Red Storey was an all-round athlete, playing for the Toronto Argonauts, winning two Grey Cups with them in 1937 and ’38. He also played Lacrosse at a high level, almost made it to the MLB and in 1942-43 he played hockey for the Montreal Royals.
However, Storey decided to leave the Royals and he became a football official until 1957. During that period of football officiating Red Storey was hired by the NHL, and in 1950 started refereeing. Storey’s true passion was hockey, and it showed with his genuine effort in calling them how he saw them. He also had a reputation of making everyone smile.
Storey abruptly retired in 1959 after an incident in Chicago. But he didn’t let nasty comments about his refereeing style deter him from his love of the game. Storey continued to ref for charitable games.
He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1967, into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame, and was made a member of the Order of Canada in 1991. Storey gave much of his time to raising money for needy children. He was an incredible public speaker and helped raised an estimated $25 million for children’s charity.
Red Storey
BORN: Mar 5, 1918 in Barrie, Ontario.
Became Montrealer in 1942.
DIED: Mar 15, 2006 in Montreal.
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