On February 14, 1927, Conn Smythe led a group of investors to purchase the National Hockey League’s struggling St. Patricks franchise. The new team would become the Toronto Maple Leafs, one of the NHL’s most storied hockey clubs and would dazzle their fans with hockey excellence, claiming 11 league championships. In this NHL authorized biography of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Hockey Hall of Fame legend and famed Leaf’s historian Brian McFarlane has shared an astonishing tribute to Toronto Maple Leaf history with an extensive, never-before-seen collection of Leaf’s organization photographs from private collectors. The stories and photographs collected in this definitive book capture a poignant history about the ‘boys in blue’ bearing Canada’s iconic emblem told through the eyes of McFarlane, who was right there with them every step of the way.
– Brendan Shanahan, President and Alternate Governor, Toronto Maple Leafs
“Brian McFarlane has eloquently shared the story of our team, both as a broadcaster and an author for over 60 years.”
“I’ve always had a deep appreciation and respect for Brian. I loved being a Leaf and team Captain. This book represents the cultural significance of the sport and is a must read!”
– Darryl Sittler
“McFarlane is a hockey legend and a national treasure. The Maple Leaf Forever is an important piece of Canadian history.”
– Paul Henderson
“The best hockey historian and storyteller. A must read if you’re a Leafs fan.”
– Brian Conacher
“I loved being a Maple Leaf and Brian’s book captures all the passion and excitement of the famed white and blue.”
– Doug Gilmour
This book was made with the generous support of the Canada Council for the Arts.
The director of more than 27 acclaimed NFB films, including an Academy Award for Le Château de sable / The Sand Castle.
