Leo Hughes

Hughes began his club career in 1923 with the Maple Athletic Association.^[6] On January 21, 1924, he scored the game–winning goal in the Maples' 2–1 victory over Boston College.^[7] In 1924, Hughes was a member of the Neponset Wanderers, an independent football team.^[8]

In 1924, Hughes joined the Boston Athletic Association. During the B.A.A.'s January 17, 1925 game against the Fort Pitt Hornets, the end of Hornet player Joe Stills' stick struck Hughes in face, which left him with a bad cut and knocked him unconscious. Doctors at the Eye and Ear Hospital found it necessary to remove Hughes' right eye, but were able to save the vision in his left eye.^[9][10] A benefit game between the B.A.A. and B.C. was held on February 9, 1925, and raised $3,100 for Hughes.^[11]

Stills was devastated by Hughes' injury and reportedly broke down in tears when he visited Hughes in the hospital.^[10] The two developed a friendship that lasted through Hughes' life. Hughes once stated that he did not suffer "nearly so much as the fellow who unintentionally caused the loss of my eye."^[12]

In 1921, Hughes began working for the Newton playground department, where he held a variety of roles, including lifeguard, director of boy's activities, supervisor of Crystal Lake, and director of skating places.^[12]

In 1925, Hughes became the head hockey coach at Brookline High School.^[13] That same season, he served as manager and coach of the Pere Marquette team of the Eastern Amateur Hockey League and organized Leo Hughes' Newton Stars, an amateur team consisting of players from his hometown.^[14] In 1934, he coached the Berry Hockey Club.^[15]

In October 1937, Hughes married Kathleen Kelly of Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. They had one son, Stephen Leo Hughes Jr.^[1]

Hughes died on March 25, 1939, following a long illness. He was buried in Holyhood Cemetery in Brookline, Massachusetts.^[1]