1967 Leafs Reunite

Back in 1967, there were no multi-million dollar contracts for members of the Toronto Leafs.   And there were no $300 Titanium hockey sticks or Nike skates.   In those days, the M.V.P. took home a shaving kit and when you ‘laid the lumber’ on someone, it was because your stick was made of wood.  

But despite the monetary and technological advancements that have followed the game’s inevitable evolution, there’s one thing the 67′ Leafs had that have made them the envy of every successive lineup — the Stanley Cup.  

On Wednesday, members of that glorified team gathered to announce a reunion dinner on March 22 ^nd for the Make-A-Wish-Foundation.  

They also couldn’t help but shake their heads with a combination of befuddlement and amusement at the fact that no team since has been able to accomplish what they have in the past 40 years.  

“I never dreamed it would go that long,” admits Red Kelly.   “It’s unbelievable really, because Toronto’s a great city. The fans here are great. They support the team, and for it not to happen for that long, it’s just long overdue.”

Former Leaf Bobby Baun entered the halls of immortality when he scored the winning goal in Game 6 of the 1964 Stanley Cup final while nursing a broken foot.   He was also part of the team that took home the coveted trophy in 67.  

“If anybody had ever told me that (they wouldn’t win the Cup again), I would have told them they’re crazy,” he said, looking as burly as he did when he patrolled the blueline.   “I just thank (my) lucky stars every day.”

All the players have their own theories as to why the Leafs haven’t been able to hoist Lord Stanley overhead.   Some, like Kelly, blame expansion, others, like the always-colourful Eddie Shack, point the finger at former owner Harold Ballard for his notorious inability to part with a dollar.  

“He could have had Gretzky, whatever he wanted, but he wouldn’t pay,” he reveals.  

Shack was the recipient of the aforementioned “M.V.P.” shaving kit.   His handlebar mustache attests to the fact that he doesn’t use it.   In fact, he didn’t even hang onto it long enough to remove his youthful five o’clock shadow.  

“I threw it away,” he says with a laugh that booms like a slap shot.   “As soon as they gave it to me I shoved it,   I said ‘them cheap buggers’.

Here’s a look at the roster from that now legendary team.

Goal: Johnny Bower, Terry Sawchuk, Bruce Gamble

Defence: Larry Hillman, Marcel Pronovost, Tim Horton, Bob Baun, Aut Erickson, Allan Stanley, Red Kelly

Wingers: Ron Ellis, George Armstrong (C), Frank Mahovlich, Milan Marcetta, Larry Jeffrey

Centres: Peter Stemkowski, Dave Keon, Mike Walton

Forwards: Jim Pappin, Bob Pulford, Brian Conacher, Eddie Shack

Coach: Punch Imlach

Also with the Leafs in 66-67:

John Brenneman
Wayne Carleton
Kent Douglas
Dick Gamble
Brent Imlach
Jim McKenny
Duane Rupp
Brit Selby
Al Smith
Gary Smith

To order tickets to the alumni dinner, click here.