Posts
December 7: On this day in 1929, Harvey "Busher" Jackson played his first NHL game in a Leaf uniform after signing as a free agent the day before. Just 18 years old, he was the yongest player in the NHL at the time. In all, Jackson played 10 consecutive seasons of his Hall of Fame career as a Leaf. He won a Stanley Cup in 1932 playing on the Leafs' famed Kid line with Joe Primeau and Charlie Conacher after winning the NHL scoring championship during the regular season. During that playoff year, he became the first player in NHL history to score a hat trick in one playoff game period. Later in his career, as a member of the Boston Bruins, Busher became the first ever player to score a shorthanded goal in overtime of a playoff game. Jackson still holds the Leafs team record for being selected to the NHL's first All-Star team a total of four times. Jackson passed away on June 25, 1966 at the age of 55. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1971.
December 7: On this day in 1961, Alex Faulkner played in his first NHL game as a Leaf. It was also his only NHL game as a Leaf. In doing so, Alex became the first Newfoundlander to play in the NHL. Faulkner moved on to play for the Red Wings for a couple of seasons and had his moment of glory in November of 1963 when teammate Gordie Howe scored his 545th goal to surpass Rocket Richard for first place on the all-time list of goal scorers. The goal was assisted by Billy McNeill. So how was this moment so glorious for Alex Faulkner? Howe's goal was scored shorthanded. Faulkner was in the penalty box.
