Maple Leafs fans are mourning the death of longtime Toronto legend George Armstrong, who died on Sunday at the age of 90. Over a 75-year career as a Maple Leaf, Armstrong played the role of player, captain, coach, assistant general manager, scout, community ambassador and alumnus.
Toronto Maple Leafs President & Alternate Governor Brendan Shanahan said in a statement:
“George is part of the very fabric of the Toronto Maple Leaf organization and will be deeply missed. A proud yet humble man, he loved being a Maple Leaf but never sought the spotlight even though no player played more games for Toronto or captained the team longer. Always one to celebrate his teammates rather than himself, George couldn’t even bring himself to deliver his speech the day he was immortalized on Legends Row.”
Armstrong might be best known for his days as player as he was the captain of the Maple Leafs for 12 of his 21 years (all with Toronto). In those 12 years, he helped lead Toronto to four Stanley Cup Championships in 1961-62, 1962-63, 1963-64 and 1966-67. He was also inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1975, had his number retired and is a member of Legend’s Row.
Known as a quiet leader who was never interested in the spotlight, he played in 1,188 games with the Maple Leafs over his career, the most of any player in Toronto history. He scored 296 goals and 713 points over his tenure, which lasted from 1949-50 until 1970-71. He also tallied 26 goals and 60 points over 110 playoff games and was the only player to register a point in each of the four Stanley Cup-clinching games.
Everyone at PHR wishes the best to the family and friends of Armstrong and all who he touched during his life.
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