(Full Disclosure: This episode was supposed to be a Special Bonus Episode in conjunction with a visit to Toronto to visit the Hockey Hall of Fame and Scotiabank Arena for the Maple Leafs-Canadiens NHL season-opener as part of the Around the World in 80 Sporting Events project. Then our Conversation with Liam Maguirebegan and it became apparent this was a special episode just not a Special Bonus Episode.)
Ottawa-area native, Liam Maguire is described as the world's foremost NHL history and trivia expert. After spending about 50 minutes with him to discuss the importance of the Maple Leafs-Canadiens rivalry as well as the Hockey Hall of Fame, we are certainly not going to argue the point.
Liam grew up a fan of Montreal Canadiens star and future Hockey Hall of Famer, Yvan Cournoyer, thanks in no small part to the winger's speed.
Along the way we discuss hockey in the two cities pre-modern day NHL (Toronto Arenas, Toronto Blueshirts, Montreal Maroons, and Montreal Wanderers) and then dive into the Maple Leafs (which began as the St. Patricks) and Canadiens.
Liam takes us on a journey through the history of the two storied franchies (pay special attention to all the names who now have trophies named after them!), what the rivalry was like in its hey day (think Original Sixera from 1942-67), and what it's like today.
There are a few enjoyable digressions along the way, including the importance of 1972's Summit Series between Canada and the Soviet Union, Paul Henderson's series-tying goal, and what impact it had on the nation.
We also make our way to the Hall of Fame and Liam dutifully informs us it began in 1945 without a building of any sorts and ultimately made its way to a temporary location at the Canadian National Exhibition grounds in the 1960s. It's current address at the corner of Yonge and Front streets occupying part of the historic Bank of Montreal building.
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