The Toronto Maple Leafs have announced that former player George Armstrong has passed away. The news comes as Toronto is off to a strong start with a realistic chance at the Stanley Cup in 2020-21. Armstrong was 90 years old and had been a member of the extended Toronto family for almost 75 years. The team announced Armstrong’s passing early Sunday morning.
The Toronto Maple Leafs mourn the passing of George Armstrong, a member of our Maple Leafs family for 75 years.
We extend our condolences to George’s wife Betty, their children, grandchildren and the entire Armstrong family.
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— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) January 24, 2021
Maple Leafs George Armstrong Passes Away
Armstrong was a rock for the Leafs for much of his 21-year career. He debuted with the organization in 1949-50 and skated all the way through 1970-71. The 6’1″ wing helped the team win an incredible four Stanley Cups during the 1960s. His 296 career goals is tied for sixth in franchise history and his point total of 713 is fifth. It’s unsurprising that playing for 21 seasons means that Armstrong leads the franchise in total games played; he narrowly edges out teammate Tim Horton with four more contests.
The Leafs of Armstrong’s tenure played in a very different environment than the one that modern fans would recognize. All but a handful of his seasons came during the Original Six era. It wasn’t until the very end of his career that the NHL would add a half-dozen teams including future stalwart franchises as the Pittsburgh Penguins and Philadelphia Flyers. He also played when helmets were not yet a feature of any sort. Armstrong saw many rules implemented during his time as a player including players being confined to the bench during a skirmish and no contact allowed during faceoffs. Armstrong was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1975.
Celebrating Armstrong’s Legacy
There is little doubt that the Skead, Ontario native is one of the greatest players of his time. His longevity made him a constant in a league that itself was changing rules almost every season as it modernized. Armstrong watched integration occur in Boston when Willie O’Ree debuted, which was itself a huge moment in hockey history. His passing is certainly one of the saddest at this time, but his legacy as a Leafs icon will never be forgotten.
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