Today in Hockey History: Toronto Maple Leafs Retire Ace Bailey Sweater

Hockey is back! Normally we’d be closing in on the NHL trade deadline for the final push of the season. However, we’re in a different world. Last Word on Hockey is still going to look back at each date’s historical significance to the game. We’ll remember the moments that shaped the sport of hockey that happened on this day. Here’s our look at this date in hockey history for February 14th, featuring Ace Bailey.

Happy Valentine’s Day to those that celebrate.

Today in Hockey History

Leafs Retire No. 6 of Ace Bailey

1934: A standing-room only crowd of 14,074 jams Maple Leaf Gardens to see the Toronto Maple Leafs retire Bailey’s sweater. The Leafs defeat the NHL All-Stars, 7-3 in a benefit for Bailey, who had to retire recently after fracturing his skull.

The highlight of the night comes before the opening face-off when Shore approaches Bailey, who extends his hand. Busher Jackson scores twice as the game raises $21,000.

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Other Notable Events

1923: The Toronto St. Pats and Ottawa Senators game is the first broadcast on radio. Canadian station CFCA broadcasts the third period of the game at the Arena Gardens in Toronto.

1954: Detroit Red Wings forward Gordie Howe gets his 500th points in a 5-0 win over the Chicago Blackhawks. Howe collects two goals and an assist and Terry Sawchuk gets his 43rd shutout.

1977: Al Hill of the Philadelphia Flyers makes a heck of a debut with two goals and three assists in a 6-4 win over the St. Louis Blues. Hill ties the record for most points in a player’s first NHL game.

1986: Edmonton Oilers centre Wayne Gretzky gets his third and final seven-assist night of his career. He powers the Oilers to an 8-2 victory over the Quebec Nordiques to match Billy Taylor‘s mark.

1988: Marcel Dionne passes Phil Esposito for second on the all-time scoring list with a pair of power-play goals. Dionne gets to 719 goals as the New York Rangers play to a 4-4 tie with the New York Islanders.

1990: Pittsburgh Penguins centre Mario Lemieux has his point streak end at 46 games. However, the Penguins still beat the Rangers 4-3 at Madison Square Garden.

1993: The San Jose Sharks snap a 17-game losing streak with a 3-2 win over the Winnipeg Jets. They stay tied with the 1974-75 Washington Capitals.

2003: Boston Bruins Mike Knuble sets an NHL record for fastest two goals from the start of a game by one player. He scores twice in 27 seconds in a 6-5 OT win over the Florida Panthers.

2004: Mighty Ducks of Anaheim forward Sergei Fedorov becomes the first Russia-born player in NHL history to have 1,000 points by getting two assists.

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