Toe Blake Hall of Fame NHL

Hector "Toe" Blake was one of the most influential figures in hockey history, achieving legendary status as both a player and a head coach. As a left winger for the Montreal Canadiens, Blake was the veteran leader of the feared "Punch Line" alongside Maurice "Rocket" Richard and Elmer Lach. A tenacious checker with high scoring ability, he won the Hart Trophy and the scoring title in 1939 and helped Montreal to two Stanley Cups.

However, his legacy reached even greater heights behind the bench. As the head coach of the Canadiens from 1955 to 1968, Blake orchestrated the greatest dynasty in NHL history, winning eight Stanley Cup championships, including an unprecedented five consecutive titles from 1956 to 1960. Known for his tactical brilliance and ability to manage the fiery temper of Richard, Blake retired with a total of 11 Stanley Cups to his name. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1966.

Blake's Awards and Record:

• 3 Stanley Cup Champion (As Player: 1935, 1944, 1946)
• 8 Stanley Cup Champion (As Coach: 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1965, 1966, 1968)
• Hart Memorial Trophy (League MVP) (1939)
• NHL Scoring Leader (Art Ross equivalent) (1939)
• Lady Byng Memorial Trophy (1946)
• 3x NHL First All-Star Team (1939, 1940, 1945)
• Named one of the "100 Greatest NHL Players" (2017)

NHL Records:

• 11 Stanley Cup rings rank him second all-time in NHL history, trailing only Jean Béliveau (17)
• Holds the NHL record for the most consecutive Stanley Cups won by a head coach (5)
• Led the Montreal Canadiens to the Stanley Cup Finals in 11 of his 13 seasons behind the bench

NHL Teams

Montreal Maroons (1934-1935)
Montreal Canadiens (1936-1948)