Toronto Mike

Happy 4/21!

4/21

Happy 4/21!

Today is the anniversary of the most legendary goal in the rich history of Canada's team.  It was April 21st, 1951, game 5 of the Stanley Cup final between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Montreal Canadiens. At the 2:53 mark of the first overtime period, Bill Barilko scored the last goal of his life winning the Stanley Cup for the Leafs.

The 24 year old defenseman perished in a light plane crash that summer while on a fishing trip to Northern Ontario. Not until his body was recovered 11 years later in the bush near Cochrane, Ontario, did the Leafs win another championship.

I recently received several documents from the daughter of Ron Boyd who was the helicopter pilot who found the crash site of Bill Barilko.  I also conducted an interview with Kevin Shea, author of "Barilko: Without a Trace".

He's our Buddy Holly, and every year, his legend grows.  Join me in celebrating 4/21 this year as we tip our hats to #5 Bashin' Bill Barilko.

For more Bill Barilko videos, pictures, stats and info, visit my Bill Barilko tribute page.

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