Ted “Teeder” Kennedy legendary Leaf Captain and pride of Port Colborne
With puck in hand, I visited the grave of the legendary Toronto Maple Leafs captain, Ted “Teeder” Kennedy, at Oakwood Cemetery near the picturesque shores of Port Colborne, Ontario.
Ted played his entire NHL career with the Leafs, wearing the coveted ‘C’ for eight of his fourteen seasons—a true hometown hero.
A gifted skater and exceptional playmaker, Kennedy’s prowess was so revered that Sports Illustrated once polled NHL experts on “The Best Ever on the Draw,” ranking Teeder as #1.
Under his leadership, the Leafs captured five Stanley Cups, and his iconic #9 jersey was proudly retired. His induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame came in 1966, cementing his place in hockey history.
One unforgettable moment came when the future Queen, Princess Elizabeth, visited Canada and attended a game at Maple Leaf Gardens. It was Captain Teeder Kennedy who, representing the players, greeted her. Kennedy recalled that thrilling moment, thinking, “Here’s a kid from the little village of Humberstone, Ontario, being presented to the Queen.”
Ted “Teeder” Kennedy meets then-Princess Elizabeth and her husband Prince Philip.
Ted “Teeder” Kennedy died in Humberstone, now Port Colborne on August 14, 2008. He was 83.
1925-2008
From my personal hockey card collection-Parkhurst
Teeder after a hard day at the office.
