Thursday, March 28, 2013

War on Ice

Many consider the Original Six to be hockey's most competitive era.


As the ad above depicts clashes were marketed as all out war. The drawing cleverly shows Black Hawks circling the Maple Leaf bandwagon. Under attack, Hap Day grips the reins and leads his charges down the war path.

The ad promoted a January 8, 1947, confrontation between Chicago and Toronto at Maple Leaf Gardens.

Toronto easily won this battle by defeating the Black Hawks 10-4. One soldier for the Maple Leafs went on the offensive and never stopped blasting. Employing all his weapons, Howie Meeker accounted for 5 of Toronto's goals.

"I got three that I put in and two others I steered in," Meeker told reporters.

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Hockey Night in Toronto

Any chance to view an NHL game live is always a great experience. On Saturday, when the Leafs hosted Winnipeg, there were several added bonuses.



It was good to see two former Leafs in Winnipeg's line-up. Nik Antropov (c) at the blue line, watches as Kyle Wellwood is about to dish-off a pass.



Dave "Tiger" Williams dressed in his military attire, delivers the puck to centre ice on Armed Forces Appreciation Night at the Air Canada Centre.


Andrew Ladd and Dion Phaneuf are joined by members of the armed forces for the ceremonial puck drop.


It is always fun to look up and try and spot an ex-Leaf sitting in the Maple Leaf Alumni Lounge.


On the eve of St. Patrick's Day, there is no better Maple Leaf to salute than Francis "King" Clancy.