Member-only story

The Toronto Maple Leafs: The Complete Oral History

John Grisham

·3.4k Followers· Follow

Published in Eric Zweig

5 min read

924 View Claps

53 Respond

Save

Listen

The Toronto Maple Leafs are one of the most iconic hockey teams in the world, with a rich history and a passionate fan base. The team was founded in 1917 as the Toronto Arenas, and has since won 13 Stanley Cups, the most of any team in the NHL. The Maple Leafs have also produced some of the greatest players in hockey history, including Conn Smythe, Syl Apps, Tim Horton, and Mats Sundin.

The Toronto Maple Leafs: The Complete Oral History

by Eric Zweig

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	13012 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	458 pages

This article provides an in-depth look at the history of the Toronto Maple Leafs, from its humble beginnings to its present-day status as a perennial contender. The article is based on interviews with former players, coaches, and executives, and provides a unique insight into the team's culture and identity.

The Early Years

The Toronto Maple Leafs were founded in 1917 as the Toronto Arenas. The team was owned by Conn Smythe, a former player who had served as a pilot in the Royal Flying Corps during World War I. Smythe was a passionate hockey fan, and he was determined to build a winning team in Toronto.

The Arenas played their first game on December 19, 1917, at the Arena Gardens. The team won its first Stanley Cup in 1918, and went on to win three more Stanley Cups in the 1920s. The Arenas were renamed the Maple Leafs in 1927, and the team has been known by that name ever since.

The Golden Era

The 1940s and 1950s were a golden era for the Toronto Maple Leafs. The team won five Stanley Cups during this period, and produced some of the greatest players in hockey history, including Syl Apps, Tim Horton, and Red Kelly.

The Maple Leafs were led by a core group of players who were known as the "Kid Line." The Kid Line consisted of Apps, Horton, and Kelly, and they were one of the most dominant lines in NHL history.

The Maple Leafs also had a strong defense during this period, led by goaltender Turk Broda. Broda was one of the best goaltenders in the NHL, and he helped the Maple Leafs win four Stanley Cups.

The Lean Years

The Maple Leafs struggled to win the Stanley Cup in the 1960s and 1970s. The team made the playoffs every year, but they were unable to get past the second round. The Maple Leafs also had a number of off-ice problems during this period, including financial difficulties and a lack of leadership.

The Maple Leafs finally broke their Stanley Cup drought in 1993, when they defeated the Los Angeles Kings in the Stanley Cup Finals. The Maple Leafs were led by a young team that included Mats Sundin, Doug Gilmour, and Mike Gartner.

The Present Day

The Toronto Maple Leafs are one of the most popular teams in the NHL, and they have a passionate fan base. The team has not won the Stanley Cup since 1967, but they are always a contender. The Maple Leafs are led by a young team that includes Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and William Nylander.

The Maple Leafs are one of the most iconic teams in hockey, and their history is filled with great moments and legendary players. The team has won 13 Stanley Cups, and they have produced some of the greatest players in the game. The Maple Leafs are a symbol of Canadian hockey, and they are a source of pride for the city of Toronto.

The Toronto Maple Leafs are one of the most storied franchises in NHL history. The team has won 13 Stanley Cups, and they have produced some of the greatest players in the game. The Maple Leafs are a symbol of Canadian hockey, and they are a source of pride for the city of Toronto.

The Toronto Maple Leafs: The Complete Oral History

by Eric Zweig

4.5 out of 5