Syl Apps was the Wayne Gretzky of the pre-World War II era, and for some time beyond. The original "All-Canadian Boy," Apps was born in the tiny town of Paris, Ontario. His father believed he should become well educated and proficient in both the classroom and on the athletic field.
Syl was determined that before he considered the NHL he would complete his college education. He also wanted to compete in the 1936 Olympic Games, as a member of Canada's track and field team, to which he had been invited. He did achieve both of his goals.
Eventually, he signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs. He broke into the NHL as the 1936-37 rookie of the year, and he led the Maple Leafs to Stanley Cups in 1942, 1947, and 1948. In the 1947-48 season Syl also led the Leafs to first place. He retired from pro hockey after the 1948 season and went on to become a member of the Ontario Legislature for Kingston and a member of the Cabinet. Syl scored 201 goals and added 231 assists for a total of 432 points in his career with the Leafs.
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