In the realm of hockey, a sport known for its formidable athletes and intense competition, there occasionally emerges a personality that transcends the game. Eddie “The Entertainer” Shack was one of those extraordinary individuals, a true legend both on and off the ice. His charismatic presence, colorful stories, and financial escapades, like selling Christmas trees and appearing in commercials, have left an indelible mark on the hockey world. Let’s dive into the thrilling journey of Eddie Shack’s hockey and off ice career.
The Early Days:
Born on February 11, 1937, in Sudbury, Ontario, Eddie Shack’s journey into the world of professional hockey was a wild ride right from the start. Shack played junior hockey for the Guelph Biltmores of the OHA for five seasons. After honing his skills in junior hockey, he was ready to take the NHL by storm. In 1958, he made his debut with the New York Rangers, where he played for a brief stint before finding his true home with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The Toronto Years:
In November of the 1960-61 season, Shack was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs, where he played seven seasons on the left wing as a colorful, third-line agitator who was popular with the fans. In the sixties Shack was arguably the most popular athlete in Toronto. His career blossomed with the Maple Leafs, and his tenure in Toronto is where he truly became “The Entertainer.” Known for his charismatic antics on and off the ice, he quickly became a fan favorite, and his dynamic playing style ensured his place in the team’s history. Shack was a crucial part of the Maple Leafs four Stanley Cup wins in 1962, 1963, 1964, and 1967.
Eddie Shack was so popular in Toronto in the sixties that he had his own song. Check it out:
The Cup Winning Moments
One of the most iconic moments of his career came in the 1963 Stanley Cup finals. During a crucial game against the Detroit Red Wings, Shack scored the game-winning goal, securing a 3-1 victory for the Leafs. He celebrated by famously pretending to fly around the ice, a moment etched in hockey history.
Career Stats:
- Regular Season Games: 1047
- Goals: 239
- Assists: 226
- Points: 465
- Penalty Minutes: 1452
Eddie “The Entertainer” Shack had a storied NHL career, playing for several teams throughout his time in the league. Over the course of his career, he played for the following NHL teams:
- New York Rangers
- Toronto Maple Leafs
- Boston Bruins
- Los Angeles Kings
- Buffalo Sabres
- Pittsburgh Penguins
Shack’s journey took him to various cities, but his impact on the game and the fans remained consistent, making him a beloved figure in the world of hockey.
Life Off The Ice:
While Eddie Shack was renowned for his on-ice theatrics, his life away from the rink was equally entertaining. Known for his entrepreneurial spirit, Shack dabbled in various side hustles to supplement his income.
Christmas Tree Sales
Eddie Shack was the undisputed king of Christmas tree sales during the holiday season. He would set up shop in the Toronto area, hawking trees with the same enthusiasm that he displayed on the ice. People would flock to buy their trees from the beloved hockey player, turning his tree lot into a seasonal hotspot.
Commercial Success
Shack was not just a hockey icon; he was a pop culture figure. He lent his charismatic presence to numerous commercials, endorsing products like car dealerships, Gillette razors, and The Pop Shoppe. His TV appearances made him a household name in Canada and endeared him to even more fans.
Eddie Shack Donuts
Eddie had a partnership in a Donut Chain that had about six locations around Ontario. Never made it as big as his teammate Tim Horton in the donut world though.
A Legacy Like No Other:
Eddie “The Entertainer” Shack’s hockey career was not just about stats and records; it was about the memories he created and the indelible mark he left on the sport. Whether it was his iconic goal celebrations, his tree-selling escapades, or his appearances in commercials, Shack’s life was a rollercoaster of entertainment.
Eddie Shack passed away on July 25, 2020, leaving behind a legacy that will forever be cherished by hockey fans. His larger-than-life personality and contributions to the game will continue to entertain and inspire generations of hockey enthusiasts. Eddie Shack truly was, and always will be, “The Entertainer.”
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