Wayne Maki

Wayne Maki (November 10, 1944 – May 12, 1974) was a professional ice hockey player and an early star of the Vancouver Canucks in the National Hockey League. Born in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, he was of Finnish descent. Maki broke into professional hockey in 1964 with the St. Louis Braves of the Central Hockey League, and joined the Chicago Black Hawks at left wing for the 1967–68 season, playing alongside his older brother Chico.

In 1969 Maki was claimed by the St. Louis Blues. During a preseason game on September 21, 1969 in Ottawa, Ontario, he and Boston Bruins defenceman Ted Green engaged in a bloody, violent stick-swinging fight; Green was struck in the head and suffered a fractured skull and a brain injury. Both Maki and Green were charged with assault as a result of the incident, the first time NHL players faced criminal charges over on-ice violence; both were acquitted. Maki was suspended by the NHL for 30 days and was eventually sent down to the Buffalo Bisons of the American Hockey League. Later commentators have rated the attack as one of the most vicious in league history.

Maki went on to become an early star of the Vancouver Canucks. He died on May 12, 1974, at the age of 29.