Clarence Henry “Hap” Day Leaf Legend

On my enjoyable walk—with puck in hand—in the “Railway Capital of Canada,” St. Thomas, Ontario, I came across the grave of King Clancy’s defence partner and legendary Toronto Maple Leafs captain, Clarence Henry “Hap” Day.

Born in Owen Sound in 1901, Hap was not only a gifted athlete but also a top student. He attended the University of Toronto, where he played for the Varsity Blues and majored in Pharmacy. It was during his time at U of T that he was persuaded to turn professional with the Toronto St. Pats—a team that would soon become Conn Smythe’s Toronto Maple Leafs in 1927.

Day earned the nickname “Hap” (short for “Happy”) thanks to his outgoing personality and sharp sense of humor.

He went on to captain the Maple Leafs for a decade and helped lead the team to five Stanley Cup championships. As a coach, he became the winningest bench boss in Leafs history until Punch Imlach eventually surpassed him.

Hap Day passed away in St. Thomas on February 17, 1990, at the age of 88.

1901-1990