Saskatchewan-born Leafs legend Bobby Baun passes away at 86

Bobby Baun, a product of Lanigan and a legendary player with the Toronto Maple Leafs, has passed away at the age of 86.

The defenceman was known for his hard-nosed play. During his 17-season NHL career, which ran from 1956 to 1973, Baun accumulated 1,489 penalty minutes along with 37 goals and 187 assists.

While fans across the NHL knew him as a tough player, he’s probably best remembered for scoring one of the biggest goals in the history of the Stanley Cup and the Maple Leafs.

In 1964, the Leafs were playing the Red Wings in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup final in Detroit.

During that game, Baun blocked a shot from Gordie Howe in the third period and collapsed after he suffered a fractured ankle.

The injury was so severe that Baun had to be stretchered off the ice and missed the remainder of the period, but – shockingly – he returned to play in overtime despite the serious injury.

In overtime, Baun blasted a slapshot from the blue line and scored the goal that evened up the series and sent it back to Toronto. The Maple Leafs ended up winning Game 7 at home to hoist the Stanley Cup.

The goal was made even more impressive by the fact that Baun never scored more than 20 points in a single season.

Throughout his NHL career, Baun won the Stanley Cup five times, all with Toronto. He was also part of the franchise’s last Stanley Cup victory back in 1967.

“The Toronto Maple Leafs are deeply saddened by the passing of Bob Baun, whose enduring legacy of remarkable resilience includes his iconic overtime game-winning goal during a Stanley Cup final despite playing with a broken leg,” Maple Leafs president Brendan Shanahan said in a statement released by the team.

“Bob possessed unquestionable toughness and incredible pride in being a Toronto Maple Leaf. His inspirational presence continues to embody the heart of the game. He will be greatly missed by the team and its fans. Our thoughts are with Bob’s loved ones during this difficult time.”

–With files from The Canadian Press