Ellis earned an unusual tribute in 1968 when former Leafs star Ace Bailey—then working as a timekeeper at Maple Leaf Gardens—declared that he admired Ellis so much, he wanted the team to give his retired #6 to Ellis. Bailey’s number had been retired following his career-ending injury in 1933. Ellis, who had been wearing #8, changed to #6 for the rest of his career, after which the number was re-retired.
Kinda weird how the Leafs haven’t retired his number yet?
I was lucky enough to meet him when I was a kid. My Dad knew him. I came home from school and he was in my living room. Very cool.
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Maple leaf players to wear 6:
Ace Bailey 1934
Ron Ellis 1969-1981
From Wikipedia:
Ellis earned an unusual tribute in 1968 when former Leafs star Ace Bailey—then working as a timekeeper at Maple Leaf Gardens—declared that he admired Ellis so much, he wanted the team to give his retired #6 to Ellis. Bailey’s number had been retired following his career-ending injury in 1933. Ellis, who had been wearing #8, changed to #6 for the rest of his career, after which the number was re-retired.
Kinda weird how the Leafs haven’t retired his number yet?
I was lucky enough to meet him when I was a kid. My Dad knew him. I came home from school and he was in my living room. Very cool.