Al Pudas

Albert Pudas (born February 17, 1899 in Siikajoki, Finland - died October 28, 1976 in Thunder Bay, Ontario) was the coach of Canada's team at the 1936 Olympics. He was also the first Finnish-born player in the National Hockey League.

He came as an infant to Port Arthur, Ontario, where he was raised. From 1918-22 he played for the Port Arthur Pascoes. He then joined the senior Port Arthur team and won Allan Cups in 1925 and 1926.

These wins got Pudas a contract with the Toronto St. Pats of the NHL in 1926. He played four games for them with no points in 1926-27. He then played one more season in the Canadian Professional Hockey League before retiring.

Pudas then became a referee and then the coach of the senior Port Arthur Bearcats. Since the Bearcats formed the bulk of the 1936 Olympic team, Pudas became the coach of the Canadian team. They won silver after being upset by Great Britain.