Ted Lindsay, the Hockey Hall of Famer who played a pivotal role in forming the original Players’ Association in 1957, left behind a legacy on and off the ice after his passing March 4, 2019.

Mr. Lindsay set an example to follow, and in honour of the impact he had on all players, the NHLPA is sharing his stories, as told by Ted himself.

Each of the stories in this seven-part series is emblematic of the qualities that Ted represented and what made him so highly regarded among his peers, and anyone who had the privilege and pleasure of meeting him. 
 

A Stanley Cup Tradition

Every year, the Stanley Cup is hoisted by a championship team and skated around the ice by players as fans of both sides marvel at hockey's most coveted trophy. But did you know that this is a tradition that Ted Lindsay started?

Ted recalls how, and he began, one of the best shared traditions between fans and players. 

The Ted Lindsay Award

Every season, one player is handed an award for being named most outstanding for his regular-season contributions, as voted by his NHL peers.

April 29, 2010, this prestigious accolade was reintroduced as the Ted Lindsay Award (formerly the Lester B. Pearson Award), humbling its new namesake.

Players today agree on two things: that the award is one of the league's most coveted honours and the most unique as the only award voted on by the players themselves, and that the trophy pays homage to one of the game's greatest.

Team work

From team work on ice to unity away from the rink, Ted explains the importance of banding together and why it makes hockey one of the greatest sports on earth.

"It doesn't matter how good you are. You're the same as the most novice player playing against you during the season. It's important every player in the league understands they have to be united in their common goal. Not to dictate to owners, but to not be taken advantage of."

Passion

How did Ted get his start in hockey? Thanks to the Brady family for helping Ted find his passion at an early age!

Mr. Lindsay shares the story of the skates he got his start in and the first pair he was ever bought – a $4.95 pair of Red Horners from his father.

Fearlessness

Ted shares the story behind the infamous "sharpshooter" incident that occurred at Maple Leafs Gardens during a semifinal series between Toronto and the Detroit Red Wings. Played March 24, 1956, an anonymous caller phoned in a threat to a local Toronto newspaper ahead of the Game 3 matchup, warning that he planned on shooting Lindsay and Howe if they played in the game. 

The end result? Lindsay and Howe fearlessly took to the ice and combined for three goals in a victory for the Red Wings. Lindsay himself found the back of the net twice, including the game-tying goal to force an extra frame before he also played the overtime hero with the 5-4 decider. If the scoreboard wasn’t enough for the last laugh, “Terrible Ted” had, what he called, “a bit of ham” in him, and used his stick to do all the talking for a final time that night.

Integrity

What was the driving force behind Ted Lindsay's desire for unified players?

Simply put by No. 7, the players needed a voice for the betterment of the game. Ted speaks to the intelligence of hockey players and the integrity of the group.

Perseverance

"The owners met nine or ten times a year and we as hockey players never met, because we didn't speak to each other.'

Ted discusses how the toll on players, many with young families, being shuttled between farm teams and back to the big leagues was one of the first reasons he wanted players to be able to negotiate with their teams.

From a crucial All-Star Game and the key players involved, Ted takes us back to the formation of the original Players' Association in 1957 and what would ensue.

Mr. Lindsay and the players' efforts ultimately persevered as the catalyst for the NHLPA as we know it today.