October 7, 1979 — the day Frank Mahovlich, “The Big M,” officially stepped off the ice for the last time. For fans who grew up watching him skate, shoot, and dominate, it was the end of an era. But for those who love the game, his legacy has never stopped inspiring.
Mahovlich’s career began with the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1957. Even as a young player, his combination of size, skill, and speed made him impossible to ignore. Over 18 seasons, he became one of the NHL’s most feared forwards, scoring goals with a style that was as graceful as it was powerful. Along the way, he collected six Stanley Cups, cementing his place in hockey history.
He played for multiple teams — Toronto, Detroit, Montreal — and even spent time in the World Hockey Association with the Toronto Toros and Birmingham Bulls. No matter the jersey, Mahovlich brought energy, professionalism, and heart to every shift. His name became synonymous with consistency, excellence, and that rare ability to elevate the play of everyone around him.
Off the ice, Mahovlich’s impact continued. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1981, and in 2017, the NHL recognized him as one of the 100 greatest players in league history. Beyond stats and awards, he represents an era of hockey defined by grit, skill, and passion — a time when players played for the love of the game and the roar of the crowd.
On this anniversary of his retirement, we look back not just at the goals and the championships, but at the kind of player he was — fearless, driven, and unforgettable. Frank Mahovlich may have skated off the ice in 1979, but “The Big M” will always be a part of hockey lore, a name that brings a smile to fans old and new.