Toronto Maple Leafs Centennial Exhibit on until March 6, 2017

Imagine you could bottle 100 years of memories into a time capsule. How would you choose your favourite moments? What would be your most prized possessions?

The Hockey Hall of Fame managed to do just that – round up a century’s worth of history – when it unveiled in July a limited-time exhibit honouring 100 years of the Toronto Maple Leafs franchise. The extensive showcase pays homage to those who have worn the blue and white and also highlights some of the most iconic moments in club history.

The must-see exhibit includes artifacts used by Leafs legends Ted Kennedy, Dave Keon, Mats Sundin and Johnny Bower, plus other unique treasures spanning from the early days of Conn Smythe to current stars like Morgan Rielly.

The One-Million Dollar Cheque 

On October 5, 1962, the day before the NHL All-Star Game, Chicago Black Hawks ownership met with Maple Leafs owners Harold Ballard and Stafford Smythe at the Royal York hotel in Toronto. After an evening of revelry it was agreed that the Maple Leafs would sell Frank Mahovlich to the Black Hawks for one million dollars. The cheque was cut and an agreement was scrawled on a piece of Royal York stationary, signed and witnessed by all in attendance. The Maple Leafs reneged on the deal the next morning, infuriating the Black Hawks, and the cheque went uncashed.

Chief and Killer

Jerseys on display include those worn by former Maple Leafs captains George “Chief” Armstrong and “Killer” Doug Gilmour. Armstrong wore his while leading Toronto to the 1967 Stanley Cup championship, Gilmour while setting Maple Leafs single-season records for assists (95) and points (127) in 1992-93.

Behind the Masks 

Hometown boy and GTHL graduate Mike Palmateer, protected by his maple leaf-clad mask, was a fan-favourite in Toronto during the 1970s, largely because of his acrobatic style in goal.

The legendary Terry Sawchuk played nearly 1,000 games over 21 NHL seasons, including three campaigns in Toronto, and wore this mask in 1966-67 when he backstopped the Maple Leafs to their 13th Stanley Cup.