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Toe Blake: Winning Is Everything

Cole Powell

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Clarence "Toe" Blake was a Canadian ice hockey player, coach, and general manager. He is best known for his time with the Montreal Canadiens, where he won eight Stanley Cups as a player and nine as a coach.

Early Life and Career

Blake was born on February 21, 1912, in Victoria, British Columbia. He began playing hockey at a young age and quickly developed a reputation as a skilled skater and shooter. In 1935, he joined the Montreal Canadiens, where he would spend the majority of his career.

Toe Blake: Winning Is Everything

by Paul Logothetis

4.6 out of 5

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Blake quickly became a key player for the Canadiens, helping them win the Stanley Cup in his first season. He was a fast and agile winger who was known for his scoring ability and his ability to create scoring chances for his teammates.

Playing Career

Blake played for the Canadiens for 13 seasons, winning eight Stanley Cups in that time. He was a member of the famous "Punch Line" with Elmer Lach and Maurice Richard, one of the most dominant lines in NHL history.

Blake was also a member of the Canadian national team, winning a gold medal at the 1936 Winter Olympics. He retired as a player in 1948.

Coaching Career

After retiring as a player, Blake became a coach. He coached the Montreal Canadiens for 11 seasons, winning nine Stanley Cups in that time. He is the only coach in NHL history to win nine Stanley Cups.

Blake was known for his demanding coaching style, but he also had a great deal of respect for his players. He was a master motivator and was able to get the most out of his players.

General Manager

After retiring as a coach, Blake became the general manager of the Montreal Canadiens. He held that position for 10 years, winning two more Stanley Cups in that time.

Blake retired as general manager in 1978, but he remained involved in the game of hockey until his death in 1995.

Legacy

Toe Blake is one of the most successful figures in the history of the NHL. He won a total of 19 Stanley Cups as a player, coach, and general manager, more than any other person in NHL history.

Blake was a pioneer in the game of hockey, and he helped to establish the Montreal Canadiens as one of the most successful teams in the NHL.

Personal Life

Blake was married to Muriel Blake for 55 years. They had two daughters, Brenda and Marilyn.

Blake was a devout Catholic and a committed family man. He was also a generous supporter of charities.

Honors and Awards

Blake was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1966.

He was also awarded the Order of Canada in 1979.

In 2008, the Montreal Canadiens retired Blake's number 10.

Toe Blake was a true legend of the game of hockey. He was a successful player, coach, and general manager, and he played a major role in the Montreal Canadiens' success.

Blake's legacy will continue to inspire generations of hockey players for years to come.

Toe Blake: Winning Is Everything

by Paul Logothetis

4.6 out of 5