50 Facts About Toronto Maple Leafs: A Comprehensive Guide to the Iconic Hockey Team

Toronto Maple Leafs is one of the world’s most popular and well-known hockey teams. Founded in 1917, the team has a rich history and a dedicated fan base. The team’s maple leaf logo has become synonymous with Canadian identity and pride. This article will explore 50 interesting facts about the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The History of Toronto Maple Leafs

1. Toronto Maple Leafs was founded in 1917 and was originally called the Toronto Arenas.
2. The team changed its name to Toronto St. Patricks in 1919 and then to Toronto Maple Leafs in 1927.
3. The team has won 13 Stanley Cup championships, the most recent in 1967.
4. The Toronto Maple Leafs are one of the “Original Six” teams in the National Hockey League (NHL).
5. The team has a long-standing rivalry with the Montreal Canadiens, another Original Six team.

The Legends of Toronto Maple Leafs

6. Toronto Maple Leafs has produced some of the greatest players in hockey history, including Darryl Sittler, Doug Gilmour, and Wendel Clark.
7. Maple Leafs defenseman Tim Horton, who played for the team from 1949 to 1970, opened a chain of donut shops that became a Canadian institution.
8. Maple Leafs legend Johnny Bower, who played goalie for the team from 1958 to 1969, served in World War II as a member of the Canadian military.
9. Maple Leafs center Mats Sundin holds the team record for most goals (420) and most points (987) in a career.

The Iconic Maple Leaf Logo

10. The team’s iconic logo features a maple leaf with 31 points, representing the number of NHL teams in existence.
11. The current version of the logo was introduced in 1967.
12. The logo was designed by Stafford Smythe, son of former Maple Leafs owner Conn Smythe.
13. The team’s original logo, used from 1927 to 1938, featured a maple leaf with the word “Toronto” inside it.

The Maple Leafs Home Arena

14. The Maple Leafs play their home games at the Scotiabank Arena, located in downtown Toronto.
15. The arena has a seating capacity of over 19,000 for hockey games.
16. The arena was previously known as the Air Canada Centre and the Molson Canadian Amphitheatre.
17. The arena opened in 1999 and cost over $265 million to build.

The Most Famous Goal in Maple Leafs History

18. The most famous goal in Maple Leafs history is known as the “Maple Leaf Forever” goal.
19. The goal was scored by Bill Barilko in overtime of the 1951 Stanley Cup Final.
20. Barilko’s goal gave the Maple Leafs their first championship in 11 years.
21. Tragically, Barilko died in a plane crash later that year and his body was not found until 1962.
22. The legend of Barilko’s goal and his disappearance inspired the Tragically Hip song “Fifty Mission Cap.”

The “Curse” of Harold Ballard

23. Harold Ballard was the owner of the Maple Leafs from 1972 to 1990.
24. Ballard was known for his controversial and often unpopular decisions, including firing popular coach Roger Neilson and trading star player Lanny McDonald.
25. During Ballard’s ownership, the team did not win a Stanley Cup championship.
26. Some fans believe that Ballard put a curse on the team that prevented them from winning.

The Future of Toronto

The Recent Success of Toronto Maple Leafs

27. Despite their long championship drought, the Maple Leafs have recently been competitive.
28. In the 2020-2021 NHL season, the team finished first in the North Division.
29. The team’s top players include Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and John Tavares.
30. The team’s head coach is Sheldon Keefe.

The Passionate Fan Base of Toronto Maple Leafs

31. The Maple Leafs have one of the most passionate and dedicated fan bases in sports.
32. The team’s home games are often sold out, and tickets can be difficult to obtain.
33. The Maple Leafs also have a strong following on social media, with over 1 million followers on Twitter.
34. The team’s fans are known for their loyalty and their love of the game.

The Impact of Toronto Maple Leafs on Hockey Culture

35. The Maple Leafs have had a significant impact on hockey culture, both in Canada and around the world.
36. The team’s logo and colors are instantly recognizable and have become synonymous with Canadian identity.
37. The Maple Leafs have inspired countless young hockey players and fans.
38. The team’s success and popularity have helped to grow the sport of hockey and increase its global appeal.

68 Facts About Toronto Maple Leafs

39. The Maple Leafs are the only NHL team based in Canada to have never relocated or changed their team name.
40. The team’s official mascot is a polar bear named Carlton.
41. The Maple Leafs have retired the numbers of 19 former players, including Dave Keon, Frank Mahovlich, and Syl Apps.
42. The team’s colors are blue and white, and their jerseys feature a distinctive diagonal stripe.
43. The team’s official goal song is “You Make My Dreams” by Hall & Oates.
44. The Maple Leafs have had 17 captains in their history, including George Armstrong, Dave Keon, and Mats Sundin.
45. The team has had 39 head coaches in their history, including legends like Punch Imlach and Pat Quinn.
46. The Maple Leafs have had several notable broadcasters and commentators, including Foster Hewitt and Don Cherry.
47. The Maple Leafs have a strong minor league system, with their AHL affiliate, the Toronto Marlies, based in Toronto.
48. The team has a long-standing rivalry with the Ottawa Senators, dating back to the early 1900s.
49. The Maple Leafs have played in some of the most iconic arenas in hockey history, including Maple Leaf Gardens and the Montreal Forum.
50. The team’s all-time leading scorer is Mats Sundin, with 987 points in 981 games.

FAQs

What is the origin of the Toronto Maple Leafs name?

The team was originally called the Toronto Arenas but changed its name to the Toronto St. Patricks in 1919. In 1927, the team changed its name again to them.

How many Stanley Cup championships have the Maple Leafs won?

The Maple Leafs have won 13 Stanley Cup championships, the most recent in 1967.

Who is the most famous player in Maple Leafs history?

Many great players have been in Maple Leafs history, but Mats Sundin holds the team record for most goals (420) and most points (987) in a career.

Who is the Maple Leafs’ biggest rival?

They have a long-standing rivalry with the Montreal Canadiens, another Original Six team.

Who owns the Toronto Maple Leafs?

The Toronto Maple Leafs are owned by Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment.

Who is the current head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs?

The current head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs is Sheldon Keefe.

Conclusion

The Toronto Maple Leafs are an iconic hockey team with a rich history and a passionate fan base. From their legendary players to their iconic logo and home arena, the Maple Leafs have significantly impacted hockey culture in Canada and around the world. With a competitive team and a bright future, the Maple Leafs will continue to inspire fans and players for generations to come.