Ace Bailey
The first player to have his number retired, a legend whose career ended in tragedy but whose legacy healed the league.
Few figures in Toronto Maple Leafs history loom as large, or as sadly, as Edward Aaron 'Ace' Bailey. A left winger whose brilliance was severed by a career-ending collision, his story is defined less by the years played and more by the legacy cemented in a single night of solidarity.
- Role
- Left Wing
- Team Affiliation
- Toronto Maple Leafs (1927–1934)
- Career Status
- Retired due to injury
- Jersey Number
- 6 (First retired in NHL history)
Lore & Background
Ace Bailey arrived in Toronto during the franchise's transition from the St. Patricks, quickly anchoring the line alongside Busher Jackson and Joe Primeau after being traded in June 1927 and making his debut that November. His game blended elusive speed with a lethal scoring touch, turning Maple Leaf Gardens into a theater for his artistry and securing him as an instant favorite among the faithful. He was instrumental in leading the Leafs to their first Stanley Cup championship in 1932.
The defining moment of his life occurred on December 12, 1933, during a game against the Boston Bruins. In a collision with Eddie Shore, Bailey suffered a severe skull fracture that left him unconscious for hours and ended his career permanently. The incident sent a shockwave through Canadian hockey and led to an extraordinary response from the league. Exactly one year later, on December 12, 1934, thousands packed Maple Leaf Gardens; for one night, opponents donned his number 6 sweater, transforming a rivalry into a moment of collective mourning and support.
Though he never played another professional game, Bailey remained connected to the organization for decades. He served as a scout and mentor, witnessing the Leafs' subsequent successes while carrying the quiet dignity of a man who gave everything for the team. His story remains the emotional anchor of the franchise's history, reminding fans that the spirit of the game is stronger than any single career.
In Their Own Story
The ice at Maple Leaf Gardens was slick with the breath of ten thousand fans, but the silence in the locker room before the benefit game was heavier. Ace sat on the bench, a crutch leaning against his leg, watching as the opposing stars laced up their skates. He saw Eddie Shore step onto the ice first, looking down at the number 6 stitched onto his sweater. The crowd didn't cheer; they held their breath. Then, the whistle blew, and for one night, the NHL wasn't a collection of rivals fighting for glory, but a family healing a wound that cut deep into its soul.
Reader's Guide
Ace Bailey's era at the Toronto Maple Leafs spanned from his arrival in 1926 until the fateful injury in December 1933. During this period, he was the premier left winger in the league, known for an electrifying burst of speed and finishing ability that redefined the position before his career abruptly ended.
Did You Know?
- Ace Bailey was the first player in NHL history to have his jersey number officially retired by a franchise.
- The benefit game held for Bailey on December 12, 1934—exactly one year after his injury—raised over $20,000 and featured players from all teams wearing his number 6 jersey.
- Despite never playing another game after the injury, Bailey remained with the organization as a scout and mentor until his death in 1982.
- The collision that ended his career involved Eddie Shore hitting him from behind, an event that led to Shore being suspended for six games.