Irvine Wallace Bailey

Hockey Player

Birthday July 3, 1903

Birth Sign Cancer

Birthplace Bracebridge, Canada

DEATH DATE Apr 7, 1992 (88)

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About

Canadian ice hockey icon who played for the Toronto Maple Leafs for eight seasons. In 1933, his career ended after he fractured his skull in a fight during a game against the Boston Bruins. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1975. He's the first professional sports player to have a jersey number retired in his honor. 

Before Fame

He attended the University of Toronto.

Trivia

In November of 1926, he was signed by the Toronto St. Patricks of the National Hockey League (they were later renamed the Toronto Maple Leafs). After his playing career, he coached the University of Toronto Varsity Blues men's ice hockey team. He also worked as a timekeeper at Maple Leaf Gardens.

Family Life

His wife was named Mabel. His son Garnet "Ace" Bailey died in the September 11 attacks when United Airlines Flight 175, on which he was a passenger, crashed into the World Trade Center.

Associated With

His career ended after he was hit from behind by Eddie Shore during a match and he then hit his head on the ice.