Maple Leafs legend Ron Ellis passes away at 79 years old
The NHL Alumni Association announced on Saturday that the Toronto Maple Leafs' legend Ron Ellis passed away at 79 years old.
Ellis played 1034 games for the Leafs between 1963 and 1981. In his career, he tallied 640 points, including 332 goals. He was a member of the organization in 1967, when the Leafs won their last Stanley Cup.
He will also be remembered for him implications with Team Canada in the Summit Series against USSR in 1972.
Earlier this year, he won the 2024 Keith Magnison Man of the Year award, for his perseverance, commitment and teamwork that he kept with him after his career.
The NHL released the following statement:
"The NHL Alumni Association is heartbroken to learn that Stanley Cup Champion and 2024 NHLAA ‘Keith Magnuson Man of the Year' Award recipient, Ron Ellis, has passed away at the age of 79.
Ron first joined the @MapleLeafs roster undrafted in the 1963-64 season for one game. He would find himself joining the team full-time the following season, and would remain a Maple Leaf for the rest of his @NHL career.
Ellis became a key member of the team, and would ultimately earn the highest honour in hockey of winning the Stanley Cup in 1967. He played in 1,034 regular-season games, scoring 640 points over his career. He was also an intricate part of the famed Canadian team in the 1972 Summit Series.
After his playing days had ended, Ron found a new passion for helping his teammates and NHL Alumni Family. He was always available to lend an ear, his heart and help.
Ellis's contributions philanthropically were global and impactful through his work with many charities and mental health initiatives. He dedicated his life, post hockey, to the Hockey Hall of Fame, and could be found each day smiling while he led guests through the great museum archives proudly.
In February of this year, Ron Ellis became a recipient of our ‘Keith Magnuson Man of the Year' Award for these countless contributions to his community and the hockey world.
His family was so special to him and was his bright shining light.
We send our deepest condolences to Ron's family, his wife Jan, son RJ, daughter-in-law Renata, friends, and former teammates. Please respect the family's privacy during this difficult time."
Ron first joined the @MapleLeafs roster undrafted in the 1963-64 season for one game. He would find himself joining the team full-time the following season, and would remain a Maple Leaf for the rest of his @NHL career.
Ellis became a key member of the team, and would ultimately earn the highest honour in hockey of winning the Stanley Cup in 1967. He played in 1,034 regular-season games, scoring 640 points over his career. He was also an intricate part of the famed Canadian team in the 1972 Summit Series.
After his playing days had ended, Ron found a new passion for helping his teammates and NHL Alumni Family. He was always available to lend an ear, his heart and help.
Ellis's contributions philanthropically were global and impactful through his work with many charities and mental health initiatives. He dedicated his life, post hockey, to the Hockey Hall of Fame, and could be found each day smiling while he led guests through the great museum archives proudly.
In February of this year, Ron Ellis became a recipient of our ‘Keith Magnuson Man of the Year' Award for these countless contributions to his community and the hockey world.
His family was so special to him and was his bright shining light.
We send our deepest condolences to Ron's family, his wife Jan, son RJ, daughter-in-law Renata, friends, and former teammates. Please respect the family's privacy during this difficult time."
This is a terrible loss for the hockey community and the Toronto Maple Leafs organization.
We wish to send our deepest condolences to everyone who's affected by this tragedy.
Source: Hockey Patrol - Maple Leafs Stanley Cup champion Ron Ellis passes away at 79
| POLL | ||
11 MAI | 909 ANSWERS Maple Leafs legend Ron Ellis passes away at 79 years old Do you think the Toronto Maple Leafs should retire Ron Ellis' number? | ||
| Yes | 667 | 73.4 % |
| No | 242 | 26.6 % |
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