MEEKER TURNS 97

 

Happy Birthday to the oldest living former Toronto Maple Leaf, Howie Meeker!

In 1943, at the age of 19, he joined the Army's Engineers' Corps and suffered serious injuries to both his legs while taking part in military maneuvers.

In his first season with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Meeker scored 27 goals and his performance earned him the 1947 Calder Trophy as the NHL's top rookie. Early on in Toronto, he played right wing on the KML line with Leafs' legend Ted Kennedy and Vic Lynn. In addition to his hockey duties, Meeker became a Member of Parliament (1951-1953) in the Canadian government. Meeker captured four Stanley Cups with Toronto.

After his career came to a close as an active player in 1954, he coached the senior Stratford Indians in the OHA for one term. Then, Meeker spent two years mentoring the AHL Pittsburgh Hornets. This was followed by one season, 1956-57, behind the Leafs' bench. His gig as the Maple Leafs' GM in 1957-58 was aborted before the regular season got underway.

Meeker turned to broadcasting and earned a spot in the broadcaster's wing of the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1998 for his work as an analyst on Hockey Night in Canada.

For many, a lasting memory is the Howie Meeker Hockey School series that aired on the CBC. Meeker was at his boisterous best explaining the techniques of how to play the game. His unique delivery and a constant stream of his catch-phrase, "Golly Gee," made him highly popular with a generation of hockey fans.