The man they called “snowshoes” for his plodding skating style may have been harmlessly mocked, but across the National Hockey League, Allan Stanley was celebrated as a winner and an excellent defensive specialist.
Stanley passed away at the age of 87 and on four occasions in the 1960’s was a big part of four Stanley Cups with the Toronto Maple Leafs. He entered the league in 1948 and though he had played for the New York Rangers, Chicago Blackhawks and Boston Bruins prior to becoming a Leaf, it was in Toronto while in his 30’s that he became a star.
He was not only paired with another defensive gem in Tim Horton, but he blossomed and was named three times to NHL Second All Star Team. He was inducted in to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1981. He will be missed amongst the Leaf Nation.
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