Conn Smythe was one of the most important people in NHL history and is best known for building the Toronto Maple Leafs into the franchise we know today. Now, fans can’t stop talking about a photograph from his funeral in 1980 — and one detail in the photo has stunned hockey fans: his coffin is being carried only by true Maple Leafs legends.
In 1927, the Toronto St. Pat’s were put up for sale. One group of businessmen was eager to buy the club and move it to Philadelphia. But then Conn Smythe stepped in.
READ MORE: William Nylander’s reaction to Toronto winning the draft lottery
Conn Smythe named the Maple Leafs
The Toronto-born businessman and hockey enthusiast assembled another group of investors and bought the St. Pat’s. They promised to keep the team in Toronto. However, they did change the team’s name to the Toronto Maple Leafs. But Conn Smythe wasn’t just a franchise owner — he also served as the general manager and head coach of the Maple Leafs.
Conn Smythe remained an owner of the Maple Leafs until 1966, when he sold his remaining shares in the club. During his time with the franchise, the Maple Leafs won 10 Stanley Cups, accounting for 10 of the team’s 13 championships.
Magical funeral photo
Needless to say, Conn Smythe is one of the most important figures in hockey history in general, and in Maple Leafs history in particular. On November 18, 1980, Conn Smythe died at his home at the age of 85 and was buried shortly afterward.
A photograph taken by Ron Bull at the funeral has left NHL fans stunned. Eight men can be seen carrying Smythe’s coffin — and all of them were NHL legends and former Maple Leafs captains.
On the left, from front to back, are Bob Davidson, Dave Keon, Jim Thomson and Syl Apps. On the right, from front to back, are Ted Kennedy, Sid Smith, Darryl Sittler and Hap Day.
It’s almost hard to believe that one photo could contain that many legends.
READ MORE: Brian Burke shares the worst draft interview he’s ever had
