from Red Wings Alumni,

Gordie’s importance to his team in the 1950s and 60s is summed up by his impressive six Hart Trophies as the league’s most valuable player and his six scoring titles all within that period. Gordie’s career is punctuated by his drive and tenacity both on and off the ice. An experience in the opening round of the 1950 Stanley Cup Playoffs sums up that drive. Gordie skated in on Teeder Kennedy of the Toronto Maple Leafs who was in the corner-carrying the puck. Seconds before impact, Teeder pulled up sending Gordie sprawling head first into the boards. Gordie slumped to the ice covered in his own blood, a victim of a fractured skull. After a lengthy operation, Gordie survived. Most doctors felt that he was lucky to escape the tragic accident with his life and that he would never play the game of hockey again.

Posted by Paul from Motown Area on 08/14/09 at 10:34 AM ET

I remember reading an already ancient, falling apart paperback version of “Come on Teeder!” as a boy....over and over. Never saw him play, but he was as inspiring to me as any of my heroes then playing.

Posted by Ted from Van Island on 08/14/09 at 11:09 AM ET

My Condolences to his family and the Maple Leafs.

Posted by Lindas1st from New England on 08/14/09 at 01:16 PM ET