Ace Bailey
Irvine Wallace "Ace" Bailey (July 3, 1903 – April 7, 1992) was a Canadian professional ice hockey right winger who played his entire National Hockey League (NHL) career with the Toronto Maple Leafs (formerly the St. Patricks).[1] Over eight seasons from 1926 to 1934, he recorded 111 goals and 81 assists in 316 games, highlighted by leading the NHL in goals (22) and points (32) during the 1928–29 season, finishing as runner-up for the Hart Memorial Trophy as league MVP.[1] Bailey contributed to the Maple Leafs' first Stanley Cup championship in 1932, scoring the series-clinching goal in the finals against the New York Rangers.[1] His career ended prematurely on December 12, 1933, after a severe skull fracture sustained in a collision with Boston Bruins defenseman Eddie Shore, an incident that nearly cost him his life and prompted the NHL's first All-Star Game as a benefit event for his recovery on February 14, 1934.[1] That same day, the Maple Leafs retired his number 6 jersey, the first such honor in North American professional sports history.[2] Born in Bracebridge, Ontario, Bailey grew up in Toronto, where he honed his skills in local junior leagues before playing senior hockey with the Peterborough Petes.[3] He signed with the Toronto St. Patricks as a free agent on November 3, 1926, making an immediate impact with 15 goals in his rookie season of 1926–27.[1] As a speedy and precise shooter on the top line alongside teammates like Joe Primeau and Busher Jackson—known as the "Kid Line"—Bailey helped transform the franchise into a contender, amassing career playoff totals of 3 goals and 5 assists in 20 games.[3] The 1933 injury occurred during a game at Boston Garden when Shore, mistaking Bailey for another player amid a scrum, checked him violently into the boards, resulting in a fractured skull and temporary paralysis.[1] Bailey underwent emergency surgery and made a full recovery after months of rehabilitation, but doctors advised against returning to play, ending his on-ice career at age 30.[1] The benefit All-Star Game, featuring a combined roster against the Maple Leafs, raised over $20,000 for his medical expenses and became an annual NHL tradition.[1] Shore later visited Bailey in the hospital, and the two reconciled publicly at the All-Star event, with Bailey forgiving him on the spot.[1] After retiring, Bailey remained involved in hockey as head coach of the University of Toronto Varsity Blues, leading the team to three Canadian Interuniversity Athletic Union (CIAU) championships in the 1940s.[1] He later served as a timekeeper at Maple Leaf Gardens for more than 40 years, becoming a familiar figure in Toronto hockey circles until his death in 1992.[1] Bailey was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1975 as a player, recognizing his contributions to the early NHL and his enduring legacy as a pioneer in player welfare and commemorative honors.[3]Early life
Birth and upbringing
Irvine Wallace Bailey was born on July 3, 1903, in Bracebridge, Ontario, Canada, the son of Charles Henry Bailey, a carpenter, and Charlotte Amelia Thurston.[4][5] The Bailey family resided in the rural Muskoka District town of Bracebridge during his early years, as documented in Canadian census records from 1911 and 1921, which list the household including Bailey and his brothers Aubrey (born 1901), Milton (born 1902), and Franklin (born circa 1913).[6][7] They were part of the local working-class community in this scenic, lake-dotted region known for its natural outdoor setting. Bailey spent his childhood in this rural environment, where the long winters and local water bodies offered early opportunities for skating and informal play that nurtured his growing interest in hockey.[8] Raised in Bracebridge until his late teens, Bailey moved to Toronto around 1921–1922 to attend the University of Toronto, a move driven by educational prospects that also exposed him to the city's more structured urban hockey facilities and youth leagues.[1]Education and youth
He attended the University of Toronto, enrolling at the age of 18 in 1921 and studying for approximately two years.[9][10] Although he did not complete a full degree due to increasing commitments to hockey, Bailey balanced his academic pursuits in general arts with participation in intramural athletics at the university.[10]Pre-professional hockey
Junior career
Bailey began his junior hockey career in the Ontario Hockey Association (OHA) with the Bracebridge Bird Mill team during the 1921–22 season.[11] In 1922, having grown up in Toronto, he joined the Toronto St. Mary's junior squad in the OHA, where he played as a right winger and displayed emerging goal-scoring talent.[12][13] During the 1922–23 season, Bailey contributed offensively to the St. Mary's Memorial Cup playoff run, scoring 2 goals in 4 games.[13] These junior experiences laid the foundation for Bailey's transition to professional hockey.[12]Senior amateur play
In 1924, following his junior career, Ace Bailey transitioned to senior-level amateur hockey with the Peterborough Seniors of the Ontario Hockey Association (OHA) senior league.[13] Bailey played two seasons with the team, from 1924–25 to 1925–26, where he scored consistently across league play and exhibitions. In the 1924–25 season, he tallied 5 goals in 8 regular-season games; his performance improved markedly the following year, recording 9 goals and 2 assists in 9 games during the 1925–26 regular season, along with 2 goals in 6 Allan Cup playoff games.[13][14] His contributions helped the Peterborough Seniors win the OHA senior championship that season, defeating the London Ravens 7–5 in the final.[15][16] Bailey's offensive prowess in senior amateur circuits drew significant attention from National Hockey League scouts, culminating in his signing with the Toronto St. Patricks in November 1926.[1]NHL playing career
Signing and debut
Irving "Ace" Bailey signed as a free agent with the Toronto St. Patricks—soon to be renamed the Maple Leafs—on November 3, 1926, a move aligned with the incoming management under Conn Smythe, who prioritized local Toronto talent like the Ontario-born forward.[17] Bailey made his NHL debut on November 17, 1926, against the Chicago Black Hawks at the Chicago Coliseum.[18] In the 1926-27 season, he appeared in 42 games, posting modest rookie production of 15 goals and 13 assists for 28 points overall.[3][1] Building on his amateur skills, Bailey adapted swiftly to the faster professional pace, securing a lasting roster spot through his determined, speedy play that impressed observers and drew strong support from hometown fans at Arena Gardens.[19][20]Regular season highlights
In the 1927–28 season, Bailey solidified his status as an emerging star for the Toronto Maple Leafs, recording 9 goals and 11 points in 43 games while accumulating 72 penalty minutes, showcasing his physical presence and offensive potential early in his NHL tenure.[3] He contributed to effective line combinations with teammates including center Joe Primeau, helping to drive Toronto's attack through coordinated play.[21] Bailey's speed and marksmanship began to distinguish him as one of the league's promising snipers during this period.[22] Bailey's breakout came in the 1928–29 season, when he led the NHL in both goals (22) and points (32) over 44 games, earning recognition as the league's top scorer and finishing second in Hart Trophy voting as the most valuable player.[1][23] This performance highlighted his elite scoring ability, including two hat tricks, and established him as a cornerstone of Toronto's offense.[3] His 22 goals that year set a personal benchmark and underscored his transition from prospect to dominant forward. Through the early 1930s, Bailey maintained consistent production, scoring 22 goals in 1929–30 and a career-high 23 in 1930–31, averaging over 20 goals per season during this stretch while contributing 43 and 42 points, respectively, in those campaigns.[3] Despite a dip to 8 goals in 1931–32 amid team adjustments, he rebounded with 10 goals in 47 games the following year, demonstrating resilience and reliability as a goal-scorer for the Maple Leafs.[3] Over his career, these efforts helped Toronto remain competitive in the NHL's offensive landscape.[1]Playoff success
Bailey appeared in 20 playoff games across four seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs from 1929 to 1933, accumulating 3 goals and 5 assists for 8 points while contributing to the team's postseason efforts.[3] His most notable playoff contribution came during the 1932 Stanley Cup Finals against the New York Rangers, where he scored the series-winning goal in the third period of Game 3 on April 9, 1932, helping the Maple Leafs secure a 6–4 victory and sweep the best-of-five series 3–0 to claim the championship.[24] This performance, including his role in maintaining offensive pressure throughout the series, underscored his value in high-stakes situations.[3] Bailey also demonstrated clutch ability earlier in the 1931 NHL quarterfinals against the Chicago Black Hawks, scoring the opening goal in Game 1 on March 24, 1931, which set the tone in a 2–2 tie and highlighted his capacity to deliver in pivotal moments, solidifying his reputation as a reliable big-game performer.[25]Career-ending injury
The 1933 incident
On December 12, 1933, during a National Hockey League game at Boston Garden between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Boston Bruins, the score was tied 1–1 in the second period when rising tensions led to the incident.[26] Bruins defenseman Eddie Shore, seeking retaliation after being checked by Toronto's King Clancy earlier, mistook the exhausted Bailey—who had been helping kill penalties—for defenseman Red Horner and charged him from behind.[26] The check at approximately 13:00 sent Bailey crashing to the ice, where he struck his head, suffering a skull fracture and cerebral hemorrhage.[27] Bailey immediately collapsed unconscious, his body convulsing on the rink surface as teammates and officials rushed to his aid.[28] The collision sparked a fight between Shore and Horner, resulting in 20-minute match penalties for both players.[29] Medics carried the motionless Bailey off the ice on a stretcher, while the game continued to its conclusion with Toronto securing a 4-1 victory.[27] Shore was suspended by the league for 16 games, the longest suspension in NHL history at that time.[27] Authorities considered manslaughter charges against Shore should Bailey not survive, but none were filed after his recovery.[27]Immediate medical crisis
Following the on-ice collision on December 12, 1933, Ace Bailey was rushed from Boston Garden to Audubon Hospital before being transferred to Boston City Hospital for specialized care. There, he underwent emergency surgery on December 13 to address a fractured skull and relieve intracranial pressure caused by a bruised and torn brain, along with an extra-dural blood clot. Additional procedures followed on December 16 and 19, including spinal taps to manage swelling and prevent further complications.[27] Bailey was placed in critical condition immediately after the initial operation, with physicians expressing grave doubts about his survival and preparing obituaries as a precaution. His wife, Gladys, and three-year-old daughter, Joanne, were urgently notified and traveled from Toronto to his bedside, where they remained amid support from Bruins players' wives. NHL President Frank Calder and league officials monitored his status closely through daily hospital updates. By December 22, doctors improved the prognosis to roughly 60-40 odds of survival, though the next few days remained pivotal.[27][30] Bailey lapsed into a coma following the second surgery and remained unconscious for several days, battling convulsions, a severe concussion, and elevated risks of infection from the invasive procedures in an era of limited antibiotics. These events underscored the injury's gravity, marking it as one of the most life-threatening incidents in early NHL history and prompting widespread concern across the hockey community.[27]Benefit game and recovery
First NHL All-Star Game
The inaugural NHL All-Star Game was organized by Toronto Maple Leafs management, led by general manager Conn Smythe, in collaboration with NHL President Frank Calder to provide financial support for Ace Bailey following his severe injury.[31][26] The event took place on February 14, 1934, at Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto, marking the league's first such exhibition to aid a player's medical expenses and establish a trust fund for his family.[27][28] The game pitted the Maple Leafs against a combined All-Star team composed of players from the league's other franchises, including Boston Bruins defenseman Eddie Shore, with at least two representatives from each of the eight other NHL clubs.[31][27] Played before a capacity crowd of 14,074 spectators, the match drew widespread attention and concluded with a 7-3 victory for the Maple Leafs, highlighted by goals from players like Hap Day.[31][26] Prior to the game, during a pre-game ceremony at center ice, Bailey and Shore shook hands, with Bailey publicly forgiving Shore for the incident, symbolizing reconciliation and sportsmanship. The event raised approximately $20,909, which was directed toward Bailey's ongoing care and family support, supplemented by additional funds from a follow-up benefit game in Boston.[27][28] This benefit game held profound significance as the NHL's pioneering all-star event, establishing a model for future exhibitions that combined competition with charity, such as the 1937 Howie Morenz memorial game.[26][27] It not only underscored the league's commitment to player welfare during an era of limited medical protections but also introduced traditions like jersey retirement, with Bailey's number 6 being the first in NHL history to be honored in this way.[31][28]Long-term rehabilitation
Following his release from Toronto General Hospital on January 18, 1934, Bailey began a prolonged period of rehabilitation at home, where he continued to recover from the severe skull fracture sustained in December 1933. By early January, he had progressed to sitting up in bed, though he was still unable to stand independently, requiring intensive efforts to regain mobility and basic physical functions.[27][32] The funds raised from the February 14, 1934, benefit game—totaling $20,909—provided crucial financial support for Bailey's ongoing medical care and future security, enabling access to continued treatment after his hospital stay.[27][26] In the summer of 1934, following medical evaluation that cleared him for non-contact activities but prohibited competitive play, Bailey officially retired from professional hockey; the Toronto Maple Leafs honored him by retiring his number 6 jersey that year, the first such retirement in professional sports history.[27][1] By late 1934, Bailey had achieved a full recovery sufficient to resume a normal life, transitioning into roles within the hockey community that avoided physical exertion. He began light duties with the Maple Leafs organization, eventually serving as an off-ice official at Maple Leaf Gardens for over four decades while also taking on coaching responsibilities at the University of Toronto.[27][1]Post-playing career
University of Toronto coaching
Following his career-ending injury in the NHL, Ace Bailey transitioned to coaching at the collegiate level, serving as head coach of the University of Toronto Varsity Blues men's ice hockey team from 1935 to 1940 and again from 1945 to 1949, with the intervening years interrupted by World War II.[33][34] Under Bailey's leadership, the Varsity Blues achieved significant success, capturing three Canadian Intercollegiate championships in 1940, 1947, and 1948.[34] These victories highlighted the program's competitive strength during the pre- and post-war eras, contributing to the team's overall legacy of 10 national championships in its history.[35] Bailey drew on his NHL background to mentor players.[1] His guidance helped develop talent that advanced in competitive hockey, aligning with the Varsity Blues' tradition of producing skilled athletes.[34] In recognition of his contributions, the Ace Bailey Award is given annually to the team's captain.[34]Maple Leaf Gardens roles
In 1938, while still coaching at the University of Toronto, Irvine "Ace" Bailey joined the staff at Maple Leaf Gardens as a penalty timekeeper, a position he held for nearly five decades until 1984. In this role, he was responsible for accurately tracking and signaling penalty times during Toronto Maple Leafs games and other events at the arena, contributing to the smooth operation of hundreds of NHL contests over the years. His meticulous attention to timing became a hallmark of his service, ensuring fairness in gameplay amid the intensity of professional hockey.[1][31][27] Bailey's deep ties to the Maple Leafs organization extended beyond strict timekeeping duties; he occasionally assisted with public relations efforts and alumni events, drawing on his fame as a former star player and 1932 Stanley Cup champion to connect with fans, media, and former teammates. This involvement helped foster a sense of continuity and nostalgia within the Toronto hockey community, as he shared stories from his playing days to enhance engagement at Gardens-hosted gatherings.[36] Over his 46-year tenure, Bailey became an enduring fixture in Maple Leaf Gardens' operations, witnessing pivotal moments in the franchise's history from a behind-the-scenes vantage point, including the Leafs' Stanley Cup triumphs in 1942, 1947, 1948, 1949, 1962, 1963, and 1964. His presence at the arena through these glory eras underscored his lifelong dedication to the team that defined his career, even as he transitioned from on-ice hero to off-ice steward.[1][31]Later life and death
Retirement and health
Bailey retired from his long-held position as penalty timekeeper at Maple Leaf Gardens in 1984 at the age of 81, concluding 47 years of service with the Toronto Maple Leafs organization. The decision was conveyed abruptly via a letter from team owner Harold Ballard, who provided no explanation for the termination.[37] In the years following his retirement, Bailey resided in Toronto and managed the lingering effects of his 1933 skull fracture and subsequent surgeries, which had nearly cost him his life but allowed him to live another 59 years.[27]Passing in 1992
On April 1, 1992, at the age of 88, Ace Bailey suffered a stroke that led to his hospitalization at Branson Hospital in Toronto. On the same day, the Maple Leafs re-retired his number 6 jersey in a pre-game ceremony.[38] The incident occurred amid an NHL players' strike, marking a poignant end to Bailey's long association with the sport.[39] Bailey died six days later, on April 7, 1992, from complications following the stroke, while in Toronto.[39][40] He was surrounded by family at the time of his passing, reflecting the close-knit support that had defined much of his post-career life.[41] A memorial service was held shortly thereafter at St. James Bond United Church in Toronto.[41] Tributes during the service emphasized Bailey's extraordinary resilience, particularly his recovery from the life-threatening 1933 injury that had nearly ended his life decades earlier.[41]Legacy and honors
Hockey Hall of Fame induction
Ace Bailey was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame on August 28, 1975, as a player in the class that also included George Armstrong, Glenn Hall, Pierre Pilote, and Gordon Drillon.[42] His enshrinement recognized his exceptional scoring prowess during his time with the Toronto Maple Leafs, where he led the NHL in goals with 22 in the 1928-29 season and captured the league scoring title that year with 32 points in 44 games.[43] Bailey's contributions extended to the playoffs, including his role in the Maple Leafs' 1932 Stanley Cup championship, where he recorded the series-clinching goal in the finals against the New York Rangers.[3] The Hockey Hall of Fame's selection committee chose Bailey for induction based on his significant pre-injury impact as a dynamic right winger known for his speed and offensive skill, which made him one of the early NHL's premier stars despite playing only eight seasons.[43] The committee also acknowledged the historical significance of his career-ending injury on December 12, 1933, when Boston Bruins defenseman Eddie Shore delivered a severe check that fractured Bailey's skull, an event that prompted the NHL to establish its first All-Star Game as a benefit for him and highlighted growing concerns over player safety in the league.[1] This tragic incident underscored Bailey's enduring influence on the sport's evolution, even after his playing days concluded prematurely.[43] The induction ceremony occurred in Toronto, home of the Hockey Hall of Fame, celebrating Bailey's legacy among the pioneers of professional hockey.[42]Retired jersey and memorials
The Toronto Maple Leafs retired Ace Bailey's jersey number 6 on February 14, 1934, during a benefit game at Maple Leaf Gardens, marking the first number retirement in NHL history.[26] In 1968, Bailey personally requested that the number be unretired so forward Ron Ellis could wear it, a gesture reflecting his admiration for Ellis's playing style.[44] The number was permanently retired again in April 1992, shortly after Bailey's death, with a banner now hanging in Scotiabank Arena to honor his contributions.[44][45] The Stoney Creek Minor Hockey Association established the annual Ace Bailey Memorial Tournament in 1985 to celebrate Bailey's legacy, providing a competitive event for youth players in various age groups.[46] Held each fall in Stoney Creek, Ontario, the tournament features teams from across the region and emphasizes fair play and skill development in minor hockey.[46] Bailey's career-ending injury from December 1933 is frequently cited in NHL discussions on player safety, underscoring the need for protections against severe hits and contributing to early awareness of head trauma risks in the sport.[26]Career statistics
Regular season totals
Ace Bailey played 316 games in the National Hockey League (NHL) over eight seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs from 1926–27 to 1933–34, accumulating 111 goals, 81 assists, 192 points, and 488 penalty minutes.[3] His scoring output was consistent in full seasons, typically ranging from 8 to 23 goals, reflecting the lower-scoring environment of the era where league-wide goals per game averaged around 2.5 to 3.0.[47] The following table summarizes Bailey's NHL regular season performance by season:| Season | Team | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1926–27 | TOR | 42 | 15 | 13 | 28 | 80 |
| 1927–28 | TOR | 43 | 9 | 2 | 11 | 72 |
| 1928–29 | TOR | 44 | 22 | 10 | 32 | 80 |
| 1929–30 | TOR | 43 | 22 | 21 | 43 | 69 |
| 1930–31 | TOR | 40 | 23 | 19 | 42 | 48 |
| 1931–32 | TOR | 44 | 8 | 5 | 13 | 76 |
| 1932–33 | TOR | 47 | 10 | 8 | 18 | 52 |
| 1933–34 | TOR | 13 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 11 |
| Total | 316 | 111 | 81 | 192 | 488 |