Ace Bailey, Canadian ice hockey player and coach (b. 1903)

Irvine Wallace "Ace" Bailey, born on July 3, 1903, and passing away on April 7, 1992, was a quintessential Canadian professional ice hockey player whose career, though tragically cut short, left an indelible mark on the sport. A gifted right winger, Bailey dedicated eight seasons of his professional life to the Toronto Maple Leafs, becoming a beloved figure and a key component of their offense from 1926 to 1933, during an era when professional hockey was rapidly gaining popularity and establishing its iconic rivalries.

A Promising Career Cut Short

Bailey's promising playing career came to an abrupt and unfortunate end on December 12, 1933, during a heated game against the Boston Bruins at the old Boston Garden. In a now infamous incident, Bailey was involved in a brutal on-ice altercation with Bruins' defenceman Eddie Shore. The play began when Toronto's Red Horner checked Shore hard, leading to a retaliatory swing from Shore, who, in a moment of confusion, mistakenly struck Bailey from behind with his stick. The resulting scrum and the impact of the blow caused Bailey to hit his head violently on the ice, resulting in a severe fractured skull. This devastating injury immediately forced his retirement from the game he loved, casting a somber shadow over the sport.

The Birth of a Tradition: The First Retired Jersey

In an unprecedented show of solidarity and respect, the hockey community rallied around Bailey. The National Hockey League, in conjunction with the Toronto Maple Leafs, swiftly organized the first-ever All-Star benefit game in professional sports history on February 14, 1934, at Maple Leaf Gardens. This remarkable event aimed to raise funds for Bailey's recovery and to support his family, drawing an emotional crowd and showcasing the camaraderie within the sport despite fierce on-ice competition. More significantly, in a gesture that transcended individual achievement, the Toronto Maple Leafs made history by retiring his number 6 jersey. This act of profound tribute made Ace Bailey the very first professional athlete across any major North American sport to receive such an honour, establishing a hallowed tradition that continues to this day as the ultimate symbol of reverence for a player's indelible contributions and lasting legacy to their team and sport.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ace Bailey

When and where was Ace Bailey born?
Ace Bailey was born on July 3, 1903, in Bracebridge, Ontario, Canada.
Which team did Ace Bailey play for?
He played his entire professional career for the Toronto Maple Leafs (then known as the Toronto St. Patricks for part of his first season) from 1926 to 1933.
What caused Ace Bailey's career to end?
His career ended abruptly on December 12, 1933, after he sustained a severe head injury, specifically a fractured skull, during a game against the Boston Bruins following an altercation with Eddie Shore.
Why is Ace Bailey significant in sports history?
Ace Bailey holds the distinction of being the first professional sports player in North America to have his jersey number (number 6) retired in his honour. This historic event took place in February 1934.
What was the nature of the "benefit game" held for Ace Bailey?
Following his injury, the NHL organized the first-ever All-Star benefit game in professional sports history on February 14, 1934. It featured players from across the league and was held to raise funds for Bailey's medical expenses and support his family.