Leafs, fans mourn passing of Ron Ellis
Member of 1967 Cup-winning team played more than 1,000 games in Toronto sweater
Ron Ellis, a member of the Maple Leafs’ 1967 Stanley Cup champions, Team Canada ‘72 and one of the few to have played 1,000 games in a Toronto sweater, is dead at age 79.
The club and the NHL Alumni announced his passing on their X social media accounts. Ellis has dealt with mental and physical challenges the past few years.
“Ron was a true gentleman of the game and will be truly missed,” the club said .
The Alumni post said its members are “heartbroken” to learn he’s gone. It was earlier this year at the NHL all-star game in Toronto that an absent Ellis was honoured with its Keith Magnuson Man of the Year Award for “countless contributions to his community and the hockey world. ”
“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’ contributions philanthropically were global and impactful through his work with many charities and mental health initiatives.
“He dedicated his life 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.”
He played in 1,034 regularseason games, fifth overall in franchise history, amassing 640 points over his career. Bob Stellick, former business manager of the Leafs and later a marketing partner of Ellis and the Hall, noted he was the last of the Blue and White greats to have come through the traditional system, signing a C form with Toronto, never playing for another team.
“You talk about a true developmental Leaf,” Stellick said. “He spanned a bygone era and later he was such a great ambassador for the Hall (when it moved to downtown Toronto in 1993). He brought a true player’s perspective to what the Hall was all about.”