'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.