“Consistent” and “dependable” aptly describe the distinguished hockey career of right-winger Ron Ellis. He starred for the 1964 Memorial Cup champion Toronto Marlboros and as a 22-year-old he was a key young component with the 1967 Stanley Cup-winning Maple Leafs. Born in Lindsay, Ontario, Ellis played 16 seasons for the Leafs (1963-64 through 1980-81). He is prominent on the club’s all-time lists: Fifth in regular-season games played (1,034), sixth in points (640), fourth in goals (332 – one of only four to score 300-plus goals as a Leaf) and fourth in game-winning goals (50). He scored 20-or-more goals in 11 seasons, including 10 consecutive campaigns from 1966-67 through 1977-78 and twice surpassed 30 goals in a season. He was so respected that Hall of Famer Ace Bailey asked that his No. 6 be un-retired so Ellis could wear it. In 1972, Ellis was a formidable part of Team Canada where he joined Bobby Clarke and Paul Henderson for the squad’s most reliable line. For more than 20 years now, Ellis has served the Hockey Hall of Fame, currently as Program Director, HHOF Development Association. The sport is all the better for his continued association and contributions.

Head table guest 2018