| Harry Watson was one of several World War I veterans who joined the Toronto Granites of the Ontario Hockey Association when the team was formed for the 1919-20 season. The team quickly became a powerhouse in Canadian senior amateur hockey, winning back-to-back Allan Cup championships in 1922 and 1923. As the defending Allan Cup champs, the Granites earned to right to play for Canada at the first Winter Olympics in 1924.
The Granites proved much stronger than their European opponents and Watson collected 11 goals in a 30-0 win over Czechoslovakia, six in a 22-0 win over Sweden and 13 (still an Olympic record) in a 33-0 win over Switzerland. In the semifinals, he scored three goals in a 19-2 win over Great Britain, then added another hat trick in a 6-1 win over the United States in the gold medal game. In all, Watson scored 36 goals in five games as the Granites outscored the opposition 110-3. Watson turned down several offers to turn professional after the Olympics and remained an amateur throughout his Hall of Fame career. |
