Vernon “Newt” Hopper was born in Truro, Nova Scotia. He began playing hockey at an early age and in 1921 was considered one of the best high-scoring defencemen of the era. Although he always remained an amateur player, coaches and fans considered Hopper to be better than some of the professional players of that time.

A rushing defenceman, he was an excellent stickhandler and a good shot blocker. It has been suggested that if Hopper had had some professional coaching, he would have been a prolific addition to any NHL team. Vernon “Newt” Hopper is an Original Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame Inductee.