Ron Ellis

Ronald John Edward Ellis (January 8, 1945 – May 11, 2024) was a Canadian professional ice hockey player who spent 16 seasons in the National Hockey League with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Signed by the Leafs, Ellis played junior hockey with the Toronto Marlboros of the Ontario Hockey Association from 1961 to 1964, a tenure that included a Memorial Cup championship in 1964. He became a full-time Leaf in 1964–65 and played 11 seasons through 1974–75, winning the Stanley Cup in 1967.

Ellis was a member of Team Canada at the 1972 Summit Series against the Russian National team. He was one of only seven Canadians to play every game in the series, and part of the only line to remain intact for every game, alongside centre Bobby Clarke and left winger Paul Henderson.

Ellis retired at age 30 during Leafs training camp in 1975, coming off the most productive season of his career with 61 points. He said he no longer had the desire to play and denied that his decision was related to being passed over. After retiring, Ellis went into business and later joined the staff of the Hockey Hall of Fame.