Tim Horton Hockey and donut legend

On my walk through York Cemetery in Toronto, I came across the grave of Hall of Fame defenceman Miles Gilbert “Tim” Horton.

Born in Cochrane, Ontario, Tim Horton played an extraordinary 24 seasons in the NHL. While he’s most closely associated with the Toronto Maple Leafs, he also suited up for the New York Rangers, Pittsburgh Penguins, and—finally—my own Buffalo Sabres.

Tragically, on February 21, 1974, after a game against the Leafs, Tim was driving back to Buffalo when he lost control of his De Tomaso Pantera sports car on the QEW near St. Catharines. He died in a single-car crash. He was just 44 years old.

Today, Tim Horton is remembered not only for his enormous contribution to hockey, but also for the 5,701 donut shops bearing his name across thirteen countries—a legacy that transcends the game he loved.

1930-1974

1974 DeTomaso Pantera Tim was driving.