Frank Mahovlich was an NHL legend that stood out and left great memories on every hockey team that he played for. He was affectionately known as “The Big M,” and was born on January 10, 1938, in Timmins, Ontario. Mahovlich’s journey from a small mining town to the hallowed ice of the NHL is a testament to his extraordinary talent and perseverance.
Early Years:
From a young age, Mahovlich displayed exceptional athletic prowess. He honed his skills on the frozen ponds of northern Ontario, where his raw talent caught the attention of scouts. At the age of 14, he left home to pursue his hockey dreams, joining the St. Michael’s Majors in Toronto. Under the guidance of coach Joe Primeau, Mahovlich flourished, showcasing his scoring ability and speed.
Mahovlich’s dominance in junior hockey was unparalleled. As a member of the Toronto St. Michael’s Majors, he tallied an impressive 105 points in just 49 games during the 1955-1956 season. The St. Michael’s Majors were a team that was affiliated with the Maple Leafs. The Leafs were impressed and in 1957 he made his professional debut with the team..
Career Stats:
Over the course of his illustrious career, Mahovlich amassed staggering statistics that solidified his status as one of the greatest players of his generation. With a combination of speed, skill, and finesse, he dazzled fans and opponents alike. Here are some of his career highlights:
- NHL Debut: Mahovlich made his NHL debut with the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 1957-1958 season. He became a 20 goal scorer in his first season.
- Stanley Cup Success: He played an integral role in helping the Maple Leafs capture four Stanley Cup championships in 1962, 1963, 1964, and 1967.
- Individual Accolades: Mahovlich earned numerous individual accolades throughout his career, including the Calder Memorial Trophy as Rookie of the Year in 1958 and six NHL All-Star selections.
- Career Totals: In 1,181 NHL games, Mahovlich recorded 533 goals and 570 assists for a total of 1,103 points.
Teams Played For:
Throughout his career, Mahovlich showcased his talent with several NHL teams:
- Toronto Maple Leafs (1957-1968)
- Detroit Red Wings (1968-1971)
- Montreal Canadiens (1971-1974)
- Toronto Maple Leafs (1974-1976)
Tidbits:
- In 1961 under coach Punch Imlach, Mahovlich played on a line with Red Kelly and Bob Nevin. The three became the Leafs number 1, 2, and 3 leading scorers with Mahovlich scoring 48 goals which was a leaf record that lasted for 21 years. In 1981/82 Rick Vaive scored 54 goals to break the record.
- In one of the biggest NHL trades ever Toronto traded Mahovlich, Pete Stemkowski and Gary Unger to the Detroit Red Wings for Norm Ulman, Paul Henderson and Floyd Smith. Frank joined his younger brother Pete in Detroit and played on one of the best lines ever with Gordie Howe and Alex Delvecchio.
- In 1972 Mahovlich played for Canada against Russia in the Summit Series.
- He left the NHL in 1974 to play in the new WHA and played for the Toronto Toros and the Birmingham Bulls.
- In 1979 at the age of 41 “The Big M’ retired from hockey.
Conclusion: Frank Mahovlich’s journey from the frozen ponds of Timmins to the pinnacle of hockey greatness is a story of determination, perseverance, and passion. As fans, we are grateful for the memories he created and the legacy he leaves behind. The Big M may have hung up his skates, but his spirit will forever remain an integral part of the NHL’s rich tapestry.
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