February 16, 2024

Howie Meeker legendary NHL player, coach, educator and politician

On my recent walk through Riverside Cemetery in New Hamburg, Ontario—deep in the heart of Waterloo Region—I came upon a uniquely shaped grave marker: a hockey puck. It belongs to none other than hometown legend,Howie Meeker.

Born in Kitchener but raised in New Hamburg, Howie Meeker’s name would soon echo across the country. In 1946, this fast-skating, five-foot-nine right winger burst onto the scene with the Toronto Maple Leafs, scoring 27 goals in his rookie season and beating out none other than Gordie Howe for the Calder Trophy as NHL Rookie of the Year.

Meeker went on to win four Stanley Cups with the Leafs during his eight-year career—remarkably, all spent with a single team.

In 1956, he briefly stepped behind the bench to replace the legendary “King” Clancy as head coach of the Leafs, though his tenure lasted just one season before Billy Reay took over.

Yet for many Canadians, it was Howie’s voice, not his slapshot, that became iconic.

With boundless energy, trademark enthusiasm, and his beloved telestrator in hand, Howie Meeker became a fixture on Hockey Night in Canada, helping generations of fans better understand the game—whether they asked for it or not! His summer hockey schools also shaped countless young players across the country.

In an incredible side note that speaks to his era, Meeker also served as a Member of Parliament for a two-year term—while still playing for the Maple Leafs. Unimaginable today, but absolutely true.

A 1998 Hockey Hall of Fame inductee in the broadcasting category, Meeker also served with distinction in WWII, received the Order of Canada, and spent his later years in Newfoundland and British Columbia.