Session 1 Live and On-line June 20th, 7:30 PM EST (Lots 1-43)

Lot #27:

George Armstrong 1950-53 Contract

Standard Player’s Contract for one of the most coveted prospects in hockey at the time. George Armstrong had just turned 20 years old but already had a very impressive resume. Armstrong won the Eddie Powers Trophy as the Ontario Hockey Association scoring champions and the 'Red' Tilson Award as the ‘Most Valuable Player’ for the 1947-48 season with Stratford Kroehlers and was voted to the 1st All Star Team. All at the young age of 17. He was traded to the Toronto Marlboros and was named to the 1st All-Star team. In 1949-50, the native of Skead, Ontario broke out setting an OHA Jr. A record for goals in a season with 64 and again was awarded the Red Tilson Award. After that impressive stint with the Junior Marlies, he then joined the Senior Marlboros and helped them win the Allan Cup! He was no passenger as he tallied 19 goals and 38 points in just 17 games in the Senior ‘A’ playoffs. The Toronto Maple Leafs were finally able to sign Armstrong offering a rare three-year contract with lesser salaries in the minor leagues. The contract was signed by Armstrong, General Manager Hap Day and NHL President Clarence Campbell with his mother alongside. The Leafs were in the midst of winning 4 Stanley Cups on 5 years and were able to send George to their minor league affiliate Pittsburgh Hornets for some professional experience for the 1950-51 season. After dominating the American Hockey League, he made his debut during the 1951-52 season and played 20 years for Toronto until he retired after the 1970-71 season. In 1957, George Armstrong, nicknamed ‘Chief’ became the first player of Indigenous heritage to captain an NHL team. He captained the Leafs to 4 Stanley Cups and was inducted to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1975.