Miles Gilbert “Tim” Horton, Canadian professional ice hockey player, was born to Ethel and Aaron Horton, in Cochrane, Ontario on January 12, 1930.
He grew up playing ice hockey in Cochrane, and just outside of Timmins until he was signed by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1948. At that point he moved to Toronto to play Jr. hockey at St. Michael’s College School. His first NHL game with the Toronto Maple Leafs was on March 26, 1950, and he wore #7 as a Leaf until 1970.
Tim Horton was known for his extreme strength and calmness when under pressure, and as a hard-working and durable defenseman. He was said to be the strongest man in the game when he played, so it made sense that he played the role of an enforcer. Even in that role, he accumulated a relatively low number of penalty minutes. It is said that when in a fight, he would envelope his opponent in a crushing bear hug.
He was an effective puck carrier, and was highly respected by other players throughout the NHL. He was also viewed as a pillar of the community.
OTHER ACCOMPLISHMENTS
- Played a total of 24 years in the NHL (other teams included New York Rangers, Pittsburg Penguins and Buffalo Sabres)
- Won 4 Stanley Cups with the Toronto Maple Leafs
- Played in 7 NHL All Star Games
- Named NHL First All Star Team 3 times
- Named NHL Second All Star Team 3 times
- The only player in NHL history to have TWO different numbers retired in his honour (#2 – Buffalo Sabres & #7 – Toronto)
- Named as one of the 100 Greatest NHL Players in history in 2017
- Successful business man & co-founder of the Tim Horton’s fast food restaurant chain
Tim Horton died following a single vehicle crash on the Queen Elizabeth Way from Toronto while returning home to Buffalo following a game against the Toronto Maple Leafs.