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Bobby(Robert J) Lee

Photo:Bobby Lee

Bobby Lee

From the private collection of Trevor Chepstow

Legendary ice hockey player
Trevor Chepstow

Bobby Lee was Brighton's greatest sportsman of the post war era. He breathed life into one of Britain's most successful ice hockey teams and became a legend in his own lifetime.

Born in Montreal
Born in Montreal, Bobby played hockey on the frozen rivers almost as soon as he could walk. His early career began as a left winger in the "Montreal Royals" in junior hockey and finally graduating to the senior team of "La Fontaine".

Signed to play in England in 1936
In 1936 the coach of the "Brighton Tigers", Don Penniston, approached Bobby, who was then in his early twenties, and signed him up to play in England. After one season with the "Tigers" Bobby was talent spotted and went on to play for Earls Court for the next two seasons.

Married in October 1939
It was during those early days in England that he met his wife to be (Billie) and he was married in the October of 1939. With the outbreak of the war they both went to Canada where Bobby joined the RCAF.

Took Brighton Tigers to victory
When Earls Court failed to open immediately after the war Bobby rejoined the "Tigers" as player-manager and moved to the position of centre-ice. Under his management he took the "Brighton Tigers" on to win all three major tournaments in the 1946-7 season and in the following years won International and World-wide fame for the team!

200 goals in ice hockey
Without doubt, Bobby Lee was the best centre-ice of all the Canadians who sought fame on British rinks. He was the first man in the history of British ice hockey to score 200 goals and in October 1952 the first player to score 400 goals. He played well into his forties in a sport where most men retired at twenty-five!

A real superstar
Bobby gave enjoyment to thousands who flocked to the Sports Stadium and Brighton's ice hockey public always had a special place in their hearts for this gentleman of ice hockey. If the word "Superstar" applied to anyone, Bobby Lee would have been the first to be crowned with this mantle!

In retirement became 'mine host'
After retiring in 1954 Bobby became 'mine host' at the Mile Oak Inn and later took over the Windmill Inn at Southwick. He died on New Year's Eve in 1974 after probably one of the most distinguished careers any man could have wished for in the world of ice hockey.

Sent to the website via the contribution form by Trevor Chepstow on 15-07-04
This page was added on 22/03/2006.

Comments:

I am the daugther of Bobby and Billie Lee and have been residing in Toronto, Canada most of the time since the early 1970s. I have made a wonderful life here in a great country with my career focus being in the Canadian travel industry and specifically the cruise industry. My brother, Robert Lee (now 65 years old), also lives in Canada with his family and two of his older children are here as well. I have no doubt our father would be pleased that we are both here although in Ontario and not Quebec. My brother was born in Quebec City in 1941 and I was born in Brighton, England in 1952. Our mother, Billie, died in December 1997 of Parkinson's Disease. It is wonderful to read this about our father and it makes us both very proud. Certainly, growing up in both Mile Oak and Southwick as I did and as the daughter of such a personality and a truly larger than life man, was extremely memorable. I recall going to the last game of the Brighton Tigers and many of the former players, most of whom were Canadians, came on to the ice at the end of the game. I will never forget that the last person on the ice was my dad, Bobby Lee, and how proud of him I felt as I stood alongside my mother and we applauded such a great sportsman. It is sometimes only in later life, how much we realise the importance of the lives our parents lived. Thanks so much for such a great write-up on my father - the inimitable Bobby Lee.
By Vanessa Lee (15/08/2006)

My father (Daniel Adler of Montreal) was a good friend of another legendary Brighton Tiger, Bill Booth. My father always took pride in describing these players as fierce competitors yet great sportsman. Often we would attend NHL games together and my dad would say, "Booth would make these guys look sick." I'm pleased I located this site which applaudes the accomplishments of true hockey talent.

By Adam Adler, Los Angeles, CA. (29/10/2006)

Great to read the comments about Bobby Lee I was a fervent supporter of the Tigers & later came to know & admire Bobby as a true gentleman of sport. I also played Rugby with his son who was a fine centre,I am delighted he is well & living with his family in Canada,if at anytime he visits England I hope he will get in touch as many of his old teammates still live in the area & we have regular get togethers

By Jack Hayes (05/05/2008)

I was living in Brighton when Booy Lee was a hockey star. It was between 1947 and 1949. I still remember those days of glory. My house was at Coombe Road and I was 17 years old. I was 77 last 31st August.

By MANUEL GAGO (10/09/2008)

I forgot to say that I am Spanish and I was a student of  English during those years. Perhaps I have forgotten a lot. I am so sorry.

By MANUEL GAGO (10/09/2008)

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