Monday, September 24, 2018

LEAFS CAMP 1928: A PICTURE OF HEALTH

Back in the day, NHL training camps were designed to help the players shake off weight gained during the off-season and for management to make sure they were put through their paces. Ninety-years ago, the Toronto Maple Leafs took a bus from Toronto to Port Elgin, Ontario, to get ready for the 1928-29 campaign. On the afternoon of October 21, 1928, twelve Maple Leafs made the trip to begin camp. The twelve chosen ones were Arthur Smith, Art Duncan, 'Ace' Bailey, Bill Carson, Joe Primeau, Danny Cox, Gerry Lowrey, 'Hap' Day, Jack Arbour, Lorne Chabot, Alex Gray and George Horne. This group, under the supervision of Conn Smythe and trainer Tom Dailey, never hit the ice once they arrived in Port Elgin.



Instead, their time was spent on dry-land training and getting into shape before returning to Toronto and workouts at Arena Gardens on Mutual Street. A newspaper report noted, "The players were up bright and early ... Corporal Coyne attended to that. He had them out at 7:15 going through a series of physical 'jerks' that to the former soldiers of the team were reminiscent of the old army days."

A special dispatch to The Globe provided further details on the Leafs activity in Port Elgin. "Awakening to find a drizzling rain awaiting them today, the Maple Leafs had a half-hour's physical drill on the veranda of the Lake View Inn." Once the weather cleared, "... the team was put through a series of formations for the benefit of Canadian Press photograhers."



And the Leafs weren't finished. "Following this, a two-mile hike, with occasional stops for more drill[s], was ordered by the instructor." Also included in the training camp program was tennis, golf and baseball.

The Leafs finally laced up their skates on November 3, 1928, at Arena Gardens.

Edited September 24, 2018 12:27pm.

Friday, September 21, 2018

A. D. 1931

"In the hope and expectation that Maple Leaf Gardens will play well its part in the development of good and clean athletic sports I hereby declare its cornerstone to be well and truly laid."
-W.D. Ross, Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario - September 21, 1931.
Today marks the 87th anniversary of the cornerstone ceremony at 60 Carlton Street, the address of Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto. The cornerstone was placed near the corner of Carlton and Church. In what seems almost impossible by current standards, the hockey palace was constructed in approximately 5 months with workers applying their skills around the clock.

One of the speakers at the event was Maple Leaf Gardens president J.P. Bickell. And Bickell recognized the unique financial agreement between the unions and MLG Ltd. in his speech. "Various trades employed are becoming part-owners of the enterprise by accepting a substantial portion of their remuneration in stock. There is I believe no precedent in any similar project for this happy situation."


Bickell continued on this theme in his address to the assembled crowd. "The first benefits from this work [the construction] have already been experienced through the distribution of a very considerable amount in wages, the purchase in Canada of large quantities of materials and supplies, and the profitable employment of some 800 men. Upon completion, the land and building will represent an expenditure in excess of $1,500,000 and will accommodate approximately 13,000 for hockey games and 17,000 for concerts, wrestling, boxing or other sports not requiring the entire large rink area."

It is important to note, taking into consideration Bickell's words, that all this was happening during the depression that followed the 1929 crash. The payment of the workers in stock became necessary to complete the job. Although there may have been an initial financial hardship imposed on some union members by taking stock, those that retained their certificates reaped a huge reward. As Maple Leaf Gardens Ltd. enjoyed box office success, so did the value of the stock. The longer a worker could retain the investment, his acceptance of the deal looked brighter. But for most, a lack of cash and the punishing affects of the depression resulted in them cashing in their stocks.

On November 12, 1931, the doors of Maple Leaf Gardens were opened for the public to witness the first hockey game in the new building. Hockey fans moved from Arena Gardens on Mutual Street uptown to the rink built by Conn Smythe and his associates.

As Bickell declared of the massive effort to build Maple Leaf Gardens, "it represents the combined efforts of all sections of the community." A community that enjoyed attending events, in particular Toronto Maple Leaf hockey games, from 1931 to 1999.

Wednesday, September 19, 2018

'FACE OFF': THEN & NOW

It is always a delight when I can highlight situations that feature the "then and now" concept, which is the mission of this blog. In most cases, the written word and photos blend the old and the new. For example, a recent story titled "Captain Leaf" incorporated the Maple Leafs current situation of not having a captain, then delving into the past when Dave Keon was given the 'C' in 1969.

At the September Original Six Alumni lunch, I was sitting in a booth chatting with actor and director Art Hindle. During the course of our conversation, I glanced up and saw a gentleman walking in the direction of our booth. That man was former Toronto Maple Leaf trainer, Joe Sgro. Looking at Art, then Joe, it dawned on me they both were in the hockey movie 'Face Off.' When Joe reached our table, I grabbed his arm to get his attention. What came next was a joy to watch. Art and Joe went through the process of studying each other, then it was like a lightbulb went off. In unison, it seemed like the clock was turned back and they were in the 'Face Off' film.




The first photo shows Art and Joe at the luncheon. The second and third pictures are screen grabs from the movie. Joe (in the blue shirt) is shown working on Leaf forward Ron Ellis, while Art, in his role as Billy Duke, is decked out in his best threads and about to leave the trainers room. The last photo includes Joe with Leaf owner Harold Ballard (sitting) and actor John Vernon, who portrayed fictional Leaf coach Fred Wares.

For more details on 'Face Off' click here.

Saturday, September 15, 2018

BOSTON'S TRAINING CAMP - 1966

As the NHL training camps got underway this week, there are high  hopes in each city that this will be the year for their club. And back in 1966, there was no greater anticipation than in Boston. As the Bruins gathered for camp in London, Ontario, all eyes were on the prized rookie they signed in early September. That rookie was Bobby Orr.

"I'm happy with the contract," Orr told the press after putting pen to paper. "We've been negotiating for two months and I'm glad it is all settled."

Once at camp, Orr's participation in scrimmages left little doubt he would have any problems adjusting to a higher degree of competition. A Canadian Press report noted that "Orr ... impressed with his speed, puck handling and general poise."


Looking back to Orr's first camp, only one thing appears to be out of place. Forever known as "number four, Bobby Orr," the number assigned to him in London was 19 (see the above photo). Beyond this, Orr lived up to all the hype surrounding his leap to the pro ranks from junior hockey. Milt Schmidt, Boston's GM, gave this appraisal of the Bruins new saviour to Neil MacCarl of the Toronto Daily Star.

"I'd say his biggest asset is the fact he has a lot above his shoulder," said Schmidt. "He seldom makes mistakes. All the good hockey teams-winning teams-have somebody on the blueline who can get the puck out of his own end, either by carrying it out himself, like Doug Harvey used to do for Montreal, or passing it up like Carl Brewer did for the Leafs."

Saturday, September 8, 2018

ROOKIE SCHOOL TO SHOWDOWN


This weekend, the Toronto Maple Leafs will participate in a Rookie Showdown that is being held in Laval, Quebec. Rasmus Sandin, the Leafs number one choice (29th overall) in the 2018 Draft, will be in the line-up for Toronto.


Back in 1946, the Leafs assessed their prospects via a hockey school that was the innovation of Conn Smythe. Prior to the main training camp getting underway, the club invited 20-plus prospects to St. Catharines to take part in the school. "It will be an interesting experiment as we have not yet had an opportunity to see many of those who have been invited in action," Smythe told reporters in July 1946. "We have a lot of amateurs on our (reserve) list and the school will give us a chance to see if they are ready for professional company."

In September, the hockey students gathered in the Garden City and were put through their paces. As Jim Vipond, writing in the Globe and Mail noted, "The opening session developed into a game of shinny, Blues v. Whites under the ice direction of assistant coach Bob Davidson. Coach Hap Day sat apart in the bleachers eagerly looking for the diamond in the rough that may mean the playoffs next spring."



And the "diamond in the rough" turned out to be Howie Meeker. Signed as a free agent by the Leafs on April 13, 1946, Meeker's numbers in his first season with Toronto were impressive. In 55 games, he scored 27 goals and 18 assists for 45 points. His production resulted in him being awarded the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL's top rookie. More silverware came Meeker's way in his rookie year when the Leafs captured the Stanley Cup on April 19, 1947, at Maple Leaf Gardens. In game six of the Cup final, Meeker assisted on Ted Kennedy's game-winning goal at the 14:39 mark of the period three. The goal gave Toronto a 2-1 lead and they held on to defeat the Montreal Canadiens.

Wednesday, September 5, 2018

CAPTAIN LEAF


As the Toronto Maple Leafs are set to hold their 2018 training camp in Niagara Falls, Ontario, one particular question remains unanswered, will the team remain without a captain? In the case of the Leafs, there is no shortage of candidates for the job. Auston Matthews and John Tavares head the list of those being more than capable of wearing the leadership badge. Tavares, Toronto's prized free agent signing over the summer, served as captain of the New York Islanders for five seasons.

Although much of the discussion revolves around Matthews and Tavares, another name deserves to be in play. Defenceman Morgan Rielly, with 388 regular season games under his belt, is considered a leader in the dressing room and on the ice. Last year, Rielly lowered his plus/minus figure to a respectable minus-4. In 2016-17, his rating was minus-20.

 A two-way player, Rielly doesn't hesitate to lead a rush up ice and his speed allows him to quickly make his way back to defend the Leafs zone. Often, his leadership qualities can be witnessed in his post-game comments. Rielly tackles the tough questions and readily admits when his play is off kilter. At this point, Rielly is the anchor of a Toronto defence core that many tag as below par. The overwhelming criticism is the Leafs lack a number one defenceman. There are constant cries the club needs an Erik Karlsson or Victor Hedman to patrol the blueline. Until the Leafs can secure such a commodity, they will have to proceed with the current stable of defensemen in their organization.

And there is no reason why the defence as a collective unit cannot mature into a cohesive group that can get the job done right. Morgan Rielly, Nikita Zaitsev, Ron Hainsey and Travis Dermott are in place. The white elephant in the room is Jake Gardiner. Is it time to give up on him? Solely based on his performance in the elimination game last spring in Boston, many are of the opinion he is a liability. Gardiner's play comes across as lackadaisical and his failure to read what's going on around him calls into question his judgement. The hope in Leaf Nation is that Gardiner will be eager to redeem himself and concentrate on becoming a better defender. His offensive skills are his greatest asset. Perhaps, like Gary Leeman, the Leafs should consider converting Gardiner from defence to forward. In his new position, Leeman went on to be the second Leaf to score 50 goals in a season.

It is time to reflect on the future and not drown in playoff losses to the Boston Bruins and Washington Capitals. Remember 20 years-ago when Tomas Kaberle came out of nowhere and earned a roster spot? Who is to say prospects Rasmus Sandin, Timothy Liljegren and Igor Ozhiganov cannot emerge as the new Kaberle. Under these circumstances, Morgan Rielly's role as a player, mentor and leader will be vital to any success the Leafs are able to accomplish. If he was to become captain, acceptance from his teammates would be a given.

The question becomes how willing is Brendan Shanahan, Kyle Dubas and Mike Babcock to taking the leap to name Rielly as the captain of their ship? Behind closed doors, is the braintrust concerned about the reaction from Matthews and Tavares? In addition to being a top-five player in the NHL, did management envision Tavares wearing the captains "C" on his jersey?

Back in 1969, there was little doubt concerning which Maple Leaf would be crowned captain. With the brief retirement of George Armstrong, the club chose Dave Keon to become the 10th captain in team history. "They couldn't have made a better choice," stated Leaf goalie Bruce Gamble. "He's a leader and I don't mean just on the ice. We've had a few important player meetings since I joined the team, and Dave always had his say. He had no trouble getting his point across."


With Joe Sgro (pictured above sewing the "C" on Dave Keon's jersey) at the August Original Six Alumni Lunch



With camp getting underway on September 14, it will be intriguing to see what direction the Maple Leafs take concerning the captain issue. To ignore an appointment serves no purpose. The team needs a leader in the tradition of Hap Day, Ted Kennedy, George Armstrong, Dave Keon, Mats Sundin and all those that had the honour of being captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs.