It was announced today that Toronto Maple Leafs former three-time all star and four-time Stanley Cup winner Eddie Shack has passed away at age 83.
Eddie Shack won four Stanley Cups with the @MapleLeafs and even scored the Cup-winning goal in 1963, but it was his winning personality that captured the hearts of so many hockey fans.
Remembering The Entertainer: https://t.co/QEPuLLAKwr
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) July 26, 2020
Eddie Shack Dies at Age 83
Shack started playing hockey at the young age of 15 after giving up on being a butcher. After trying out for the Guelph Biltmores, an Ontario Hockey Association team, he played for five seasons and became one of its stars before being signed by the New York Rangers.
Shack made his NHL debut in 1958-59 season and played for the Rangers for two seasons. His main role on the team was not to score but to be a physical presence. He scored only 16 goals over parts of three seasons with the Rangers, before being traded to the Maple Leafs in 1960. It was here that he displayed his most success in the NHL.
For seven seasons, Shack skated with the Maple Leafs’ wings. His role as a third-line agitator made him a fan favorite. You wouldn’t see his name in the box score scoring goals or assisting on them, yet his presence served its purpose. His colourful personality added to his team’s attraction.
Remembering Eddie Shack
His role as an agitator always meant he’d be willing to drop the gloves with anyone. During the 1964 playoffs against the Montreal Canadiens, Shack fought Henri Richard. Richard had Shack unable to use his arms as Richard had him tied up. So, in very common Shack fashion, he head-butted Richard sending him to get some stitches. It must have helped since the Maple Leafs won that game and the series and eventually the Stanley Cup.
The Maple Leafs are deeply saddened by the passing of Eddie Shack.
A three-time all star and four-time Stanley Cup champion, Eddie entertained Leafs fans on the ice for nine seasons and for decades off of it. He will be greatly missed.
Our thoughts are with his family. pic.twitter.com/vMz0pznuNv
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) July 26, 2020
Eddie Shack was one of a kind and will be missed.
