1965-66 Topps 82 Ron Ellis Hockey Card (Front)
1965-66 Topps 82 Ron Ellis Hockey Card (Back)
Card Notes
Probably the best rookie forward in NHL last season, Ron made the jump from junior hockey. He was fifth top scorer with Leafs, fast strong and hard-shooting.
Details
Ron Ellis was the runner-up for the Calder Trophy in 1964-65 as the NHL’s top rookie. Ahead of him was goaltender Roger Crozier of the Detroit Red Wings. The voting was close at 155-107. Other candidates included Denis DeJordy, Rod Seiling and Fred Stanfield.
Ellis was coming off an outstanding final year of junior hockey with the Toronto Marlboros in 1963-64. His 46 goals placed him fourth in the OHA Junior A circuit, 17 behind leader Yvan Cournoyer of the Montreal Junior Canadiens. In between these two future NHL stars were Ron Buchanan and Dennis Hull.
1965-66 saw Ron’s goal total drop below 20 (19). It would be followed up by ten consecutive seasons achieving the 20 goal plateau. His best season came in 1969-70 when he put in 35 goals for the Maple Leafs.
Ron Ellis played 1,034 regular season and 70 Stanley Cup playoff games in the National Hockey League between 1963-64 and 1980-81, all with the Toronto Maple Leafs. He won the Stanley Cup once (1966-67) and played in four NHL All-Star Games.