Prior to playing in the NHL, Hank Blade spent the majority of his time playing hockey in the Ottawa area. In 1939-40 he joined the Ottawa Montagnards of the OCHL at the age of 19. In his second year with the club he became one of the top goal scorers, popping in 12 goals in 20 games.
In 1941 he began a two-year association with the Ottawa RCAF during World War Two. Midway through the 1942-43 hockey season he was transferred to Vancouver where he picked up his game with the unit on the west coast. While in Vancouver he was seen by a member of the NNDHL's Vancouver Seahawks, who asked him to join their team. The following year he headed back east to Ottawa but wanted a chance to play in the NHL, so he spent time showcasing his talent with the Kansas City Pla-Mors of the USHL. The move paid off. In 1946-47 the Chicago Blackhawks used Blade in 18 games, where he had a goal and four points.
Blade played another six games with the Blackhawks in 1947-48, and that was the last time he played in the league. He continued to play hockey for another six years and in 1951 was named the MVP of the USHL while playing with the Milwaukee Seagulls.
