Tom Anselmi

Toronto sports fans hope a professional engineer can build winning rosters for the Maple Leafs, Raptors, Marlies and Toronto FC. The task of balancing expectations from shareholders and impatient fans while fielding competitive teams in three world-class leagues requires the deft touch of a detail-oriented big thinker.Enter Tom Anselmi, a veteran sports executive who was recently appointed president and chief operating officer of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment. “It feels terrific. I’m excited about our future,” said Anselmi of leading Canada’s most storied and lucrative sports empire. “For a Toronto guy who grew up playing minor hockey in the west end, it’s an honour and a thrill.”The Etobicoke-born executive was named to the top job after an eight-month search to replace retiring president Richard Peddie, who gave Anselmi his blessing. Upon his appointment in September 2012, analysts noted that the MLSE stalwart knows the company inside out and could maintain stability as the billion-dollar organization transferred ownership from the Ontario Teachers Pension Plan to Rogers Communications Inc. and BCE Inc. But fans hungry for a championship—or just a playoff berth—can be most encouraged by Anselmi’s attitude toward the product on the field. “We all feel the pressure to win. It’s all about team success. That is our priority,” he said.From childhood, the sports-loving left winger, who grew up in the rinks of the Humber Valley and Queensway Faustina hockey leagues, seemed destined to run the Leafs. As a senior student at Sunnylea Public School, Anselmi was chosen to present a class project about how to remodel Maple Leaf Gardens to a bemused Harold Ballard and King Clancy. The Royal York Collegiate graduate saw his first live Leafs game in the Gardens at age 14. “And I still remember it vividly,” he said, describing the sounds and colours of the hallowed arena, where everything seemed bigger and brighter than it did on television. Watching the 1967 Stanley Cup win with his father “feels like yesterday,” he said. Anselmi’s uncompromising commitment to success was fostered as a landscape architecture student at Ryerson, and later while studying to be a civil engineer at the University of Saskatchewan.

After graduation he worked on mining and construction projects in the booming Prairies before a strong interest in sports led him from Saskatoon to Toronto to be a project manager on an unprecedented stadium construction project called the SkyDome. “It was absolutely revolutionary,” Anselmi said of the $500 million project. “It was being talked about around the world.” The SkyDome enthralled the young engineer, and convinced him that a boom in arena projects was imminent.

He helped build Rogers Arena in Vancouver before MLSE brought Anselmi on board in 1996 to manage the design and construction of the Air Canada Centre. He arranged the opening ceremonies at the ACC and the closing ceremonies for historic Maple Leaf Gardens.

A promotion to senior vice president and chief marketing officer in 1999 gave Anselmi experience with broadcast media, ticket sales, branding and communications, before moving to executive VP and COO for business operations in 2004. He was the de facto head of MLSE during the nine-month search to replace Peddie prior to officially being named president.

“Tom’s proven strength in operations has made him a respected leader here at MLSE and across the sports and entertainment industry,” said MLSE chair Larry Tanenbaum. “His passion for our teams and our fans makes Tom the perfect choice as president and COO of this great organization.”

“Tom has never forgotten where he came from or the people he met on the way up,” said Leafs alumni executive and Etobicoke Sports Hall of Fame member Mike Pelyk.

The busy executive took a hands-on approach as head of Toronto FC, encouraging a passionate fan base that sold out every game in the team’s first three seasons. High turnover of coaches and players has kept Toronto FC from the playoffs thus far in its short existence, but Anselmi’s desire to win is unmatched, and he plans to get all MLSE teams winning again in short order.

However, he has been in the industry long enough to cultivate a sense of balance and perspective in sports, where the dedication of the fan base is matched only by the unpredictability of the on-field product. “There’s no other industry where your customer has the kind of passion that they do in sports,” Anselmi said. “Leadership is about having a clear vision of what you’re trying to accomplish, and a set of values.”

Anselmi’s engineering background helps him solve problems and think strategically, while as a leader, he focuses on promoting the triple goals of team success, a good relationship with fans, and positive involvement in the community. To these ends, he is a member of various trade and business organizations, vice chair of Get Active Toronto and on the board of KidSport Canada. The avid outdoorsman enjoys boating, cycling and snowmobiling, along with playing pick-up hockey. Away from sports, he plays rhythm guitar at charity gigs with the MLSE staff band, Play to Win.

Perhaps his most significant philanthropic contributions are the five goodwill trips Anselmi made to Afghanistan to visit Canadian troops, a commitment to the armed forces that earned him the Chief of Defence Staff Commendation, the highest military honour awarded to civilians. Inspired by the memories of his late father, Etobicoke pharmacist William Thomas Anselmi, and grandfather Tommaso—who served in the Canadian Navy and Army, respectively—Anselmi brought several dozen former NHL players to play pick-up hockey with the troops. It was “a life-changing experience” for each member of “Team Canada,” Anselmi said. “We all went over there thinking our job was to inspire the troops, but we found that they were the ones inspiring us. We were blown away by these great Canadians and the job they’re doing over there.”

Anselmi feels honoured to join friends and mentors like Mike Pelyk and the late George Gross in the Etobicoke Sports Hall of Fame, even though he expects some good-natured ribbing from his beer league hockey mates as they point out his photo in the ESHOF display at the MasterCard Centre.

The new MLSE sheriff understands that fans don’t care about the corporate bottom line. They want to see championships—and so does he. “I think Toronto is a great sports town. Our fans are some of the greatest in the world. We’ve been through a drought for five years, and it’s going to end soon. It’s been difficult, but our fans have stuck with us,” Anselmi said, promising that on-field success will reward their patience.

“It’s going to be a lot of fun.”

Pat Flatley

Toronto-born Pat Flatley had the good fortune to grow up in Etobicoke. He began his hockey career playing in the OHA for the Henry Carr Crusaders. From there, he played for two seasons for the University of Wisconsin.

A valuable, hard-working right-winger who could both score and check, he was chosen by the New York Islanders in 1982, but first went on to help the Badgers win the NCAA crown in 1983 and be named to the WCHA first all-star team, NCAA West first-all-American team and the NCAA championship all-star team.

The next season, he scored 4 goals in seven games to help Canada win bronze at the ‘83 World Junior Championships, and later that season won bronze with the senior team at the Worlds.

He spent the following year on the National team, scoring 31 goals in 57 games. He helped Canada reach fourth at the Sarajevo Olympics, scoring twice in the 4-3 win over Czechoslovakia.

He finished the season with the Islanders, getting nine points in 16 games and then scoring 9 goals in 21 games as the team fought to retain the Stanley Cup.

Pat played twelve straight years with the Islanders after that, emerging as a team leader. His most spectacular night was at the Maple Leaf Gardens where he scored 4 times in front of his delighted family, for an Islanders’ win, 5-4.

He played one more season, for the New York Rangers, before retiring. For the last three years he and his family are living once again in Etobicoke.

Dan Brown

The story of Dan Brown is one of dedication, passion, and a deep love for the game of hockey. From his own experiences as a player to his remarkable coaching career, Brown has left an indelible mark on the sport and the lives of countless young athletes.

Brown’s journey into coaching began somewhat unexpectedly, as he initially intended to simply support his sons’ hockey endeavors from the sidelines. However, fate had other plans, and Brown soon found himself behind the bench, imparting his knowledge and passion for the game to a new generation of players.

Under Brown’s guidance, the West Mall mite select squad, later joined by standout players like Connor Brown, Matt Finn, and Scott Laughton, experienced unprecedented success, capturing city championships and establishing themselves as a dominant force in minor hockey.

Brown’s coaching philosophy emphasizes the importance of fundamentals, character development, and instilling values both on and off the ice. He believes in fostering a supportive team environment where players can thrive and grow, not just as athletes, but as individuals.

Beyond the Xs and Os of hockey strategy, Brown places a strong emphasis on communication, empathy, and building strong relationships with players and their families. He understands the pivotal role that coaches play in shaping young athletes’ lives and strives to be a positive influence both on and off the ice.

Brown’s impact extends far beyond the rink, as he instills in his players valuable life lessons that will serve them well beyond their hockey careers. Whether it’s teaching resilience in the face of adversity or the importance of teamwork and discipline, Brown’s coaching goes beyond wins and losses, focusing on the holistic development of his players as athletes and as people.

As a coach, mentor, and friend, Dan Brown’s contributions to the game of hockey are immeasurable. His dedication to his players, his commitment to excellence, and his passion for the sport serve as an inspiration to all who have had the privilege of knowing him. In the annals of hockey history, Dan Brown’s legacy will endure as a testament to the transformative power of sport and the profound influence of a dedicated coach.

Craig Ramsay

Spending one’s entire career with the same team has become quite the rarity in professional sports. Not missing a single game in ten years is almost unheard of in the rough and tumble world of the National Hockey League. Craig Ramsay achieved both of these feats on his way to becoming one of his era’s premiere defensive forwards.

Born in Weston, Ramsay called Thistletown home when the now bustling neighbourhood had only a general store, butcher shop and post office.

The hockey-loving kid learned to skate on the frozen Humber River and in backyard rinks. His father Bill was forever repairing the shed, garage door and fence at the Ramsay home, but never complained or told his son to find a new location for target practice.

As a ten-year-old, Ramsay played houseleague hockey at Pine Point Arena, coached by a neighbour and family friend named Bert Turney. “I wasn’t a great player as a kid, but I was lucky enough to have a terrific coach,” Ramsay said of Turney, who coached him until age 16. Ramsay’s North Etobicoke Hockey Association teams had just two lines and five defencemen. “If you want to play more, you’ve got to work harder,” the elder Ramsay told his son. “And I thought, I can do that,” Ramsay said.

When his promising team jumped to the Toronto Hockey League’s A division, the slim 15-year-old found himself facing off against tough teams like the Toronto Marlies and Kitchener Rangers. “We were a bit outgunned,” he quipped. “We beat the Marlies once in two years.” He still remembers the score of that “special” win, a 2–0 shutout. “We had to work hard to find a way to win. We had to play against the best players every night,” Ramsay said of his time in the THL. “You learned to compete in both ends of the rink—that’s something I never forgot, and tried to pass on.”

High school studies at North Albion and Thistletown Collegiate were interrupted when Ramsay was offered a tryout with the Peterborough Petes of the OHL. He packed just three shirts and two pairs of pants for the tryout because he assumed the Petes wouldn’t be interested in a small 16-year-old forward who barely cracked 150 pounds on the scale. He was “shocked” when he made the team. “At the time, I had no thought of being a professional hockey player,” Ramsay said. He was good at math and figured he would become an accountant. But Peterborough coach Roger Neilson saw potential in the youngster from Etobicoke. Neilson had a strange reaction when Ramsay went to his office a month into his season and asked to quit. “He actually fell asleep during the meeting,” Ramsay remembered, laughing. “And when he woke up, he said, I think you should stay. So I stayed.”

“He was a great influence on me and a wonderful human being,” Ramsay said of his late coach. Under Neilson’s tutelage, the forward honed his defensive game and was eventually named captain. The Petes won the Memorial Cup, with Ramsay’s l i n e stopping the op- position’s top players—something he would be asked to do his whole career.

After four standout seasons in the OHL, Ramsay was drafted 19th overall in the 1971 NHL Amateur Draft by the Buffalo Sabres, who also selected future stars Rick Martin and Bill Hajt. After a few games with Cincinnati of the American Hockey League, Ramsay found himself in a dressing room with no-nonsense coach Punch Imlach, preparing to play against his beloved Maple Leafs. “Growing up as a centreman, I wanted to be like Dave Keon,” Ramsay said, so it was a special thrill to square off against players like Keon, Tim Horton, Larry Hillman and Red Kelly. Ramsay set up Eddie Shack—another Leafs legend—for his first career point against the Los Angeles Kings, and scored his first goal in style, part of a hat trick in his fifth game.

“Rammer” and teammate Don Luce became the pillars of a formidable shutdown line, stopping the opposition’s top lines while providing solid offensive contributions. With the addition of high-scoring forward Danny Gare, the trio helped the Sabres reach the Stanley Cup finals in 1974–75, where they fell to the Flyers. Though heralded for his defensive prowess, Ramsay notched at least 20 goals in eight consecutive seasons, finishing his career with 672 points and just 201 penalty minutes in 1,070 games.

As his playing career wound down, Ramsay was vocal about his desire to stay in Buf falo. He loved the atmosphere at Buffalo Memorial Auditorium— or as everyone called it, The Aud. “We were a young team playing in that small building. It was so intense in there,” he remembered. “The fans were right on top of you.” The city’s blue collar fans embraced the young expansion team and its tough but honest players. “There’s something about being a working class player in a working class town. I can still go back there and it’s just like going home,” Ramsay said.

The 1976 all-star was a smart player and intense competitor who outworked his opponents on the ice. The durable winger played in 776 consecutive games, the fourth longest streak in NHL history. A broken foot forced him to the bench in 1983, but he later returned to the ice with the Sabres, capping his career by winning the Frank J. Selke Trophy in 1984– 85 in recognition of his defensive skill.

Ramsay credited his father, a linesman and construction manager with Bell Canada, for his sense of determination. One summer, Bill Ramsay took his family camping two weeks after having back fusion surgery. “Imagine the agony this guy was in,” Ramsay marveled. “He just never caved in.” His first coach, Bert Turney, was also a role model of toughness. “Never let ‘em know you’re hurt, kid,” Turney would say. “So as long as I could dress and play and not be a detriment to the team, I thought I should play,” which included toughing out a dislocated shoulder the gritty forward didn’t even realize he had. Times have changed, and as a coach Ramsay encourages players to rest and recuperate. “I’m proud of (the streak), but I wouldn’t ask any other players to do it.”

Ramsay retired the same year he won the Selke and slid behind the bench as an assistant coach with the Sabres after trying out the job as a player-coach in his last season. Partway through the 1986–87 season he became the head coach, posting a 4–15–2 record. The learning curve was steep, but Ramsay enjoyed the challenge, helped by the mentorship of coaches like Scotty Bowman. He served as assistant general manager and director of player personnel with Buffalo before his former Peterborough coach, Roger Neilson, called in 1992 with an offer to become an assistant with the Florida Panthers. Ramsay coached in Ottawa before joining the Philadelphia Flyers, becoming interim head coach in 1999–2000 when Neilson took ill. Under Ramsay’s leadership, the Flyers reached the Eastern Conference finals, where they lost to the eventual Stanley Cup champion New Jersey Devils.

As a coach, Ramsay tries to be honest, treat players with respect, and put them in positions where they will succeed. “I try to be a calming influence on the players,” he said. For the first time in his career, Ramsay hoisted the Stanley Cup as an assistant coach with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2004 after a thrilling seven-game series against the Calgary Flames. Ramsay was named head coach of the Atlanta Thrashers in 2010 and became the final coach in Thrashers history when he was replaced after the team was purchased and moved to Winnipeg. In 2011, he rejoined the Panthers as an assistant to head coach Kevin Dineen, lending his many years of expertise to a young, exciting Florida club.

The ironman winger said getting the call from the Etobicoke Sports Hall of Fame was an unexpected pleasure. “I was always proud to be a Toronto boy—a Weston, Etobicoke guy,” Ramsay said.

Steve Ludzik

Steve Ludzik is a born and bred Etobicoker. He has played in the National Hockey League, coached in the National Hockey League, became a TV personality and has just penned a book appropriately entitled “Steve Ludzik – Been There, Done That”.

Born in Etobicoke in 1961, Steve’s father put his son on the ice when he was just three years old, and he’s never looked back! Ludzik learned to skate at the Lakeshore Arena in New Toronto and has the unique distinction of leading the MTHL in scoring from the age of 10 until he was 15.

Serious illness and injuries could not stop the determined Ludzik as he embarked on an extremely productive junior career with the Niagara Falls Flyers. In 2009, he would be honoured by fans of the Flyers, along with Derek Sanderson, as the greatest Flyer of all time!

In 1980 Ludzik was drafted 28th overall by the Chicago Blackhawks and spent nine years with them. He then embarked on a successful coaching career which saw him climb back to the NHL as Head Coach of the Tampa Bay Lightning. Steve subsequently turned his talents to TV and is recognized as one of the most colourful “tell it like it is” commentators on the air. His book “Been There, Done That” promises to be a hockey classic!

Steve has been married for 25 years to wife Mary Ann. They have two boys – 23 year old Stephen is a university student at Brock, and 21 year old Ryan is a goalie in the Central League with Tulsa.

Johnny Bower

The Toronto Maple Leafs have seen a legion of spectacular goaltenders stand tall in the crease, but none more outstanding or notable than Johnny Bower.

“I played my heart out with the Leafs,” said Bower, after ending his thirty year association with them in 1990. “I think that only once out of the 11 years did we fail to make the playoffs.”

The native of Prince Albert, Saskatchewan and long time Etobicoke resident joined the Leafs in 1958 after being picked up by the Cleveland Barons of the American Hockey league. Even though he didn’t make it to the NHL until the age of 34, Bower played 11 seasons with Toronto before retiring in 1970.

Bower was rescued from the minors by Leaf coach Billy Reay, long after he figured that his dream of playing as an NHL regular was over. He started more than 500 games in goal, posting 37 shutouts. He finished his career with a sparkling 2.52 goals against average.

But it was his playoff record that is most outstanding. Bower was in the Leafs goal when they won four Stanley Cups, including their last one in 1967.

In 1976 Johnny Bower was elected into the Hockey Hall of Fame – the ultimate tribute to his skill and perseverance.

“Of all the people who are in the Hockey Hall of Fame, there is none more worthy than Johnny Bower,” said the legendary Leaf King Clancy. “He has been one of the most honest and conscientious hockey players ever. And he is in a class by himself as a person.”

Paul Henderson

Paul Henderson’s legendary goal on September 28, 1972, during the Summit Series between Team Canada and the Soviet Union, remains etched in the memory of Canadians nationwide. Whether they were in a classroom, at home, or at work, many Canadians vividly recall where they were when “The Goal” was scored.

As a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs at the time, Henderson’s seventh goal in eight games secured an astonishing series victory for Team Canada against the formidable Soviets. Foster Hewitt’s iconic commentary immortalized the moment as he described the play leading to Henderson’s goal, capturing the excitement and euphoria of the fans and team alike.

Despite Henderson’s impressive 13-season career in the NHL, where he showcased his exceptional skating and shooting skills, it is “The Goal” that remains his enduring legacy. However, despite the fame and recognition brought by his performance in the Summit Series, Henderson found true happiness a few years later when he became a born-again Christian.

Since then, Henderson has dedicated his life to spreading the message of faith as a member of Campus Crusade for Christ, sharing his experiences and insights with businessmen and students alike. Reflecting on his childhood dreams, Henderson humorously recalls dreaming of scoring the “big goal” in the Stanley Cup, never imagining facing off against the Russians in his dreams.

Paul Henderson’s journey from hockey icon to devoted Christian speaker exemplifies the transformative power of faith and highlights the depth of his character beyond his athletic achievements.

Dr. Paul Dennis

Paul Dennis, an Etobicoke native, made a significant impact on the Toronto Maple Leafs as a player development coach, mental skills coach, and video coach for 20 years. Despite not recording any on-ice statistics, Dennis’ contributions to the Leafs during some challenging years earned him respect and admiration within the organization and the broader hockey community.

Dennis began his career in sports as head of the physical and health education department at Father Henry Carr Catholic Secondary School in Etobicoke. He later coached the Toronto Marlboros’ OHL team and became president of the Marlboro organization. In 1989, Toronto head coach Pat Quinn appointed Dennis as the team’s video coach, marking the start of a close relationship that lasted until Quinn’s passing in 2014.

Beyond his work with the Maple Leafs, Dennis was involved in international hockey, serving as the video coach for the host country at the 1991 Canada Cup and as the sports psychologist for Canada’s World Junior hockey team in 2002 and 2003. He also played a role in establishing the Ontario Hockey League’s “exceptional athletes status” program in 2005, with John Tavares being the first applicant.

Dennis’ impact extended beyond hockey. He worked with the Toronto Raptors (NBA) and Toronto FC (MLS) as a sport psychology consultant, taught sports psychology at the University of Toronto and York University, and became a published author and sought-after lecturer.

Throughout his career, Dennis remained well-liked and respected by players, coaches, and colleagues alike. His dedication to his work, coupled with his ability to understand and connect with people, has left a lasting legacy in the sports community. Dennis credits much of his success to the unwavering support of his wife, Lynn, who played a crucial role in raising their two sons while he pursued his career in hockey and sports psychology.

In retirement, Dennis continues to do consulting work with the Ontario Hockey League and guest lecturing at universities, reflecting on a career that has spanned several decades and left a lasting impact on the world of sports.

Pete Conacher

Pete Conacher is part of a legendary Canadian sports family. A family proud of having 3 brothers elected to the National Hockey League Hall of Fame, Lionel, Charlie, and Roy.

Born and raised in Toronto, Pete started his hockey career in the Toronto Hockey League, became Chicago Blackhawk property at the age of 16. He then played for 3 years with their O.H.A. Jr. A farm team in Galt before turning professional with Chicago at age 20.

A 13 year hockey career followed with stops with the New York Rangers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Buffalo A.H.L., St. Louis A.H.L., and Hershey A.H.L.

His professional career was interrupted in 1959 when he joined the Belleville McFarlands and helped win the World Championship in Prague. In the summers he played fastball in the Beaches Major League and senior baseball for Lizzies at the old Viaduct Stadium.

After retiring from professional hockey in 1966 he joined the N.H.L. Oldtimers Hockey Club and for the next 13 years played charity hockey games across Canada. Pete is still playing oldtimers hockey.

A past President of Ontario Special Olympics and a board member of the Charlie Conacher Throat Cancer Research Fund, Pete recently received the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal from Senator Frank Mahovlich in recognition of his athletics and community services in Canada.

Pete and his wife Ann have lived in Etobicoke for the past 38 years.

Sami Jo Small

Sami Jo Small’s journey from a determined youth hockey player in Manitoba to a celebrated Olympian and co-founder of the Canadian Women’s Hockey League is a testament to her resilience, passion, and dedication to her sport.

Despite facing challenges and setbacks throughout her career, Small embraced each opportunity with unwavering determination. From her early days playing boys’ hockey and breaking new ground in the Manitoba Major Junior Hockey League to representing Canada on the world stage, Small demonstrated her commitment to excellence.

Small’s Olympic journey, which saw her participate in three Olympic Games and win multiple world championships with Team Canada, was marked by both triumphs and disappointments. Despite not always playing the role she had envisioned for herself, Small learned valuable lessons about teamwork, perseverance, and the importance of embracing one’s role for the success of the team.

Throughout her career, Small remained grounded and focused on continuous improvement. Whether facing off against top international competitors or inspiring the next generation of athletes through public speaking and coaching, Small approached each opportunity with humility and gratitude.

As a trailblazer for women’s hockey and a role model for aspiring athletes, Small continues to make a lasting impact on the sport and the lives of those she encounters. Her induction into the Etobicoke Sports Hall of Fame serves as a fitting recognition of her contributions to hockey and her enduring legacy as a champion on and off the ice.