Sid Abel

Sidney Gerald Abel (February 22, 1918 – February 8, 2000) was a Canadian hockey player, coach, and general manager in the National Hockey League, best known for his association with the Detroit Red Wings. Born in Melville, Saskatchewan, and nicknamed "Old Bootnose," Abel played junior hockey with the Flin Flon Bombers before joining the Red Wings in 1938. He split the next two seasons between Detroit and the club's affiliates in the International-American Hockey League before becoming a full-time player in 1940. He was named captain of the Red Wings in 1942.

In 1943, Abel left the team to serve with the Royal Canadian Air Force during World War II, skating with the RCAF team in Montreal. He was demobilized late in the 1946 season, rejoining the Red Wings in time for the playoffs and regaining the captaincy. In 1947, coach Jack Adams placed Abel and Ted Lindsay on a forward line with rookie right winger Gordie Howe.

Abel was a member of Stanley Cup-winning teams in 1943, 1950, and 1952. He was elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame, and in 2017 was named one of the "100 Greatest NHL Players" in history.