Catch 22

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Was one of the most unheralded captains of the Toronto Maple Leafs also one of the greatest players in the history of the team? Rick Vaive shares his story of turmoil during Toronto's Ballard years and his upbringing in an environment marked by alcoholism. He sets the record straight about his remarkable achievements, including being the first player in the storied history of the Maple Leafs to score fifty goals in a season in 1981-82, a feat he accomplished three times. Despite his success, he was stripped of his captaincy and traded, leaving many to wonder why his number 22 isn't celebrated alongside legends like Gilmour, Sundin, and Clark. Factors such as a struggling team, erratic ownership, and the media could be blamed, but Vaive takes a different approach—he doesn't blame anyone. Growing up in a household affected by alcoholism, he found solace with his grandmother and a disabled uncle, learning that life holds more value than hockey. Even after facing setbacks in his coaching career, including a challenging season with Don Cherry in Mississauga, he maintains a positive outlook. Life is too precious for regrets, and the journey to understanding this can be quite challenging.