Stan Ellis, a Maple Leafs Stanley Cup winner, passes away at age 79.
The Leafs released a statement saying, “We mourn the loss of Ron Ellis, a lifetime Leaf whose legacy is woven into the fabric of blue and white.” “Ron will be sincerely missed; he was a great gentleman of the game. His loved ones are in our thoughts.”
Ellis was a two-way forward who appeared in just one game for the Maple Leafs during the 1963โ64 campaign before leaving in 1980โ81.From 1975 to 1977, he skipped two seasons while he dealt with mental health problems.
Out of all the Maple Leafs, Ellis spent 16 seasons in parts in Toronto. He is one of only five players to have played in 1,000 games. In addition, he leads the team in goals scored in history. Ellis scored 640 points (332 goals, 308 assists) in 1,034 games played. In the 1974โ75 season, he scored 61 points, a record for him.
Ellis was a four-time All-Star who worked at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto following his retirement. He left his mark on charities as well. An NHL Alumni Association award, the Keith Magnuson Man of the Year Award, went to him in 2024.
The group expressed in a statement that it was “heartbroken” to hear of his passing. “Ellis’ contributions philanthropically were global and impactful through his work with many charities and mental health initiatives,” added the statement. “He dedicated his life, post hockey, to the Hockey Hall of Fame, and could be found each day smiling while he led guests through the great museum archives proudly.”