Maple Leaf Forever & God Save the Queen At Maple Leaf Gardens (1964)

Journeys into Hockey

It is 60 years ago, but it feels like centuries ago - a different world.

From a hockey broadcast in the 6 team era, Maple Leaf Garden is the venue. Johnny Bower is in goal for the home team. Not sure, but it appears likethe visitors are the New York Rangers.

There was stil an organ at the Gardens (It would disappear for about 10 years mid-1960’s-70’s), and the organist greeted the Leafs with Maple Leaf Forever. Then the anthem was played.

However theanthem here was God Save the Queen.

Ironocally, bothe tunes served as anthems for many Canadians until finally and formally replaced by Oh Canada.

On screen the image during the anthem was not that of the Canadian flag, but instaed that of the Queen whose portrait occupied the balcony.

Interestingly, it would not be until 1965 that the Maple Leaf flag would be introduced.

Also of interest, the portrait of the Queen would be replaced only by an expansionof seating in the Gardens - ownership claiming that revenue producing ticket holders wer more valuable to them - It was so Leafs management of that era.

Such an enlightening video: