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Eddie Shack

Eddie Shack was a Canadian professional ice hockey left winger and television personality best known for his long NHL career with six teams and for helping the Toronto Maple Leafs win four Stanley Cups.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Eddie Shack was a Canadian professional ice hockey left winger and television personality best known for his long NHL career with six teams and for helping the Toronto Maple Leafs win four Stanley Cups. Nicknamed “The Entertainer,” he became one of the most colourful figures in Canadian hockey, both for his on-ice style and his later work as a TV pitchman.

Early life

Eddie Shack was born in Sudbury, Ontario, in 1937. He grew up to become a professional left winger in the NHL.

NHL career

Shack played for six NHL teams over 17 seasons, with his best-known years coming with the Toronto Maple Leafs. He was part of Toronto's championship teams in the 1960s and scored the Cup-winning goal in 1963.

Playing style and reputation

He was famous for his bruising, energetic style and for entertaining fans on and off the ice. His personality earned him the nickname “The Entertainer.”

Later life and legacy

After his playing career, Shack became a television pitchman and remained a recognizable Canadian sports personality. He is remembered as one of the most colourful figures in NHL history.

Key facts

  • Eddie Shack played 17 NHL seasons and appeared in 1,047 games.
  • He scored 239 goals and 465 points in his NHL career.
  • He won four Stanley Cups with the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1962, 1963, 1964, and 1967.
  • Shack was a three-time NHL All-Star.
  • After hockey, he became known as a television pitchman.
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Canadian context

Eddie Shack is a notable figure in Canadian hockey history. He was born in Ontario, became a fan favourite with the Toronto Maple Leafs, and is remembered as one of the most colourful personalities in the sport.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Eddie Shack?
Eddie Shack was a Canadian NHL left winger and TV personality best known for playing with the Toronto Maple Leafs and winning four Stanley Cups.
How old was Eddie Shack?
He was 83 when he died in 2020.
What team did Eddie Shack play for?
He played for six NHL teams, most famously the Toronto Maple Leafs. He also played for the New York Rangers, Boston Bruins, Los Angeles Kings, Buffalo Sabres, and Pittsburgh Penguins.
What happened to Eddie Shack?
He died in Toronto on July 25, 2020, after a battle with cancer.
How many Stanley Cups did Eddie Shack win?
He won four Stanley Cups, all with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
What was Eddie Shack known for?
He was known for his entertaining, physical style of play, his flamboyant personality, and his later career as a TV pitchman.

References

  1. The Canadian Encyclopedia — https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/eddie-shack
    Supports: Birth, death, career overview, Maple Leafs tenure, four Stanley Cups, nickname, and legacy.
  2. NHL.com — https://www.nhl.com/news/eddie-shack-passes-away-age-83-317635794
    Supports: Age at death, career length, NHL games played, points, four Stanley Cups, and personality traits.
  3. Hockey-Reference — https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/s/shacked01.html
    Supports: Birth date, career statistics, teams, and Stanley Cup count.
  4. CBC Sports — https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl/eddie-shack-dies-fomer-toronto-maple-leafs-1.5663614
    Supports: Death, age, Maple Leafs championships, and reputation as a colourful player.