Maple Leafs legend passes away

Sad news from the hockey world today, as former Toronto Maple Leafs forward Howie Meeker has passed away at the age of 97.

He played a little over seven seasons for the Maple Leafs from 1946 to 1954, recording 185 points (83 G, 102 A), and 329 penalty minutes. He was a four-time Stanley Cup champion with Toronto, and won the Calder Memorial Trophy as rookie of the year during the 1946-47 season. In 55 games that season, Meeker had 45 points (27 G, 18 A), and 76 penalty minutes. In a game against the Chicago Black Hawks, he set the NHL record for most goals in a single game by a rookie with 5. He also was a three-time NHL All-Star (1947, 1948, 1949).

He played junior hockey in the OHA Junior league, before heading off to serve in the Canadian army in the second World War. He was battle injured during his time with the army, but made a full recovery, and returned to playing hockey after the war was over.

For a couple years during his time with the Maple Leafs, Meeker also served as a federal member of parliament in the riding of Waterloo South. He won the seat in parliament during a by-election in 1951, but did not seek re-election in 1953.

After his career was over, Meeker decided to take up broadcasting, and joined the Hockey Night in Canada crew during the 1970's and 1980's. He won the Foster Hewitt Memorial award in 1998 for "Excellence in Hockey Broadcasting", and he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame as a broadcaster the same year.

Our deepest condolences to the Meeker family for their loss. Rest in peace, Howie.

We are saddened with the news that our friend Howie Meeker passed away this morning at the age of 97 at Nanaimo General Hospital. ⁦@MapleLeafs⁩ ⁦@HockeyHallFame⁩.Condolences to his wife Leah and family. #RIP pic.twitter.com/90oVm76Arq— Bernie Pascall (@berniepascall) November 8, 2020

MUST READ

1 minutes ago  |  By Tyler Ball Zach Lavine and De'Aaron Fox Involved In 3-Way Blockbuster Trade

33 minutes ago  |  By Tom Banks LeBron James Sends Heartfelt Message to Close Friend Anthony Davis After Shock Trade

3 hours ago  |  By Tyler Ball Shocking Conspiracy Behind Luka Doncic and Anthony Davis Trade Revealed Online

3 hours ago  |  By Graham Montgomery More Bad News for the Vancouver Canucks After JT Miller Trade

5 hours ago  |  By Tom Banks Devils' Stefan Noesen Likely Facing Major Suspension for Vicious Hit on Tage Thompson

8 hours ago  |  By Daniel Lucente The Real Reason the Dallas Mavericks Traded Luka Doncic Leaks Publicly

9 hours ago  |  By Daniel Lucente LeBron James Exposes Media Lies After Shocking Luka Doncic Trade to the LA Lakers

10 hours ago  |  By Daniel Lucente JT Miller Comments on Why He Chose to Waive His No-Trade Clause for the New York Rangers

MORE STORIES