The Frank Mahovlich vs. Punch Imlach Feud: How the "Big M" was Nearly Driven to Madness.

Thanks to Robin Lehner and others, admitting to mental health issues is no longer a source of shame or embarrassment for NHL players.
However, in bygone eras our hockey heroes never showed fear, vulnerability or weakness -- with one major exception: Hockey Hall of Famer Frank Mahovlich, whose toxic relationship with his coach, Punch imlach, twice drove him to nervous breakdowns.
Known as "the Big M”, Frank Mahovlich was a talented and classy winger, who scored 622 goals and won six Stanley Cups in 22 professional seasons with the Leafs, Detroit Red Wings, Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Toros and the Birmingham Bulls. But despite his great success, Mahovlich struggled through the first half of his hockey life with emotional issues that resulted from high expectations.
Frank was a shy and sensitive as a young man, ill-suited for the abuse he received from tyrannical Toronto Maple Leafs coach Punch Imlach, oppressive team management and fickle Toronto spectators. That Mahovlich managed to become a superstar while combating emotional pain and even depression is a testament to his once-questioned character and will to succeed.
#frankmahovlich #torontomapleleafs #mentalhealth
Mark Willand
[e-mail]
Resources:
"The Big M" by Ted Mahovlich (great book written by Frank's son)
The NHL
The Hockey Hall of Fame
The Windsor Star
Copyright Disclaimer
Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for Fair Use for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and more. No copyright infringement intended.

[@GK-ev5rd]

Frank loved playing in Detroit and heard no "BOOS" at the Olympia. The fans loved him and he was rid of the hockey "hotbed" known as Toronto. In the Detroit area he could walk around and not worry about fans taunting him and expressing their views. He would go to Tiger Stadium to see the Lions play then get in his car to the Olympia for the Sunday night game and love every minute of it. Gordie Howe and Alex Delvecchio were great linemates and he thrived with them although Detroit did not come close to winning the CUP. When traded to Montreal, he became a fan favorite in Montreal and let the record speak for itself. Imlach had his day in the sun, and when he came back after leaving Buffalo, he lost all his magic and the Leafs were plain terrible. The Red Wings were plain terrible after Mahovlich left too. It's funny that Frank came back to Toronto to play for the Toros, but the money was too good to pass up. WHen he was going strong, he was worth the price of admission. Opposing teams called him a "Sleeping Giant" and one that you did not want to "wake up" because once you did, he would light up the scoreboard and take control of the game.

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

Thanks for leaving such a great and historically accurate comment …. Outstanding work!

[@bluetrane64]

Thank you for this informative comment. I live in Detroit and like the Red Wings, but I was a youngster in the 1970s, by that time, FM was with the Canadians.

[@mrnobody3161]

Thanks for posting.

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

You're welcome ... Thanks for watching!

[@rainers.2080]

Very interesting. Thank you.

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

Thanks for the feedback! Appreciated.

[@paulsmith2188]

If you watch old video's you realize how lazy the "big M" was. Never backchecked, never fought for the puck, avoided the corners - was pretty useless.....

[@toddpurvis9621]

Sounds like Gretzky. Guess he was useless too.

[@MrGG1959]

As a lifelong Red Wings fan I find it ironic that since Mahovlich was traded from the Toronto the Maple Leafs have never won the Stanley Cup since.

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

We'll have to ask Frank to lift the "Big M Curse"

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

@@davidclick5344 ha ha

[@fightingirishman77]

@@ProHockeyAlumni Nope Keep it for eternity

[@parkerbohnn]

Endless bad trades killed the Leafs. The Blaine Stoughton trade finished the Leafs off forever.

[@aggcavan943]

It’s a friggin’ mess here. It’s getting better, but not great.

[@robertlegault9226]

Frank was a real gentleman and loved by the fans in Montreal. Even though he was 32 when he became a Hab, he still lead the team too bad he didn't stay longer.

[@paulym5814]

I’m a staunch Bruins fan who grew up through the 60’s and 70’s watching almost every game. I used to hate the Mahavolich brothers. Looking back I see what great careers they had. Respect to all of these men who paved the way for others.

[@BillMorganChannel]

Wow! This was great in terms of history, sports and health. I was a Sabre fan back to 1970 and idolized Punch Imlach ... but he seems like a butt.

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

I think he had mellowed by the time he got to Buffalo ... and he had developed serious cardiac issues by that point ... His exceptional GM work for the Sabres between 1970-1974 will be the subject of a future video.

[@christianstokes1468]

Ahh another great hockey video!!!

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

Thanks for watching!

[@waynemcfarlane9175]

Here are the top three players happy to get away from Ballard: Dave Keon, Darryl Sittler and Frank Mahovlich. Please add more names to the list.

[@garnetbezanson1404]

Lanny McDonald.

[@RobbieB_]

Bernie Parent

[@rob7325]

I'm a history buff of any sort. Your channel is very well done. Fantastic clips and wonderful narration. Thank you for all your efforts.

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

Many thanks! I greatly appreciate your support!

[@rob7325]

@@ProHockeyAlumni may I ask what your preferred era and team(s) are?

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

@@rob7325 favorite era: 1967-1997 …. Grew up with Bruins (and am employed by the Bruins Alumni) and then Whalers … worked with PGH , HFD and NYR … really love all the teams as they all have special meaning to me in some way. Thx!

[@rob7325]

@@ProHockeyAlumni The absolute best era. Watching the sport grow as it has through the years has been fantastic. Not a fan of how any sport uses video replays as I feel the misfortune and imperfections of the game and/or refs made for more passion and interest for the home teams.. Miss the Whalers. Again, hell of a job and hope for more!

[@desert.mantis]

I never knew the backstory about Mahovlich. I began following him when he was teamed up with Howe and Delvecchio. They were fearsome! It's too bad Imlach could not accommodate Mahovlich. But I guess the Leafs got what they wanted out of him in Stanley Cups.

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

right ... Gordie has his highest points totals playing with two fellow HOFers.

[@grisflyt]

I believe it was Imlach and not Ballard that made Sittler et al. leave the Leafs. Imlach continued his tyrannical style in an era when players were in a position where they didn't have to take it.

[@toreckman8899]

Sorry dude. I didn’t see your post. I swear.

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

@@grisflyt agreed.

[@jameshammond8573]

I had the pleasure of having lunch with Frank on his 60th birthday in St.Johns. Such a humble great interesting guy.

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

Thanks for sharing ... Lunch with Big M -- very cool.

[@rockymaze9508]

The reason I wore # 27 with the Edmonton Oilkings 72-76.... I wasdrafted by Imlach when he was with the Sabres....in 1976...Floyd Smith was the coach....terrible practices...same every day.... I met Mr. Mahovlich in the Edmonton later in the 90's when he was with the NHL oldtimers playing against my EPS police team for charity ( I became a cop))....chatted for couple of hours after the game when we had a dinner for their team....then in the mid 2000's while in Ottawa on police association I was in the lobby of the parliament building waiting to be addressed by PM Harper...there walks in a man in a trench coat , collar up...wearing a fedora...and I knew it was him....I said "Senator Mahovich"...he stopped.. came over and we talked. I introduced myself and he said he remembered his time in Edmonton....we chatted for a minute then said good bye to each other...soft spoken...he has that something....if you have ever met him...you will know what I am saying.....

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

a superior comment -- thank you for sharing!

[@seveglider8406]

I am a N.Y. Rangers fan and I wish Frank Mahovlich had played for us! Wish I could meet him some day.

[@roystephenson3723]

It wasn't just Mahovlich that Punchy bullied for no reason iother than being a jerk. Carl Brewer, Ron Ellis, - and later Darryl Sittler. Lots more.

[@john_blues]

Very interesting video. As a Wings fan, it makes me think of what Johan Franzen went through with Babcock. Unfortunately Johan wasn't able to escape and have a resurgence. I'm much less critical as a fan than I used to be. You never know what guys are going through.

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

well said ... I agree.

[@thinkingjack]

Great video, it’s easy for historians to smooth over how scummy coaches were back then

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

everything changed when the WHA came along ... players had options and coaches had to adjust to modern times.

[@piccolina721]

Thank you Imlach ! We needed Frank to win two more Stanley Cups with the Canadiens & a goose egg for the Leafs since traded ! 😄😅

[@lussier1958]

Apparently Montreal GM Sam Pollock was over the moon when he acquired Mahovlich. The sharpest mind in the history of the NHL knew talent. Funny how Mahovlich couldn't play for Imlach but had no problems with Scotty Bowman.

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

@@lussier1958 right, Scotty was always a Big M fan ... Frank was at peace there.

[@henrymanzano2201]

That's the best part of the story,aside from Mahovlich doing so well,both as a player and person,once he got out of that environment. Go, Habs,Go!

[@mrktyb]

Beliveau once said to Mahovlich, then with the Leafs, that he was playing for the wrong team...

[@ronmailloux8655]

the habs always liked the way Frank skated and he fit right in with fire wagon hockey. As for Punch he had his favourites and if you were not one pretty soon you were gone....ask Lanny.

[@theretiringbarber]

Greatest Leaf of all time .

[@felixbaxter352]

You have to figure anyone who was part of Ballard's inner circle was a bit of a madman.

[@anthonyriche552]

Great piece! I never knew that about Frank and it makes me appreciate his feats even more. Back then you were pretty much stuck to your team and they pretty much owned you. Also there were only 11 other teams to go to. Today we have 32 including Seattle. Thank God times have changed (mental health is also taken more seriously as well). Thanks for the video.

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

Thank you or watching and for the feedback. Greatly appreciated!

[@viccolantonio1691]

to be fair to the leafs all the teams from the original 6 had abusive mentality to the players. The expansion of the league created more freedom for hockey players.

[@TheTarbender1]

A lot of Leaf players from later years could relate to what Frank was feeling and going through. Actually spoke to a couple of them, and while they weren't really willing to admit it, everyone knows damned good and well that many Leaf players back then would have given anything for five minutes with Punch Imlach or Harold Ballard! Friggin tyrants.

[@genebishop9454]

Sadly only not did Imlach mental games hurt Mahovlich but he also feud with other up and coming players in the Sixties…Brewer…Bain…Stemkowski…Pappin…Gary Smith…and Walton just to name a few. His hard noise style also ruin a promising Leafs team of good stars in Sittler…McDonald…Salming….and Palmateer. Yes Imalach will go down in history as one of the Leafs great GM coaches but his caustic personality rob Leafs fans of some great stars.

[@genebishop9454]

Baun not Bain! Stupid auto correct

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

Well said, Gene ... you are a Leafs scholar!

[@michaelkirkpatrick7483]

Thanks for yet another good video from PHA. I knew the Big M and Imlach were not exchanging Christmas cards, but it was much worse than I thought. Imlach ruined a lot of players with his Dictatorship style. What he did with Sittler and McDonald 10 years later was atrocious. Fortunately the Big M got through it in one piece, and found peace outside Toronto.

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

Thanks for watching .... good and accurate summation.

[@stevencooke6451]

This was very educational. I was young Habs fan when the Big M was playing. i remember him scoring his 500th NHL goal for my team. I had heard he was a bit of a complicated player, and now that has been clarified. I knew Imlach was an awful person, especially as he had made a return to the Leafs under the terrible Harold Ballard. One wonders how much Imlach and Ballard cost the Leafs and their players.

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

Thanks for watching ... owners and management "held all the cards" back in those days ... the the union and the WHA changed all of that.

[@scottshorten9962]

hey i rembember watching that game also..)

[@judowrestlerka]

Now we ALL NEED to make it ok for players to come out if they have substance use issues and not worry about being criminalized or stigmatized. Mental Health and Substance Use issues are two of the biggest problems in professional sports INCLUDING Hockey.

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

well said ... and very much agree ... great comment!

[@christopherlucy1772]

With A Union around and representation the way it is today these things could not happen again.. I was shocked to read that phil Esposito said that players could not even have water during A game I can't imagine how they played at that time and before under those conditions.. the NHL was truly a primitive employer in those days..

[@georgefoley7841]

Became my favorite player when I heard his name on the radio and he has been ever since. Class in every way and I still watch games he played in on KZbin.

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

A classic for sure 👍 … he was a great Canadien and is a great Canadian

[@michaelohalloran2800]

Imagine my having a coach called Punch.

[@johnbatinovic6593]

The Mahovlich curse continues here in Toronto. I wonder if had something to do with Frank being Catholic, and Imlach and Ballard being Freemasons, who are very anti-Catholic and secretive about it. Being of children of Croatian immigrant parents, there was still a lot of racism in the early and mid-1960’s.

[@jacksmith5692]

I remember reading about Frank when he had a solid 1968/69 in Detroit scoring 49 goals and how he was free of Punch Imlach. Then in Montreal he fit like a glove and was clutch in two Cup winning playoffs.

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

right ... my memories of him began with Detroit but I particularly remember him with Montreal, where he was a dominant player at a later age.

[@jacksmith5692]

@@ProHockeyAlumni Exactly, he was perfect with Montreal and left after 1974 and yet they were so deep they went on to win 4 Cups in a row from 1976 to 1979. Frank injured his knee in the WHA that finished his great skills. The irony is as a Rangers fan, we defeated the defending Cup winner three years in a row in Montreal in 1972, Boston in 1973, and Montreal in 1974 and yet failed to complete the job and win a Cup under Emile Francis. He had Bert Wilson in Providence in 1974 and should have dressed him against the Flyers for the 7 game series defeat to go after Schultz and even had a young Nick Fotiu practicing with Providence that year after Nick completed his season on Cape Cod in the ECHL. Fotiu was practicing learning from John Muckler but didn't play in the AHL in 1974. Imagine a young feisty Fotiu and Bert Wilson in the lineup against the Flyers in the 1974 playoffs? Oh well! Francis was famous for dealing his muscle in NY like Kurtenbach, Fleming, the Plagers, Dupont, Durbano, Bert Wilson, Battleship Kelly to name a few. He'd rather have Brad Park be the policeman wasting time in the box instead of on the ice. Ridiculous!

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

@@jacksmith5692 awesome comment … totally forgot Nicky was hanging around in RI … love Cat Francis (had the office next door to him) but he was slow to react to the Bullies of the early 70s. Thx!

[@jacksmith5692]

Thanks!

[@jacksmith5692]

@@ProHockeyAlumni Would you know my late Cousin Richie Krajic who worked for Mr Francis and Mr Ferguson with the Rangers. I have Park and Gilbert's book called Play the Man and they both autographed it to me and Mr Francis wrote to Richie, the Very Best, Emile Francis. He didn't realize the book was for me. John Ferguson wrote his book called Thunder and Lightning and on 5 pages writes about Richie calling him his Best NY Pal. When the Rangers fired Fergie in 1978 unfairly, Richie either quit or was let go and never spoke of the Rangers again, he was that angry how his friend John Ferguson had been treated. Lets face it, most of the 1979 team that went to the Finals was Fergie's team with some Francis leftovers like Greschner, Maloney, Vickers, Johnstone, Davidson, Vadnais, Espo, and Tkaczuk. Fred Shero drafted Don Maloney but that was from the scouts of Fergie in 1978. Emile Francis was a great man but believed in team toughness whatever that meant and his Captain Vic Hadfield let the team down in game 7 against the Flyers in 1974. First he had a front row seat watching Schultz mug Rolfe and then he was told to serve the too many men on the ice dubious call in the last minute and was caught on NBC laughing in the box sipping a fan's beer. The next day Richie called my Dad and said the Cat is furious and changes are coming starting with Hadfield. He was gone 6 weeks later to Pittsburgh for the forgettable Nick Beverley. Jim Neilson was gone, Bruce MacGregor jumped to the WHA, and the purge was beginning from the 1970's Francis Rangers! Vic Hadfield really let the team down as Team Captain!

[@TKM1951]

I have often wondered why Big Frank didn’t grab Imlach around the throat. What’s the worst that could have happened .In the end Punch was not treated fairly by Harold Ballard and did not return to the NHL . So I guess in the end he got his

[@collegesuccess]

The Moral of Frank Mahovlich's time under Punch Imlach still stands: Don't work for a Sociopath--EVER! (Criminally, players made what would have been an average yearly salary, back then! That Imlach and company thought Frank was a bum for getting a $25,000 a season payraise, and only after the hell of sacrificing his mental and emotional health, says everything you can about the corruption that was hidden from the fans in the days of the Original Six.) The movie "Net Worth" says it all. All the Best (and great respect) to Frank Mahovlich!

[@jimdavis6824]

you have got to be kidding me.! you know true hockey City such as Toronto, they're going to boo one of the at least top 15 20 of players of all time because he wanted to $10,000 raise? are you bleeping kidding me ?

[@34Packardphaeton]

The "curse" of Imlach.. still rules the fates of the Leafs, not winning a Cup for over 50 years!

[@michaelohalloran2800]

Imlach was out of order .Those topics should be discussed during practice not in the media.

[@cyclopssports]

THIS is your best one yet! Great story.

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

Thanks, my bro ... I'll never reach your level, but I'll keep pushing forward!

[@dsc4178]

I'm too young to have seen him, but a great player.

[@mikelight495]

Ironic is how punch convinced Tim Horton to join the Sabres. They say he demanded a Ford Pantera that he crashed on the q.e.w. racing the charter plane back to Buffalo when he had the crash. All punch would say is how much he hated that car. Knowing that Supposedly Tim demanded punch deliver the car to him personally. He was like a father to Jim Schoenfeld. After that Jim was never the same. Neither were the sabres.

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

Interesting 🤨 thanks for this strong content

[@rayjohnson5480]

I think Frank had less mental health issues than his coach...

[@TheAxeGrinder]

And people wonder why no one likes Toronto fans.

[@jimdavis6824]

being a US citizen and a former goaltender hockey fan since 1970 , I have never heard such idiocy something so absurd as for the true hockey fans to boo an incredible player teammate gentleman in the same mold as Jean beliveau, would be that shallow. well Toronto fans did I guess pay in the end because they realized what a complete idiot Harold Ballard was. sells the championship banners.. you have got to be bleeping kidding me. that's the guy was a low life. absolutely amazing. I'm actually very angry that I heard this bit of news. I knew I knew of the problems the big impact with with punch Imlach, but for the fans to respond when he's helping a team without him either they don't win the Stanley cup and they're going to boo him. I have never that is one of the most disgraceful things I've ever heard actually it is the most disgraceful thing I've ever heard a a an audience of all time. you have got to be kidding me! as always Hall of Fame alumni , although un- pleasant they a good bit of information.. and it just ran forces I believe I've had for many years that the more I learn the less I know..JD

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

Good thoughts, JD ... perplexing how fans can jump all over such greta players and people ... Don't know what you've got until it's gone.

[@stumarston6812]

Imagine if he went to the Hawks. Him and Bobby Hull on LW.

[@mortimerbrewster1028]

Outstanding profile as usual. In Detroit The Big M had to then deal with Ned Harkness who came onto the scene in 1970 as the Red Wings general manager. the inexperienced Harkness proceeded to rip the team apart getting rid of most of the veterans resulting in the trade of Mahovlich to Montreal.

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

Thanks! ... Darkness with Harkness -- a complete catastrophe ... terrible franchise in that era.

[@browesr1]

When will they win the cup? 😄

[@Pfsif]

Narcissists always pick out one person to destroy/dump on for manipulative reasons.

[@henrymanzano2201]

Usually easy targets...and they do it so well.

[@thorpestanford5359]

I only remember him as a hab but he was great. thanks for all of your vids

[@idontgivetkachuk]

Another fantastic video!!

[@brickbrick9953]

My favourite player growing up was the Big M in the 60's. Such a graceful skater and prolific goal scorer. When Imlach, Ballard and the rest of the goons in Leaf management traded Frank to Detriot, I swore I would never cheer for the Leafs again - even being a southern Ontario boy. The only other Canadian team I could cheer for was the Montreal Canadiens as it was pre expansion. So, I became a Habs fan and have never regretted it since. The great justice and payback was when Detriot traded Frank to Montreal where he would score his 500th goal, play with his brother Pete and win two more Stanley Cups. The curse of Frank Mahovlich still lives in Toronto to this day and always will until the day he dies.

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

excellent comment and grasp of Leafs history ... THX!

[@jacknumberone600]

BIG M ! ! !

[@joshuamervis]

Thanks for doing these - they are great. It makes the history of the NHL come to life for another generation. My hockey player really enjoys these. Bravo!

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

Thanks so much … great you can share your love of the game with your hockey player, who must think some of these stories are insane!

[@donhuber9131]

Why was the number, 27 so special to the Big M? Most of the big name stars preferred the lower numbers. I always felt Frank's choice of 27 was incredibly cool and made him stand out as an individual!

[@christopherlucy1772]

I didn't know his situation was that desperate and I wasn't around in the time of Eddie shore but it's reasonable to assume that he was short a few screws..

[@ronbonora7872]

FM was a superstar in his hay day. Punch was also a super coach in his hay day. Both are legends of hockey!

[@dondash8921]

As a teen, I watched the Big M & really enjoyed hit style. He was so smooth on the ice.

[@BBQFanNo1]

The irony is the guys the Leafs traded for Frank Mahovlich from the Red Wings Norm Ullman and Paul Henderson asshole Harold Ballard railroaded all of them right out of Toronto too by 1975 despite Norm Ullman being on the normal Top 5 Team goal scoring and points list for most of his seasons with the Leafs except his last 1974-1975. After that Norm Ullman and Dave Keon were gone from Toronto along with Eddie Shack calling it quits.

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

Good recall of these Leaf mishaps ... THX!

[@toreckman8899]

Man. Didn’t know that about the big M. Glad I didn’t. Howe, Delveccio and Mahovlich line was one of the greatest. I and I’m a blues fan.

[@desert.mantis]

Say...aren't you the holistic healer that tried to help George Costanza? I always wanted to thank you for that.

[@toreckman8899]

@@desert.mantis it is I. You are welcome my son. ‘You’re eating too much dairy’. 😉jk.

[@markproulx1472]

I was lucky to live in Detroit when the Big M played on the line with Howe and Delvecchio. They were amazing to watch. I knew that he had struggled with depression, but didn’t know the extent until years later.

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

Quite a Hall of fame trio -- a little older but still able to feast on expansion era teams.

[@ronpiticco7222]

Imlach the military man of insults and ran into someone who was willing to fight for his rights, military and psychological warfare is not the way to pick up a man’s spirits, so happy he turned it all around and had his best years while Imlach is in military heaven working his way out of there

[@golsonmoldon9455]

Beauty of a video. Thank you

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

Thanks ... another in the T27 series!

[@ericvanljackwax1982]

and the leafs never won another cup its the mahovlich curse they shoulda treated him better maybe they should apologize and see i it helps lol

[@tplomonte]

Heard that he would walk the the Toronto streets at night.

[@GUISNIP]

The Leafs have fucked so many great players over the years.

[@GoodlyRogue]

Great video! As always!

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

Thanks Goodly ... Glad you enjoyed it!

[@tplomonte]

Small town boy from Timmins

[@ScamLikely9327]

This the only song any KZbin maker uses. Why? Because you all are basically the same people.

[@brettcraigie6976]

came for a hockey video, and almost thought I was going to get into a true crime video

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

This was the 1st time I used the You Tube music "catalog" ... I assume many You Tubers use it ... But, in general, I use my personal library of unique royalty free music ... Thanks for listening.

[@brettcraigie6976]

@@ProHockeyAlumni honestly, it gave the video a familiarity for me that I liked. Either way, it didn't take away from the excellent hockey content that you continue to produce

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

@@brettcraigie6976 thanks, bro!

[@googleaccount2637]

Copyright infringement is very sensitive on these social media platforms, really surprised you never even noticed ...

[@ltakethefatlplease.3380]

What a beast, and a true Goat.

[@hasanshaikh4463]

Why did leafs fans boo him? He was great.

[@henrymanzano2201]

Because they're Leafs fans. That's what they do. And they wonder why the rest of the league hates them

[@hasanshaikh4463]

@@henrymanzano2201 haha damn. I know here in Chicago, we love our guys.

[@henrymanzano2201]

@@hasanshaikh4463 Yup. That's the case with most fan bases when a player does well. I'm from New York,but a Montreal Canadiens fan,and here in NY ,fans only turn on a player when he's doing badly. As for Montreal,from what I see,fans see who's at fault and call that person out,player or coach. It seems like in Toronto,the fans just blindly believe the media and ownership- and much of the media is out to make a name for themselves, especially in Toronto,and what better way to do it than by jumping on a player who's underperforming? Then there's the fact that they're now owned by a media company,MLSE (Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment). In Ballard and Imlach's time, ownership was not to be questioned,and the coach was God,and they controlled the narrative,so,fans went along with it

[@hasanshaikh4463]

@@henrymanzano2201 that’s brutal. Crazy to think Toronto hasn’t won since the 60s. And yeah definitely can see NY fans turning on players underperforming.

[@henrymanzano2201]

Yup,and Ballard and Imlach had everything to do with it- mostly Ballard being blindly loyal to Imlach (yeah,he did coach them to three straight Stanley Cups,and I think he also was behind the bench in '67,so it was nearly impossible to argue with all that success). But yeah,Ballard was an absolutely toxic person and owner (there was even a sex scandal in that organization involving young boys that lasted well into the 80s,under his watch). He took everything personally and both he and Imlach turned that team into their own little "cult" of sorts,where everything was about Ballard and Imlach. They dealt so many great players - Sittler,Keon, Mahovlich of course,and Lanny McDonald just to name a few,for no reason other than petty personal disagreements. That's not how you run a franchise. Like it or not,it's the PLAYERS who win championships on the ice. It's Management's job to support and develop the players and create a winning culture. Ballard and Imlach made it all about themselves,and the team and its fans have been paying for it ever since (not that Ballard ever cared, because he made his money off those fans). Also,they earned the scorn of players and fans alike. I recommend a video by sports KZbinr "UrinatingTree" ,where he addresses the Leafs' failures from 1967-2017 in his own funny,but informative way

[@bobkling2089]

These videos are so well done, spectacular

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

Thank you very much! Greatly appreciate your kind words.

[@stumarston6812]

Imlach would intentionally mispronounce his name as a way to insult Frank. He'd call him Mahalovich. In practice he'd yell out "Where is that Mahalovich guy? Hey Mahalovich, get your ass over here"? He did it to degrade and embarrass him in front of the other players.

[@danielfinkler2160]

My family's and my favorite player of all time. He's my idol. After that dictator idiot Imlach traded him., I swore I would never root for the Leafs and haven't to this day! Funny as the only jerseys I have, outside of my 1972 Team Canada 🇨🇦 jerseys are a # 27 signed Leafs jersey and a # 27 Toronto Toros jersey. Great video. I loved it.

[@IronSikh44]

Very interesting to note Leafs have faced much adversity ever side putting the Big M through the wringer and shipping him to Detroit. For that period, his numbers are truly astounding. Great role model for society and sport.

[@carlandre8610]

Ron Ellis, Terry Sawchuk?

[@kellyconroy786]

The big cheap shot, first knee to Bobby Orr...

[@truth7294]

I saw that once. Didn't know it was the 1st.

[@johnwilkinson1690]

What a smear piece. Some players thrived under Imlach's coaching style, some didn't. The same goes for every coach in history

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

as noted in the video, many players loved Punch and, despite issues, he and Frank won four Cups together.