Ronald John Edward Ellis (January 8, 1945 - May 11, 2024) was a Canadian professional ice hockey player whose career left an indelible mark on the sport. He was not only a key player for the Toronto Maple Leafs, but also a pioneer in raising awareness about mental health issues among athletes.
Ron Ellis during the 1972 Summit Series
Early Career and Junior Hockey
Ellis was signed by the Leafs and played junior hockey with the Toronto Marlboros of the Ontario Hockey Association from 1961-1964.
NHL Career with the Toronto Maple Leafs
Ellis played 16 seasons in the National Hockey League, all for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Stanley Cup Victory
Ellis won the Stanley Cup in 1967 with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
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Toronto Maple Leafs Stanley Cup Champions 1967
1972 Summit Series
Ellis took part in the famed 1972 Summit Series against the Russian National team. He was a key cog on a line with Paul Henderson and Bobby Clarke on Team Canada in 1972.
Remembering the 1972 Summit Series
Challenges and Retirement
Punch Imlach was hired as general manager of the Leafs for the 1979-80 season and didn't feel that Ellis was worth the money he was being paid.
He offered to buy out Ellis's contract at the end of the season, but the two couldn't reach an agreement.
Despite objections from new coach Mike Nykoluk, Imlach put Ellis on waivers during the 1980-81 season and gave him an ultimatum: retire or be sent to the minor leagues.
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The 36-year-old Ellis chose to retire. To play an entire career of 1,000-plus games with the same team is an accomplishment in and of itself. To have done it for a team that was often the epitome of dysfunction, now that's loyalty.
Life After Hockey
After his life in hockey, Ellis worked as a teacher and in insurance. For six years, Ellis ran his own sporting goods store. The stresses of life after hockey took their toll. In 1986 a bout with clinical depression began.
Mental Health Advocacy
But his greatest contribution might have been when he disclosed that he had suffered from depression, in part due to concussions he endured when he played. That opened a dialogue and started a conversation about a subject that had an enormous amount of stigma attached to it.
Tribute
Ellis earned an unusual tribute in 1968 when former Leafs star Ace Bailey-then working as a timekeeper at Maple Leaf Gardens-declared that he admired Ellis so much, he wanted the team to give his retired #6 to Ellis. Bailey's number had been retired following his career-ending injury in 1933.
Ron Ellis died Saturday at the age of 79. Rest in peace, Ron Ellis.
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