Frank Mahovlich | The Canadian Encyclopedia

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Frank Mahovlich

In 1962 Chicago owner James Norris offered $1 million for him in a much-publicized incident. He was traded to Detroit 1968 and then Montréal 1971, where he set a new playoff scoring record that year (14 goals and 13 assists).
Mahovlich, Frank

Mahovlich, Francis William

Francis "Frank" William Mahovlich, hockey player (b at Timmins, Ont 10 Jan 1938). He played junior hockey at St Michael's College, Toronto, and joined TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS 1957-58, winning the CALDER TROPHY (best rookie). A powerful skater with an explosive slap shot, he led Toronto in scoring 1960-66, and played a large part in Toronto's 4 STANLEY CUP victories of the 1960s. (He would ultimately add an additional 2 Stanley Cup victories while playing with the MONTREAL CANADIENS). His obvious capabilities led to great expectations and pressures from fans and management, and he left the team twice, distressed with his treatment.

In 1962 Chicago owner James Norris offered $1 million for him in a much-publicized incident. He was traded to Detroit 1968 and then Montréal 1971, where he set a new playoff scoring record that year (14 goals and 13 assists). He finished his career with Toronto Toros, later Birmingham Bulls, of the WHA, retiring in 1978. Known to fans as "the Big M," he scored 533 goals and 570 assists in 17 NHL seasons, adding 51 goals and 67 assists in playoffs. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1981 and the Sports Hall of Fame in 1990. Mahovlich was made a Member of the Order of Canada in 1994. In June 1998, Prime Minister Jean CHRETIEN appointed him to the Senate, where he continues to specialize in the areas of sports, business and the environment.

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