Ted Lindsay

• Born: July 29, 1925
• Birthplace: Renfrew, Ontario, Canada
• Died: March 3, 2019
• Place of death: Oakland Township, Michigan

Sport: Ice hockey

Early Life

Robert Blake Theodore “Ted” Lindsay was born on July 29, 1925, in Renfrew, Ontario, Canada. His father, Bert Lindsay, had played goaltender for the Renfrew Millionaires, a hockey team that was famous before the National Hockey League (NHL) existed. Later in his career, the elder Lindsay played part of a season with the NHL Toronto Arenas, later known as the Toronto Maple Leafs. Young Ted was determined to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a professional hockey player. He got his first set of skates from a neighbor at the age of nine. These did not last long as Ted wore them out by practicing long hours.

The Road to Excellence

Although small of stature for a hockey player at 5 feet 8 inches tall and 155 pounds, Ted had the fierce determination to succeed. Throughout his career, he made a point of never backing down from another player. His ability and competitiveness earned him the respect of all his teammates and opposing players. While playing for a junior hockey team in Ontario, Ted attracted the attention of several major-league scouts. In 1944, he helped the Oshawa Generals win the Memorial Cup, which was Canada’s junior hockey title. That same year, at the age of nineteen, Ted was signed to a professional contract with the Detroit Red Wings. His first year in professional hockey was a good one; he scored 17 goals in forty-five games.

The Emerging Champion

Ted was always known as a tough hockey player and usually was at, or near, the top of the penalties list each year. Along with that, he was a fine playmaker and always a team player. His talents were best displayed when he was teamed with center Sid Abel and left winger Gordie Howe. That trio, known as the “Production Line,” helped the Red Wings to win eight league titles and four Stanley Cup championships in the late 1940s and early 1950s. Ted was the heart of that line. He was not the biggest player, but he played tough every game. He was a hard worker along the boards, where few players liked to be.

Ted made the NHL all-star team nine times and once led the league in scoring, which would be an incredible accomplishment during any era. The National Hockey League had only six teams, and each squad was loaded with talent. To be a tough player who could skate, pass, and score was difficult, but Ted possessed the talent to do just that.

Continuing the Story

Prior to the 1957-1958 season, Ted was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks. In his three seasons there, he was able to help the Blackhawks get out of last place and into the playoffs twice. However, he never thought highly of Chicago, and finally, after sixteen years in the big leagues with Detroit and Chicago, Ted retired.

Four years later, however, at the age of thirty-nine, Ted returned to the game. His return was not inspired by money; his business ventures had been successful and he was well off. Rather, the thrill of the game and the desire to end his career in a Detroit uniform brought him back. The Detroit management wanted him back because they knew their team played better when he was around. Nobody slacked off when Ted was in uniform.

From hockey’s earliest days, good teams had a variety of players. There were the flashy skaters, the goal scorers, the playmakers, and the policemen. During every era of the sport, the policemen helped control the mood and tempo of each game so as to give the scorers an opportunity to perform their magic on the ice. Ted filled this role of “ice cop” throughout his career. In Ted’s case, however, he brought considerably more to the game. Not only did his rugged style set the tone of the contest, but his natural ability also made him into a scorer and playmaker. This was a rare combination and one that was recognized by fans, teammates, and management. Finally, in the summer of 1965, at the age of forty, Ted decided it was time to quit for good.

In 1966, Ted was elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame. While honored by the selection, he declined to attend the ceremonies when he learned that members’ wives and families would be excluded from some of the events. True to form, Ted scowled, “If my wife and kids can’t see the old man honored, what’s the point?” Rather than leave the family out, Ted stayed home.

Summary

No man on skates was ever too big or too tough for Ted Lindsay to challenge. His fierce determination, his ability, and his team-first attitude gave him the edge as a hockey player. At the start of his comeback with Detroit, league president Clarence Campbell scoffed at the idea, believing it to be a publicity stunt by both the team and the player. After the season was over, he called it one of the most amazing comebacks in professional sports. To Ted, it was just a matter of playing a game he loved. His induction into the hall of fame proved that Ted was one of the greatest left wingers ever to play the game.

Bibliography

Dryden, Steve, and Michael Ulmer, eds. The Top One Hundred NHL Hockey Players of All Time. Toronto: McClelland & Stewart, 1999.

McDonell, Chris. For the Love of Hockey: Hockey Stars’ Personal Stories. Richmond Hill, Ont.: Firefly Books, 2004.

‗‗‗‗‗‗‗. Hockey’s Greatest Stars: Legends and Young Lions. Richmond Hill, Ont.: Firefly Books, 2005.

Podnieks, Andrew. Lord Stanley’s Cup. Bolton, Ont.: Fenn, 2004.