Playing hockey is back! What's it mean to you?

George  Reginald "Red" Horner (circa 1928)

Former Hockey Night in Canada executive, Frank Selke Jr. made arrangements for him and me to meet with Maple Leaf legendary player, “Red” Horner at his home in Toronto. 

“Red” had been the 3rd captain of the Maple Leafs, following Charlie Conacher and before Syl Apps. Arguably the toughest guy to ever suit up in a Leaf uniform. He was responsible for the incident in Boston when he clobbered Bruin tough guy, Eddie Shore and Shore mistakenly retaliated against the Leafs' Ace Bailey.

The damage Shore inflicted on Bailey ended his career. It was so bad, that an exhibition game was created to help with Bailey's medical expenses and it became the first-ever All-Star Game.



For decades, Bailey's #6 jersey was one of only two numbers to be retired by the Leafs. Bill Barilko's #5 was the other. You may recall that 1970s - 80s Maple Leaf Ron Ellis wore #6. Ace Bailey asked team ownership to take the number out of the rafters and allow Ellis to wear it. Ace thought Ellis played and looked like him on the ice.

Editor's Note: Another "Ace" Bailey ...  Garnet "Ace" Bailey, played in the NHL for several teams - he was a fabulous free spirit who may have invented that term. He died on September 11, 2001, as a passenger on Flight 175 which crashed into the south tower of the World Trade Centre.  

"Red" Horner was in his 90s at the time of our get-together and would be meeting Frank Selke Jr. for the first time.

He buzzed us into his exclusive condo at Yonge and Eglinton. He'd obviously done very well in his post-NHL career. He would never have been able to afford such spectacular digs as an Original Six player. When he came to the door, I extended my hand to introduce myself, and my five digits disappeared in his grip. He had the most enormous hands I'd ever seen and, he was ramrod straight - a full six-footer. His body size was not common during the years of the Original Six.

We settled into his living room while he sorted out who we were. Frank and I were there to ask a favour on behalf of Special Olympics Canada. In retirement from hockey broadcasts, Frank was the Vice President of the charity and I was his sidekick.

“Red” was very welcoming and we chatted for quite a while about hockey and the current Leaf team. Then, all of a sudden ... the light went on for him - Selke!
Frank Selke Sr.

"Red" moved closer to the edge of the sofa and stared at Frank. "When I was a teenager, he said, I used to deliver groceries on my bike to your parents. They lived at the southeast corner of Spadina and Bloor St." (now University of Toronto Schools) “One day, I asked your mum if she would speak to your dad on my behalf. I told her that I was a very good hockey player and could play for the Maple Leafs”.

She did, and Frank Selke's recommendation to Conn Smythe put him on the Marlie roster for 21 games then Smythe signed him to a $2,000 Leaf contract for the balance of the season. Selke's evaluation of "Red" was spot-on and he would go on to an outstanding 12-year, Stanley Cup-winning NHL career with the Leafs.

While we talked, "Red" locked into who he was talking to. His tough guy voice softened, his eyes welled up with tears, and he stood up and gave Frank Selke Jr. the type of hug that's reserved for those in our lives who are most special.

While watching the two of them embrace, I couldn't help but think ... this was the most feared hombre in the NHL for his era and being reminded of his time with the Selke family had reduced him to a puddle.

It was the definition of a hockey moment.

The game.
The passion.
The associations. 
The friendships.
The connections. 

If you play with me in Toronto or Georgetown or The Igloo in Florida, you know what these words mean. Somehow, they tie us together to define us as hockey players.

"Red" Horner ... the Leaf's third captain passed away in 2005 @ 96 years.

... incidentally, when "Red" signed for $2,000. for a "half-season" of play with the Maple Leafs in 1928, that was more than his Father earned in a year.

Comments

  1. Another fascinating story from your hockey life. Keep it up!!!

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    1. Hoping you stay "Grumpy" for many more seasons at The Igloo!

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  2. I love your stories. These are real life stories that can only come from real life meetings.

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    1. Thank you Mike . Old guys like me love these hockey stories

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  3. Another great story.

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  4. Awesome to hear the stories Mike. Thanks for sharing parts of your life with us. Hope to see you on the ice soon.

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  5. Another terrific & real life story, Mike. Always enjoy receiving your "gems".

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  6. A great read as always.

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  7. Mke...what a great story ! I still think you should write a book.

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