Bill Barilko was a Canadian ice hockey player who played as a defenseman for the Toronto Maple Leafs in the National Hockey League (NHL). His career was tragically cut short, but he left a lasting impact on the sport. The legend of Bill Barilko will live on in part due to the Tragically Hip song “Fifty-Mission Cap.” More on that later.
Notable stats and stories:
Early Career: Bill Barilko was born on March 25, 1927, in Timmins, Ontario, Canada. He began playing junior hockey in the Ontario Hockey Association (OHA) before joining the Toronto Maple Leafs organization in 1946.
NHL Debut: Barilko made his NHL debut during the 1946-1947 season. He quickly established himself as a strong and physical defenseman known for his solid defensive play and ability to deliver bone-crushing hits.
Stanley Cup Success: Barilko played a crucial role in the success of the Toronto Maple Leafs during the early 1950s. In his five full seasons with the Leafs, he helped the team win the Stanley Cup four times (1947, 1948, 1949, and 1951).
“The Goal”: Bill Barilko is best remembered for scoring the championship-winning goal in overtime during the 1951 Stanley Cup Finals. The goal, which came against the Montreal Canadiens, secured the Maple Leafs’ fourth Stanley Cup victory in five years. The image of Barilko leaping into the air in celebration has become an iconic moment in hockey history.
Tragic Disappearance: Following the 1951 Stanley Cup victory, Barilko embarked on a fishing trip with his friend, Henry Hudson, in northern Ontario. The plane carrying the two men vanished on August 26, 1951. The wreckage and their bodies were not discovered until 11 years later, in 1962.
Legendary Curse: The Leafs’ success in winning the Stanley Cup seemed to coincide with Barilko’s presence on the team. However, after his disappearance, the Leafs experienced a championship drought that lasted until 1962, the same year Barilko’s remains were found. Some fans and players believed in the “Curse of Bill Barilko,” which was broken when the Leafs won the Cup again that year.
Legacy: Despite playing only five full NHL seasons, Barilko’s impact on the sport and the Toronto Maple Leafs remains significant. He was known for his exceptional defensive skills, physical play, and his memorable championship-winning goal. In recognition of his contributions, the Maple Leafs retired his number 5 jersey in 1951.
While Bill Barilko’s career was tragically cut short, his name and his story continue to be an important part of hockey lore. His legacy serves as a reminder of the dedication and sacrifice made by athletes in pursuit of their passion for the game.
Bill Borilko and the Tragically Hip
The Tragically Hip, a Canadian rock band, paid tribute to Bill Barilko in one of their most famous songs, appropriately titled “Fifty-Mission Cap.” The song was released in 1992 as part of their album “Fully Completely” and became a hit in Canada. It tells the story of Barilko’s disappearance and the discovery of his remains 11 years later.
The lyrics of “Fifty-Mission Cap” recount the events surrounding Barilko’s disappearance and incorporate references to his hockey career. The song begins with the lines: “Bill Barilko disappeared that summer. He was on a fishing trip, The last goal he ever scored Won the Leafs the Cup.”
The Tragically Hip frontman, Gord Downie, wrote the song after reading the back of a hockey card about Barilko’s life and mysterious disappearance. Downie was captivated by the story and felt compelled to honor Barilko through his music.
The song’s title, “Fifty-Mission Cap,” refers to a type of military hat worn by pilots during World War II. In the song, it is mentioned that Barilko’s father kept a fifty-mission cap, symbolizing his son’s heroic status and the ultimate sacrifice he made.
The Tragically Hip’s song brought widespread attention to Barilko’s story and helped revive interest in his life and career. It became an anthem for hockey fans and resonated deeply with Canadians, many of whom were already familiar with Barilko’s legend.
The Tragically Hip continued to perform “Fifty-Mission Cap” throughout their career, and it remains one of their most beloved and recognizable songs. The band’s tribute to Bill Barilko helped immortalize his legacy and ensured that his story would continue to be shared with new generations of hockey fans and music lovers alike.
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