AN ACE OF A NUMBER

There is one honour that belongs to former Toronto Maple Leaf, Ron Ellis, that no other Leaf can claim hold to. On September 24, 1968, Ellis experienced a remarkable moment when another former Leaf, Irvine "Ace" Bailey, requested that Ellis wear his retired number 6. In the history of the Leafs, there are only two retired numbers, Bailey's 6, and Bill Barilko's number 5.

Both numbers were retired under tragic circumstances. Bailey's number was put out of service after he suffered a career ending injury in a game against the Boston Bruins on December 12, 1933. A check by Bruins' defenceman, Eddie Shore, knocked Bailey out cold and caused an injury to his brain. Bill Barilko, who scored the Cup-winning goal for the Leafs in 1951, lost his life after a plane accident in northern Ontario.

The honour bestowed upon Ellis by Bailey, back in '68, was big news, and newspaper readers were informed of the details the following morning.

"My family and I wanted to see somebody wear the number while I was still active in hockey," Bailey told reporters gathered in the Hot Stove Lounge in Maple Leaf Gardens. At the time, Bailey worked Leaf games as a timekeeper. "Ron is a real hockey player who never gives his club any trouble."

Bailey's former teammate, King Clancy, said of Ellis, "He's one of the greatest kids I've ever been with."

The biggest praise for Ellis came from Leafs' coach and GM, Punch Imlach.

"I wouldn't trade him today for another right-winger in hockey, said the boss. "And that goes for Gordie Howe and Rod Gilbert. There wasn't another right-winger in the NHL last season who scored 28 goals and did not play on the power play. Howe, Gilbert, all of them were on the power play."

Also, Bailey pointed out there was a benefit for Ellis switching from number 8 to 6. "This is two digits lighter than your number, so you should go a little faster."

Ron Ellis, noted for his speedy play up and down the right side, wore number 6 until he retired in 1981. He played his entire NHL career wearing the blue & white of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

GALLERY