Red Horner

Red Horner, born on May 28, 1909, in Lynden, Ontario, was a prominent Canadian ice hockey defenceman who made his mark with the Toronto Maple Leafs in the National Hockey League from 1928 to 1940. Known for his role as an enforcer, Horner captained the Leafs from 1938 until his retirement, leading the team to its third Stanley Cup victory in 1932. His career statistics include forty-two goals, one hundred ten assists, and an impressive one thousand two hundred sixty-four penalty minutes across four hundred ninety regular season games.

Horner's journey began with the Toronto Marlboros in the Ontario Hockey League, where he honed his skills before stepping into the NHL spotlight. His tenure with the Maple Leafs was marked by fierce competition, particularly with contemporaries like Hall of Famers King Clancy and Hap Day, who were often regarded as the top defensemen on the team. Despite this, Horner's legacy is largely defined by his record-setting seven seasons as the NHL penalty minute leader, a title he held until Ted Lindsay surpassed it in the late fifties.

After hanging up his skates in 1940, Horner transitioned into the business world, residing in both Florida and Toronto. He took on significant roles in various companies, including serving as President of the Canada Coal Company Limited. His connection to hockey remained strong, as he participated in the opening and closing ceremonies of the final game at Maple Leaf Gardens on February 13, 1999, and was involved in the opening of the Air Canada Centre.

As the last surviving member of the 1932 Stanley Cup team, Horner held the distinction of being the oldest living NHL player at the time of his passing in Toronto, Ontario. He was laid to rest in Mount Hope Catholic Cemetery, leaving behind a legacy that continues to resonate within the hockey community.