goal-scoring abilities. As men went off to war, women's hockey gained more visibility and popularity. Women's hockey leagues, such as the Eastern Ladies Hockey League, saw a rise in talent and fan interest. Players like Albertine Lapensée became stars. During this time, women's hockey began to flourish, partially because it filled the void left by men's hockey being diminished by the war. Her early retirement from hockey at just 18 years old, much like Achilles’ untimely fate in Greek mythology, contributed to the aura of mystery surrounding her. The suddenness with which she disappeared from public life has fueled the imagination of writers and historians alike, giving her story a mythic quality. Although specific match records for each game was difficult to verify due to limited media coverage of women’s hockey at that time, the accounts of the ice with the prowess of the team made them unbeatable during her limited tenure. Indeed, there were unsubstantiated claims that she was a man. However, those accusations were likely due to discomforts with women excelling in competitive sports. The fact that women’s teams, even opposing teams, sometimes shared dressing rooms reinforces the point that her being a man would have serious consequences. If she was a male playing in disguise as a woman, it would tarnish the reputation of the Cornwall Victorias, the Cornwall Nations, their coach Garnett McDonald, and the entire community. A Montreal daily star reporter investigated the allegations in 1916, and he vehemently discarded the allegations. He concluded that she was indeed female, and the Cornwall camp firmly rejected the accusations.

As a result of the investigation, confirming she was a woman, her reputation as the best female athlete of that time skyrocketed. Her exceptional skills on the ice including speed, strength and scoring abilities attracted crowds not only in Canada, but the United States. Fans were captivated by her performances because they had become a must-see event, filling arenas to the brim. She became a symbol of women’s potential in sport at a time when women’s roles in society were expanding due to war. The excitement she generated were felt by both men and women. Men were drawn to her speed, strength and competitive edge, while women saw her as a symbol of strength and opportunities. During World War one, women played a crucial role maintaining industries and infrastructures while men were serving in the military. The war created a shift in the power dynamics of global labour. Women stepping into masculine roles during war time not only transformed societal positions but also redefined the economic structure of all nations.

In my opinion, the mystery could be solved in only two scenarios. The pandemic from 1918 to 1919 killed approximately 60,000 Canadians. In some areas the high mortality rates overwhelmed hospitals, which resulted in lots of undocumented deaths. Many victims were buried in unmarked graves, just like the unknown soldier. In many cases individuals were laid to rest without head stones. Another potential outcome is that she may have gotten married. The lack of documentation afterwards including possible changes to her last name contributed to her obscurity in her later years.

Opening the doors of the Hockey Hall of Fame to Albertine Lapensée would allow her to sit among those veterans who understand her duty and love for the game. It would serve as a tribute not only to her individual talent but also to the collective strength of women who played vital roles during the war, showcasing their strength, courage, and passion.

By honoring Lapensée, the Hall of Fame would acknowledge her as a vital part of hockey history, allowing her spirit to join those who have fought bravely, whether on the battlefield or the ice. This recognition would help solidify her place in the annals of hockey history, ensuring that her story, like that of so many veterans, is remembered and celebrated.

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