The RISE, FALL and REDEMPTION of a Toronto Maple Leafs Legend. The Rick Vaive Story.
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- čas přidán 4. 03. 2023
- Rick Vaive was the first 50-goal scorer in the history of the storied Toronto Maple leafs franchise - but his accomplishments are often overlooked because he played on some of the most pitiful teams in Leafs history.
He’d be named captain at just 22-years old and would reel off three 50-goal seasons, but the Leafs were in shambles - and soon, Vaive’s career would be too.
While he was winning battles on the ice, away from the arena he was no match for the demons that would hasten his exit from the NHL and haunt him long after his career was over.
This is the story of Rick Vaive - his achievements, his struggles, and his road to redemption.
Key Resources:
Rick Vaive (with Scott Morrison) autobiography "Catch 22"
The National Hockey League
Constancy Part 1 - The Descent by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/...
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Rick Vaive’s accomplishments deserve to be recognized in Toronto.
Fierce competitor.
Rick Vaive is another player whose career was derailed by Harold Ballard. Should his number be retired? Yes. Why punish a great player because the teams he played on were horrible. Vaive delivered. I'm glad he's finally found some peace in his senior years.
I agree
agreed on all points ... Leafs had some pieces in those days but Ballard ruined it form the top down.
Screw Ballard
Got rickys name plate from there and ballard let my dad skate and practice on the ice before the leafs got there. He was a hard a$$ yes but I've heard some pretty decent things about the guy as well. If you didn't know him personally, yes he was apparently a d*ck.
Vaive's l#22 should not be retired. He played on losing teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs. I blamed GM Ballard and the coaching staff. Hockey is those days were badly mismanaged. Coaches abusing players. May the Lord Jesus Christ give Vaive a new heart and forget about his miserable hockey playing days.
He gave so much entertainment, let’s remember the good and forget the bad, as we would do for any of our friends
I met him about 20 years ago at the GOstation at Union Station of all places...Nobody seem to know who was standing there except me for some reason I went up to him talked to him he was a very nice guy I shook his hand and I noticed huge ring on his finger. I asked where did he get the huge ring from he then told me Harrold Ballard gave it to him for winning the scoring title...Nice guy...
Hey, that’s a sweet story … thanks 🙏 for sharing!
I had no idea that Vaive had a drinking addiction. I would definitely give my vote to have his number retired by the Leafs. Having three consecutive 50 goal seasons is outstanding! I was surprised to hear how he supported Flames minor league players JS Giguire and Martin St. Louis and was not listened to. Eventually that was one of many reasons behind the firing of GM Craig Button here in Calgary after the 2002-2003 season. Glad to hear that Rick Vaive is now doing well and thanks again for an awesome segment.
Thanks, bro. No video is official until my man CR checks in!
I used to laugh at some of the dressing room coverage after a game. You would see guys pull out packs of smokes and beer from their duffle bag. Just like beer league. Had to be Molson Canadian most of the time. Think drinking was more of an issue back then. I would go to some games near home and these guys were semi pros. Some had a cup of coffee and some just got close but walk in during intermission someone would pull out a beer. The locker room cloudy with smoke. That was the early seventies.
It's true, I was unaware of it as well. Consider the following player, played for both Our (favorite) teams. Did you know that Shane Corson was one of the first players to talk about his bouts of depression and panic attacks. It was in the early 2000's. It was a brave thing to do, so I like to spread the word on him, as well. Besides the off ice issues, he was a player's player! Tough, stood up for his teammates and was never one to avoid dropping the gloves.
He was on our cup winning team, in 86 and was traded to the Oilers, in the Vinvent Damphousse trade. That trade was huge, as it helped us win another cup in 93. My favorite Canadians player, that I got to see play, is Chris Nilan but Shane is not far behind. He was an old time hockey player, in the style of Eddie Shore, Toe Blake and Dit Clapper!! Old time Hockey :)
Most professional athletes have some addiction. Its ok, hunny
I was only 10 in 1982, and remember Vaive being good. I just didn't know how good of a player he was, at the time. This is a good story.
Thanks, Kid! Appreciate the feedback!
I heard about him and how good he was and I live in NYC. However, I was too young to know how bad Leafs management was, including Harold Ballard.
I was only 3 in 1982 and was still pooping my pants in Ottawa
I played Little League baseball with "Ricky" Vaive in 1970 in Amherst, NS. His family lived in Amherst before moving to PEI. He was a great baseball player too.
Generally, seems like Toronto fans and media are brutal towards Leafs players.
One of my all time favorite Sabres. He would stand in front of that net and get cross checked relentlessly and draw penalty after penalty. 5 on 4s became 5 on 3s…his back must hurt to this day. What a warrior out there. Young kids could learn a lot from him.
It's amazing the beating these power forwards took in front of the net -- no holds barred! Crosschecks galore -- no call. THX!
I remember seeing Rick Vaive play at a Leafs game ( in 1982 I think ), and he took a blistering slap shot from the blue line on a two on one and scored. One of the best goals I've ever seen at Maple Leaf Gardens. A few years ago I met Rick at an autograph session in Toronto, and he was really friendly. I remember he said to me 'Hi guy!' and was also happy to have his picture taken with me.
Cool 😎 memory … thanks for sharing!
Rick Vaive did a great interview for me back in 2007 for a story I did on his junior line mate at Sherbrooke, Mark Green, who became the first New Jersey - born and raised hockey player to be drafted by an NHL team (1978 Atlanta Flames, 10th Rd.)
I loved Rick Vaive on Buffalo, he was so tough in front of the net and had good seasons.
Tough Adams Division battles in those days. Rick was well-suited for that physical play.
@@ProHockeyAlumni He was wearing a neck brace and would stand in front of the net getting killed! You could see the pain but he was tough like a cowboy! Most of his goals were in front of the net but he still did pop in some of those typical goals skating down the wing and letting loose a slapshot. Buffalo was outstanding that year he had 29 goals plus led team in playoffs with 4 goals in 6 games. 1989-90 season
What an amazing overview! I did not know the struggles he endured nor the degree of the crappy treatment he got in Toronto. Well done!
Thanks, DL ... greatly appreciated!
I remember these dark days for Toronto. I think during that 3 years run only Gretzky scored more goals than Rick Vaive. Am glad he has found peace
These videos are great man, keep up the good work
Thanks, will do! Your support is appreciated!
Great video. "Catch 22" is a great if somewhat depressing read. Vaive was always a favourite of mine and it would be great to see the Leafs retire his number. It's a shame he had to play on so many bad teams and work for so many awful people!
agreed -- and thanks for watching, Dan!
Great video, again , had his jersey as a kid only thing a young Leaf fan could cheer at that time , unaware of drinking, however that was common practice at that time , again great video
Thanks T ... appreciate it!
Rick Vaive... his number needs to go up. In the dark era of the Leafs, he was the constant bright spot for us Leafs fans...
Yes! Absolutely! He Broke the record scoring 50 goals in franchise history and 3 time 50 goal scorer
Thank you for this video on Rick Vaive. He was my favourite player as a kid. I have long felt that Vaive is terribly underappreciated by the franchise and media. He most certainly deserves to have his number retired. It was surreal to see Wendel Clark nailing him with that open-ice hit near the beginning of the video.
Thanks … yeah I couldn’t pass up including the Clarke hit. 👍
I used to see Rick Vaive cruising in his convertible at a stop light in Oakville in the early 2000's. I remember his silver hair flowing in the breeze as the light turned green lol
awesome ... almost poetic! Thanks.
SOF 1234 Hope he never got a ticket for speeding! Lol
Rick's son Justin played here for the Hartford Wolf Pack for a couple of seasons and we bumped into both of them a couple of times. Addiction is hard and you could tell he had been battling it for years. Heard about his career with the Leafs and hope one day he does get the recognition he deserves
Justin Vaive? Never was successful in the next level. Steve Thomas had a son Christian who was drafted by the NY Rangers, sadly he never had much of a career.
@@royanderson3478 yes sir, Justin Vaive and Christian Thomas
DEFINITELY retire his number. He set a Leaf milestone!
I looked up to Vaive as a kid. Rick Vaive was a part of my childhood in terms of a kid who loved the Leafs. I support the man and hope all is well these days.
Good thoughts and memories … 💪
If you ask me you have the best Hockey content on CZcams. Your videos are well researched, well edited/presented and your stories flow smoothly without dragging on or getting too bogged down with boring and irrelevant trivialities. You present facts and not opinion. And you give us younger guys (I'm 41 though😅) insight and knowledge about players that many fans have not ever heard of and who would otherwise fade away to obscurity. But you don't over glorify these men either. You present them as the fallible human beings that they are. And that provides a lot of relatability to the common man. Well Done Sir!! Please keep up the great work.
Thanks for the incredible feedback …. I greatly appreciate the support of young guys like you 😀 who appreciate the history of the game. You need a nickname here and it would seem that “The Milkman” might work (in honor of Leafs D Claire Alexander) … thx again🙏👍✌️
I agree ^^^
PHA honors the players who made the game so great.
I was at all the home games for the 1977 QMJHL Final for the Sherbrooke Beavers at the Sherbrooke Sports Palace (filled with tabaco smoke by the 3rd period). Back then they were referred to as The Beavers by the English community and even the crowd would chant in "English" Go Beavers Go!! Hard to believe now days! The star that year was Jere Gillis followed by Captain Ron Carter, Rick Vaive. The enforcer was a young tough guy named Jimmy Mann who actually attended my high school (Alexander Galt Regional High School in Lennoxville) for a couple of days!
Very interesting! Thanks for sharing. 👍
I took an Amtrak train to Buffalo in 1990. I remember seeing a billboard near the tracks (and near Rt. 90....I believe ?) that featured Vaive prominently for a fundraising effort of some sort, IIRC.
But sadly, the billboard was still in place despite the fact that he was no longer part of the Sabres, again- if I recall correctly. It was 33 years ago....
I saw the Sabres vs. the Bruins that night- Halloween, 1990 @ The Aud. A 3-3 tie with Malarchuk & Lemelin between the pipes that night. An ugly, fracus filled affair with Sabres fans throwing trash on the ice repeatedly that night.
However, it was great for me in 2 respects. To see Malarchuk again after his catastrophe & to see Lemelin again in the latter years of his career. I had seen Lemelin many times at the old Philly Civic Center with the Philadelphia Firebirds as a kid.
Thank you, Dad !!....
🚬😎
Bit of a ramble there, I know. Apologies in advance.....
A great ramble ... I know Reggie well -- a superior person ... and we got a Philly Firebirds reference! Thanks!
I grew up with Reggie we still talk and are great friends!
NOW THAT'S WHAT I CALL A MEMORY!!! My cousin Peter played for the Bruins in that era, and they had great games against the Sabes
@@andrewdouris6035
Thank you for saying. Just guessing, but was your cousin Peter Nedved ?...
@@craigfazekas3923 I’m guessing Peter Douris. Petr Nedved never played for the Bruins
I was 12 in 1982 and really enjoyed watching Rick Vaive play as a Leaf. I did not know he had an alcohol problem till I watched this video. All I can say is damn, and that I wish alcohol was taken away and banned. Too many problems when ppl drink and it is not worth it. Life is too short
Well said … thanks for watching! ✌️
@@ProHockeyAlumni welcome
I really enjoy the content. The narration, editing and research are outstanding. I like learning about this era of hockey because I was too young to remember. Thanks!
Thanks 🙏 very much …. I appreciate your kind words. PHA viewers expect detail and homework and I work hard to deliver . 👍
Well done, when you put it all together like that, you see how he could still produce through all the misery he endured. He seemed to have the accuracy of a really good billiard player. (nice vintage aerial shot of Charlottetown, perhaps from the mid- 1950's!!!)
Thanks, Alan ... Your comment is appreciated!
What a wonderfully detailed and researched presentation! Thank you. How amazing is it that while Vaive's first 50th goal (5:00) was in Toronto, it was broadcast as a mid-week game by CHCH-TV Hamilton, was announced by Montreal's legendary announcer Danny Gallivan (who replaced the retired Leafs announcer Bill Hewitt in 1981-82 during mid-week games), and with comments from Brian McFarlane and then Bob Goldham. What a supporting cast for that great moment! Thanks again.
Thanks so much for your kind words. Great commentary and recall on a great era of hockey! Hearing Danny Gallivan is always special.
@@ProHockeyAlumni You are very welcome. At Wiki, for Danny Gallivan, there are 5 paragraphs about his expressions, or "Gallivanisms." :)
Bill Hewitt suffered a breakdown during the first CHCH game of the year--a pre-season game--and they held the position open for him if he wanted to return, but he never did.
Love Rick Vaive!!! Remember all he shows us that first 50!!!! And on a team like that back then!!!! Rick gives her!!!! Fulltilt hockey!!!!
Supper nice guy. I met him way back, when he came into Sherway gardens to sign posters. He came in through our shipping and receiving area, he was a such a nice guy shook all of our hands. And joked around with us. One thing that stood out is I remember he had huge hands like a baseball glove.
Great story … thanks for sharing 🙏😎
I salute Vaive, it’s not easy going through what he went through I’m sure in the dark years of Toronto, but he had a great career as a player, and wasn’t a bad coach. Yes he had problems after hockey, but it’s good to see him doing well in life and seeing him given another chance and yes, I believe his #22 should be retired.
Thanks, bud. Always good reading your insights. Thanks!
Born in Ottawa, but grew up in Charlottetown...one of the very few Prince Edward Islanders who made a big impact in the NHL!
Great background detail! I didn't know about Vaive's early WHA chapter, incl. getting punched out by 51 year old Gordie Howe -- a painful badge of honour. I remember those 1980's Leaf years as a highschool student, but trying hard not to be a diehard fan or else be overwhelmed with endless disappointment. Vaive was a real force, but with that team, completely underappreciated, even with all those goals. Vaive is still a Leaf legend, as the statistics tell the true story of his accomplishments & that iconic & accurate slapshot!
Great high value post … thanks! 👍
Those leaf years the late 70s and early 80s are a painful reminder of why I stopped watching hockey. Had forgotten that Vaive was the first leaf 50 goal scorer and did it 3 times. When you consider how horrible those leaf teams were, his 50 goal seasons are even more incredible. If any leaf should have a number retired id say it should be 22.
I had a chat with Rick Viave, one on one for about 2 hours, about 10 years ago, by chance. I told him he was the best Leaf there ever was. It wasn't the first time I said that and I still mean that today. Very nice guy. He told me about his whole career, beginning to end. Very nice guy. He has hands like a bear. I hope your doing well Rick.
Very interesting … that’s a great story and memory … thanks for sharing 🙏
Rick Vaive was the only playler to watch with all those brutal leaf teams!
What a great Leaf! Definitely should have his #22 raised to the rafters. Fierce competitor & one of my all time favorite TML players. What a cannon of a shot he had.
Excellent points -- thanks for the quality comment.
Great video once again! Thank you for this one and keep them coming. I always enjoy watching stories about players I watched.
Thanks … we’ll keep em rolling! 🎥
Absolutely his 22 should be there. First Leaf to 50. He was a Star on a bad franchise. He had Flash.
I was elated when the Sabres acquired Vaive. Yes his number should be retired. Not only for his goal scoring but also having to put up with Harold Ballard. Imlach's only good trade in his return to the Leafs. Vaive took a beating. I remember one night against the Nordiques Darin Kimble punched him from behind knocking him unconscious. Nobody on the Sabres came to his aid (Christian Ruuttu was standing next to Kimble and just skated away). Thank you for this presentation.
Thanks MB …. Excellent hockey knowledge shared by one of my favorite viewers
I have some great memories watching the Leaf's at the Gardens back in the eighties, Vaive was my favorite, tough SOB he was.
Loved Vaive with the Blackhawks. Tough as nails in front of the net; he'd take a beating (back when cross checking was all but legal in the crease) & fight for his goals.
Brutal what happened to these guys around the net … crosschecks to the neck and the head snapping back were part of the game … but the pain lasts a lifetime.
I met Rick a couple years ago. He still played extremely well. In fact he was the best alumni player there by far. Towards the end of the game, he broke down all alone on the right wing and let a blast go directly at the glass not at the inexperienced goalie…..what a shot. Definitely one of the best players ever, just not supported by the Leafs.
Good thoughts on Rick … thanks!
Vaive was one of the bright spots on the 80's Leafs.
I remember Rick when he played for the Leafs. He seemed like a solid player who wasn’t afraid to drop the gloves if need be. You had to be tough back then. I didn’t know he had such a problem for such a skilled player.
Rick has done so much for hockey!!!! he helped make it what it is today!!!! Ballard knows he's the man!!!! Lets go!!!!
Thanks for including Ted Darlings voice. He’s a legend here in Buffalo and sad for what happened to him. Great to hear his voice. Thank you!
Ted was a classic voice for the Sabres ... Thanks for watching!
Another great video. Vaive really had it rough for a long time.
Glad you enjoyed it -- pro hockey can be a rough business and Rick saw all sides of it. Thanks.!
March 31/23 Rick Vaive scored 50 three times plus averaged over a point a game Plus was the Captain! He had a sickness yes and the NHL acknowledges the fact that players who suffer can get help. If anyone ever met Rick you’d find yourself with a great person who suffered from addiction. I met him coached against him and am proud to say I know him. God bless ya buddy on your sobriety! Retire the number! Just like he’s retired the bottle⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️❤️
Great comment … totally agree … thanks 🙏 for sharing!
Vaive was in Chicago for only a little over a year, but was very popular with Blackhawks fans.
Yes ....this man was the first to score 50! as a Toronto Maple leaf... doing it with half the talent there is today..When you don't have all the tools as a youngman and a demon of drinking, it can be very hard to handle life.Give him the vote.
I played Little League baseball with "Ricky" Vaive in 1970 in Amherst, NS. His family lived in Amherst before moving to PEI. He was a great baseball player too.
From Amherst too and didn't know that!
I enjoyed Vaive Alive drink when I was a child 👍
Sadly, so many young stars never reached their full potential because of the so called hockey culture. Valve, Derlago, and Anderson just to name a few would've flourish under the current Leafs management who do their best not look at a player as an asset but as an individual as well. I thing I like about Dubas at press conference when he was hired was " we not only going to try our best to make our players better, but importantly we want them to be better people". If Balland and company had that mentality maybe just maybe Leafs fans would've had something more to cheer about than Rciky Vaive's three 50 goal seasons. Great accomplishment but sadly overlooked by the sad sack teams and personal demons he had to endure! In my humble opinion I do believe his jersey should be honor in the rafters for what he tried to bring without any support to the Toronto Maples Leafs! Thanks for the memories Rick and I wish you the best in the years to come ...nothing like being a grandpa.
well-written and helpful comment. Well done and thanks!
Retire his 22 already! Drinking aside, man's a legend!
Loved Rick Vaive, getting into hockey at age 6-7 here in Philthy PA....I loved my first two teams who I still love this day.The Soviet National Team RED MACHINE (CCCP( and CSKA Central Red Army Moscow. Fell in love with goaltending.Despised the Snider Bigots (Cryers) and my first Goal magazine I thought the greatest were Vaive and Reid Larsson... that is what it told me. Loved Barry Beck and then adopted the NJD.
What an amazing Slapshot Rick had and he was a good guy
Excellent video
Thank you … appreciate the feedback 👍
You just gave me another Rochester flashback with goalie Lynn Zimmerman & Leafs Ian Turnbull. Nice vid & t/y. At 66 yur channel often makes me feel like a teenie again... 😊
well, Bonzo ... anyone who can identify Lynn Zimmerman is legit! great stuff -- and thanks!
I agree, Rick Vaive was an amazing player in all the leagues that he played from the LHJMQ with the Castors in Sherbrooke, with Team Canada, the WHA and the NHL for every team that he played with (Canucks, Leafs, Hawks and Sabres). He is still the first Leaf to have scored 50 goals and the only one with 3 consecutive 50 goals seasons. He should be recognized by the Leafs and his jersey should be retired. The fact that he overcomed his drinking addiction is also an example how one can improve in life. Leafs were very exciting teams in 1986 and 1987 playoffs and Vaive was a big part of it. He has more goals in Leafs history than Kennedy, Clark, Mahovlich and their jerseys were retired. Overall he scored 441 goals in his NHL career!!! Vaive would roar down the right wing side and fire a burning slap shot through the goalies or would stand his way in front of the net to score. Without some injuries for example in 85-86 and with 2-3 more seasons in the NHL he would have reached the 500 goals mark. Wow!
Hey this is an awesome overview of 22 … excellent 👍
I agree!!!! Retire his jersey!!!
I watched him in Sherbrooke Beavers and he was one of my favorite player! I remember him and Floyd Lahache and Lucien Deblois, Dino Belanger and many others also Richard Sevigny that played for the Montreal Canadien. Imagine if Montreal did picked him maybe his life would have been different. But historically it went in a different direction.
I was a Leafs fan back then because my local Red Wings were so much worse. As a hockey fan beginning in the mid 70s, I’ve got to say this is a great channel, lots of players from the era and some fantastic research. Subscribed!
Good stuff ... welcome aboard. Save for 77-78, that was a horrific period for the Wings.
@@ProHockeyAlumni Thanks - glad I found this channel!
My other backup team was the Flyers, so I enjoyed your Barry Ashby profile. Still remember the awful injury. Fun team to watch in the 70s but every other team's fans hated me.
Reggie Leach might be another interesting profile, he was an underrated scorer in Philly and a member of the Ojibwa tribe. He carried the Flyers in the 3rd consecutive cup they fell short on (I think he won the Conn Smythe that season from the losing side. His career and life fell apart due to alcohol but he's put things back together.
Show the class I know your organization has, let the fans show their appreciation. Raise this man's jersey to the rafters !!! From a life long Bruin fan !!! #22 twice as nice !!
cool. Thanks for the comment. The Bruins are ridiculous this year.
One of my favorites right up there with Sticker and Salming
Valve had one of the hardest shots in the league and would routinely score from the high slot.
So many memories came rushing back watching this video. Out here in BC fans have seen a lot of bad trades. Everyone talks about Cam Neely but few remember losing Rick Vaive and Bill Derlago in the same trade! I didn’t appreciate them what a smooth skater Vaive was and an accurate snapshot. He kind of moves like a poor man’s Mario Lemieux. Who knows what numbers he would have put up on better teams? Few other thoughts. Darryl Sittler just looks off in a Flyers jersey. And nice to see some Kari Takko game action. As usual these videos are amazing. Thank you!
Hey Bob -- you've got great knowledge and thanks fro sharing it. We've got some more Takko in a future video!
Vaive was essentially one of the very few good players on some really lousy leafs teams. But not only was he good, he managed to score 50 goals in three consecutive seasons. On THOSE teams!!!!
AAAAA 5 star podcast for any hockey fan
Thanks so much for the feedback and your support!
Great video.
I saw Rick play a bunch of times and he was a tough, talented and passionate player who should have had at least a 15-season career in the NHL. Unfortunately, this wasn't his lot in life. It's my hope he's handling living without the influences of alcohol because they can only serve to debilitate people and families. His demons could have been addressed years ago (1980's or before) but the culture of hockey at the time saw drinking with the boys as part of the deal of being a professional hockey player.
And one more thing that I hope will be helpful: the Leafs DON'T retire numbers, they HONOR them. Thanks again for the great video. I truly enjoyed it. Best wishes.
Great insightful post . Greatly appreciated the value 💪
In the old days, drinking was a part of hockey; and also players smoked in the day. It's unfair to throw the hammer at these guys, as it was a different time back then.
They were products of their era for sure. No hammers here! THX!
I think a lot of people forget just how different the culture was in the late 70’s and early 80’s. Drinking and partying were not only acceptable, they were encouraged. It was very easy to cultivate some bad , self destructive habits. Credit to RV for getting himself together.
1980/81 was my first year watching the Leafs - I was 8 years old and seeing those old players: Gingras, Derlago, Benning, Turnbull…damn I’m old. Never saw Vaive wearing the Vancouver jersey before - he definitely looked better in Leafs blue!
You're still a kid here at PHA ... Thanks for sharing!
awesome player
enjoy every one of your uploads...the leafs should absolutely retire his #
Thanks, Nuke!
Im an Islander.And I know Vaive doesnt care much for P.E.I.But its still cool to see a guy who played minor hockey in Charlottetown have such a great career. The booze got to him in the past,but Im sure he is good today.All the best to Mr. Vaive
great post -- and thanks for leaving it. Everybody loves P.E.I., right?
Oh I have many hockey books, like to find the Vaive book. Love to go to Toronto a used book store....bet I would find treasures
his wife used to be my gym teacher in junior high and use to pick her up, toronto in the 80"S had it's moments
excellent memory ... thanks for the comment!
Although born and raised a Hab's fan, Dad with Grandpa and I in tow travelling to the Maple Leaf Gardens 2 or 3 times a year from London, ON from the early 80's until they closed it up mainly because our Hab's were just far away for a night game. One incident of note is I got hit with a puck by a clearing puck 15 rows up behind the benches by Rick Vaive ricocheting off my hand hitting me in the forehead at about age 10. Puck rolled down 5-6 seats and and some jackarse guy snatched it up and kept it even after seeing the blood flowing down my head. I thought it was cool because I had blood on my shirt, standard young Canadian hockey kid for sure. My grandpa Jack Cassidy (was also drafted to the NHL before he was shot in the War) went down to pummel the feller to get the puck and almost everyone around saw what was about to happen and held him back barely, my Dad tended to me and said Papa's gonna take care of things to get you that puck bud. This was just before the 3rd intermission so the Leaf's trainer and security came up to make sure everything was ok with me and that my Grandpa wasn't going to kill that guy lol because he kept the puck. The Trainer & Security brought me down to their training/medical room to check me out and stitch me up like I was a player, Dad of course came with me but I also grabbed my Grandpa's hand and he came too. Grandpa made such a scene about wanting to get the puck from this fella who wouldn't give it up while the game was going, Vaive noticed and during that intermission and made sure he dropped into the medical area to give me a puck and hand shake to make sure I was ok during getting 8 stiches. He stood with his towel around his neck and asked me about my own hockey while each stitch was stitched, only took a couple minutes was just great to have him attentive asking about my hockey during that pain. I felt like an ole school NHL'er getting sticked up to go back in. I'll never forget that Rick Vaive.
Incredible post here …. Thanks 🙏 so much for your contribution 🔥
I always remembered Vaive being super talented and fun to watch. Like others, those Leafs teams he excelled on were terrible.
Couldn't agree more
Anyone that thinks the justice system is only corrupt in developing countries just needs look at Rick Vaive's DUI case. It was pretty much as black and white as the OJ Simpson case, but yet the judge found there was "reasonable doubt" he wasn't drunk...lol.
8:10 Man, I love Bob Cole. Even with that short clip, I get chills. And I'm from Montreal. Lol
I think that was one of Cole's greatest assets. No matter what team he was commentating for, (on HNIC) he made it feel like he was on your team!
The other amazing ability, his amazing skill of making any game sound like a game 7. His consistency and enthusiasm was catchy. It even had me up till 2AM, as a 9 year old, watching a Leafs at Jets game, In November!! He made it sound important, so I kept watching :)
Have you ever considered doing a video on him? Or did you do one already and maybe I missed it....
Love your content. Cheers from Montreal
8:01 ~ I totally agree!
Bob Cole gives us that “big game” feel … great comment 👍
The Leafs were a puzzling,frustrating bunch back then. They had,I think,a fair amount of talent,at least up front,but couldn't put a whole lot together. They had a couple of decent playoff runs but usually disastrous regular seasons. Vaive was a great Leaf,the product of a rare good trade by the Leafs. His alcoholism is a revelation. Never knew he had the addiction.
RV is a great guy, met him a few times and played with in various events over the years.
I'd have to say mine was a different experience. I've met several players and had great conversations, but met Vaive while he was coaching in NB. He came across as an arrogant jackass.
@@MrJayehawk Yep, I think across the board there will be different opinions for sure. I know there are people I have left a negative impression on in my life as well. We all have bad days/weeks/etc...
@@stevelowry794 Classy reply mate. Refreshing.
@@josephwirtz8352 Cheers!
He is. It seems like those charity games either target players who like to party, or want to write off expenses at tax time...or maybe both!
Jeez. Where have I been? I barely remembember the guy. it was harder to stay informed, back in the day.
Thanks 🙏…. We’re here to fill those memory gaps😃
Rick provided a ton of Leaf entertainment on Saturday nights. Many thanks for the insights.
You are welcome and thanks for the feedback ... It was a tough era for the Leafs but Rick was the bright light.
He had a hard shot! One memory was he took a shot near the blue line against the Sabres and it broke through the net. The play stopped but the players had to show the hole in the back of the net to prove he had scored as all the refs missed it. They repeated the replay a few times and it was incredible.
awesome ... never heard of that. Thanks!
Notice how the bubble-helmet from 1980 seems to be called the 'stan mikita2'
Well done again. Where do get the stuff from the papers? Who's next?
Thanks TT …. We’ll be heading to Chicago for the next one .. I got about a week left in the edit … a lot of news sources : Sporting News, Hockey News, Nesspapersdotcom, etc
Everyone drank back then!!!! All city workers!!! All everything!!! lol It was just accepted!!!! Rick crushed it in those years!!!
I still don’t understand how it’s even possible that this man’s number 22 has not been risen to the rafters after all these years. It’s an absolute travesty. Anyone that watched Rick Vaive play in those Harold Ballard years knows that this is an absolute travesty that this is even a question. He had the franchise record for goals with 54 for over 40 years until Auston Matthews broke it and there is not one leaf player who has had their jersey retired that has had even one 50 goal season…while Mr Vaive has three.
And to the Toronto Maple leafs franchise, give this man his well-deserved flowers, while he’s still alive and able to accept…it is the right thing to do, and it is more than well deserved .
good comment ton Rick ... You've got some excellent hockey Knowledge! Thanks!
If ever players laundry was aired (trust me I know a lot) Half of those retired shouldn’t be there either.Rick’s problems straight up is he isn’t well liked and complained a lot about other players getting more money for appearances and branding.Rick made mistakes who hasn’t but 3 50+ Goal seasons as well as Capt ..He deserves to be up there in the Rafters.
Well said … excellent insights 🙏
Hey man ...were all human , we all make mistakes..and we get better !! Being good to yourself doesn't have an expiration date !!
well said ... THX!
True
Look at Derek Sanderson he too had issues with flying. He had to drink to fly. Stuff happens it's life!
A true sniper from back in the day. Being a captain at such a young age as he stated didn’t help as he felt need to socialize with his teammates. That was beginning of his drinking problem. I wish him well in his sobriety & yes believe his # should be in the rafters in Toronto.
Great 👍 thx! 🙏
Seems like Vaive really liked that slapshot lol
I've been sober for nearly 4 years. Rick Vaive was given a huge responsibility to be a leader at such a young age, but in reality the pressures of life on and off the ice had gotten to him. I do believe his number 22 should be retired considering being the best player on some awful teams along with The Sittler Purge done by Ballard and Imlach.
I always liked Rick Vaive...who wouldn't drink playing for Ballard,or in Toronto during this time,ask Sittler.50 Goal guy back then,That's BIG time.
He absolutely should have his number in rafters. The only guy that is going to be his goal totals is Austin Mathews. Pretty good resume in my book.
Agreed 👍
He had great skills plus a little mean streak. Great player no doubt.
I watch a Friday night hockey card boxes/ pucks/and jersey box openings....Vaive was the auto jersey opened one night...
Very nice once again any chance you can do something with a positive note how about something on Gilles Gilbert ?
Patrick Roy asking about Gilles Gilbert? Haha cool ! Gilles was great. Flopping around , diving, acrobatic, all in those tiny equipment days. Always thought he was way better than Cheever. Took Boston to the absolute limit against Montreal in ‘79. If buddy does a Gilbert upload it will be an interesting watch.
was a big fan of Gilles -- really was great in 1973-74. Cherry treated him badly. Very underrated in Boston.
@@ProHockeyAlumni we all know how grapes hated the French Canadians I thought he was amazing and if I recall he had to quit retire partially because of the gunk do you remember that?
@@chr970 Yeah always liked the French Canadian goalies they had great flare . Gilles sent me a autograph photo when he was traded to the dead wings when I was a kid .
@@patrickroy3380 So many guys had that - Tom Reid had to quit hockey …. A big mystery at that time …. Rick Vaive said he had it, too.
The guy had a point a game on average. Everyone makes mistakes....he should be honored for his accomplishments in hockey and retire his number