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Irvine Wallace Ace Bailey (born July 3, 1903, in Bracebridge, Ontario – died April 7, 1992, in Toronto) was a trailblazing Canadian right-wing NHL star. Bailey led the league in scoring, won the Stanley Cup with the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1932, and endured a life‑changing injury in 1933 that prompted the first NHL All‑Star benefit game. Honored as the first player to ever have a jersey retired in professional sports and inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1975, his legacy endures in lore and legend.

He was a beloved figure at alumni events and Leafs celebrations well into his 80s.

Early Life and Family Background

Irvine Wallace Bailey was born on July 3, 1903, in Bracebridge, Ontario. He was raised in Toronto and attended the University of Toronto, playing two seasons in the Ontario Hockey Association’s senior ranks before being signed by the Toronto St. Patricks in November 1926. A determined and hardworking youth, Bailey’s speed and stick‑handling skills caught the attention of scouts despite his modest size (5′10″, 160 lb), paving the way for a professional career .

Growing up in a hockey‑loving household and competing in Toronto’s junior circuits, he developed a strong work ethic and love for the game. His family—especially noting his daughter Joanne and supportive wife Gladys—stood by him throughout his career and recovery.

The Fateful Injury and Its Impact

On December 12, 1933, Bailey suffered a devastating fractured skull from a hit by Boston’s Eddie Shore during a Maple Leafs versus Bruins match. He lapsed into a coma, required multiple surgeries, and was near death for days . The tragic incident triggered a wave of concern and eventually the NHL’s first All‑Star benefit game.

Career Beginnings and Key Milestones

Signed as an undrafted free agent in 1926, Bailey quickly became a standout for the Toronto St. Patricks, soon renamed the Maple Leafs. He helped lead the team with consistent performance—culminating in topping the NHL scoring charts in 1928–29 with 22 goals and 32 points in 44 games

Charitable Work and Legacy

The Ace Bailey Benefit Game set a precedent for NHL philanthropy. Bailey was later inducted into the Hall of Fame in the Class of 1975 for his contributions to hockey and fair play . The Ace Bailey Memorial Tournament now annually honors young players in Stoney Creek, Ontario . His recovery story also shaped evolving safety regulations in professional sports.

The Benefit Game sparked the eventual creation of the NHL All‑Star Game (first in 1947).

Personal Life and Relationships

Bailey was married to Gladys Rowan, with whom he had a daughter, Joanne (often “Joan”), born around 1931. The family remained close during his recovery—traveling between Boston and Toronto while he underwent treatment . At home, they resided at Toronto’s 211 Armadale Avenue, and after recovery, Bailey resumed a life within the Leafs organization while maintaining family stability.

Future Plans & Cultural Impact

Bailey passed away in 1992, but his legacy lives on. He left a lasting impact on:

Post‑Career Life & Net Worth

Though his playing career ended in 1933, Bailey continued with hockey as a coach (University of Toronto Varsity Blues, 1935–40 and post-WWII) and long-serving timekeeper at Maple Leaf Gardens (1938–1984) . He earned approximately US $78,000 during his NHL days—a modest wage equivalent to about US $405,000 today  Retired from public roles in the mid-1980s, he continued to be revered in Leafs circles until his passing on April 7, 1992, following a stroke .

His #6 jersey was the first ever retired in professional sports

In 1968, he requested #6 be re-issued to player Ron Ellis, who wore it later.

Bailey remained the Leafs’ top scorer for the next two seasons, peaking again in 1929–30 and nearly repeating in 1930–31. In 1932, he scored the Cup‑clinching goal to help the Maple Leafs win their first Stanley Cup since moving to Toronto .

1928–29 NHL Scoring Champion – 22 goals, 32 points in 44 games

Stanley Cup Winner (1932) – Instrumental in Leafs’ first championship

First Jersey Retired in Pro Sports – #6, honored February 14, 1934

Sports culture – inspiring traditions of number retirements, all-star charity matches.

  • Detail: Information
  • Full Name: Irvine Wallace “Ace” Bailey
  • Date of Birth: July 3 , 1903
  • Place of Birth: Bracebridge, Ontario, Canada
  • Nationality: Canadian
  • Occupation: Professional Ice Hockey Player (Right Wing), Coach, Timekeeper
  • Relationship Status: Married
  • Spouse: Gladys Bailey (née Rowan)
  • Children: Daughter Joanne (“Joan”)
  • Net Worth: Modest (playing career in pre-millionaire era; earned ~US $78k during career — ~US $405k today)
  • Major Achievements: NHL scoring leader (1928–29); Stanley Cup champion (1932); First jersey retired (#6); Hockey Hall of Fame inductee (1975)
  • Other Details: Career cut short by fractured skull in 1933; catalyst for NHL’s first All-Star Game

Ace Bailey Benefit Game

Held on February 14, 1934 at Maple Leaf Gardens, the Toronto Maple Leafs defeated all-star opponents 7–3 in a charity match that raised over $20,909 for Bailey and family The pre-game handshake between Bailey and Shore brought the house to its feet, symbolizing forgiveness and sportsmanship .

Bailey amassed a career total of 111 goals and 82 assists in 313 NHL games

Post-injury, Bailey fought off death despite being temporarily catatonic and near brain death

Hockey Hall of Fame Inductee (1975) – Recognized for his on‑ice excellence and sportsmanship

Player safety – a reminder of the risks athletes face.

Hockey history – cementing his place as a legend of Toronto and Canadian sport.

Disclaimer: Ace Bailey wealth data updated April 2026.