I was thrilled beyond belief to have a special guest on the show Thursday. Hockey and Canadian Sports Hall of Fame member "The Big M", Senator Frank Mahovlich, joined us from Nunavet to take part in our special program.
To so many, Tim Horton is a name associated with a commercial enterprise. The true greatness and longevity of his NHL career- 6 time All Star, second only to Bobby Orr in All Star voting as a defenseman in 1967-68 and 68-69, 4 Stanley Cups, second rearguard to tally 100 career goals - is virtually unknown. His death in a car crash after a Buffalo loss at Maple Leaf Gardens, at age 44, was a shock and his loss is felt to this day. We decided that in his honour, we would observe the anniversary of his passing as Tim Horton Day, and set out to find the best possible expert on the subject.
Mahovlich, the legendary left winger on 6 Stanley Cup winners, told about watching Horton get clobbered by Ranger defenceman Bill Gadsby in March 1955 and the horrible spiral break of Tim's leg, while at the same time having his jaw shattered in the collision, dual injuries that almost ended his career; being a rookie two years later and finding out his roommate was Horton; winning 4 Cups with Horton, 3 in a row from 62-64 and finally the 1967 Centennial year win over Montreal Canadiens, his generous nature, a loving father, a good husband.
The human side of the hockey giant, Mahovlich said, was as inspiring a role model as his accomplishments on the ice. And that, hockey fans, is why on this day, we should all take a moment to remember his life and his legacy.
We extend our deepest appreciation to Senator Frank Mahovlich for taking the time to bring us his remembrance of his friend and my childhood hero, Tim Horton.
