Hockey world mourns the passing of legend Eddie Shack

The man known by many as The Entertainer and The Nose has passed away at the age of 83. Word began circulating about two weeks ago that Eddie Shack, who had four Stanley Cup rings from his 17-year NHL, was in palliative care battling throat cancer. Several online sources confirm that he died Saturday night.

Shack was known for his colourful personality (hence The Entertainer nickname) as well as his punishing hits. He was a fan favourite wherever he played due to his never-back-down attitude and his love for the fans. He was once described by Canadian sports writer Stephen Cole as 'a big puppy let loose in a wide field'.

During the 1965–66 season Shack broke out, scoring 26 goals on a line with Ron Ellis and Bob Pulford while playing with the Toronto Maple Leafs. His popularity was so huge that a novelty song called "Clear the Track, Here Comes Shack" was written in his honour. Performed by Douglas Rankine with The Secrets, the song reached #1 on the Canadian pop charts and charted for nearly three months.

Born in 1937, Shack left his job as a butcher to try out with the Guelph Biltmores of the Ontario Hockey Association, knowing he could return to the trade if hockey did not pan out as a career. He never had to do that. His NHL career began in 1958 with the New York Rangers. After three seasons there, he landed in Toronto, where he played for seven seasons. Following that, he also had stints with the Boston Bruins, LA Kings, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Buffalo Sabres, before returning to the Leafs to end his NHL Career. All four of his Stanley Cup wins came with the Leafs, and he was part of the team that won the Championship in 1967, the last year Toronto has won the Stanley Cup.

Shack's death has been confirmed by close friends Brian Ehrenworth and Darryl Sittler. Our sincere condolences to family, friends and fans. Rest in Peace Entertainer.

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