Four-time Stanley Cup champion Bobby Baun passes away at 86

Four-time Stanley Cup champion Bobby Baun passes away at 86

The NHL’s Alumni Association has announced that former NHL defenseman Bobby Baun has passed away at the age of 86.

“Boomer” is known largely for scoring the Stanley Cup-clinching goal during Game 6 of the 1964 final with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Baun blocked a shot from Gordie Howe that resulted in a fractured fibula, an injury that required Baun to get carted off the ice. Baun returned to the ice, fully bandaged up, and scored to win the title.

It was his third of four Stanley Cups, as the Leafs went on a tear during the 1960s. Baun’s first win was in 1962, starting a three-year run as the top team. Baun’s last win was in 1967, the most recent title in Toronto’s franchise history.

Baun spent the first 11 years of his NHL career with Toronto before joining the California Seals in 1967-68. He served as captain for a year before joining Detroit for a three-year run. Baun spent the final three years with Detroit before eventually retiring in 1972-73.

Baun would have a brief pro coaching career, leading the WHA’s Toronto Toros during the 1975-76 season. He retired with 224 points in 964 games over 17 seasons. But it wasn’t his offense that made him notable – it was his physicality. Baun had 1,493 penalty minutes in his career, with his 1,155 PIM with the Leafs putting him seventh in franchise history.

After retiring from hockey altogether, Baun ran Tim Hortons locations back in Pickering, Ontario, among other ventures. Baun’s grandson, Kyle Baun, played five NHL games with the Chicago Blackhawks over two seasons.

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