Frank Mahovlich, often referred to as "The Big M," is remembered as one of the most talented left wingers in the history of professional hockey. Born on January 10, 1938, in Timmins, Ontario, Mahovlich's journey to hockey stardom began in his youth, playing in the Ontario Hockey Association (OHA) with the Toronto St. Michael's Majors. His exceptional skills on the ice quickly caught the attention of the National Hockey League (NHL).

In 1957, Mahovlich joined the Toronto Maple Leafs, marking the start of a remarkable NHL career. Standing at 6 feet 1 inch and weighing over 200 pounds, he was known for his powerful skating and scoring ability. During his tenure with the Maple Leafs, Mahovlich played a crucial role in the team's success, helping them secure four Stanley Cup championships in 1962, 1963, 1964, and 1967. His performance during these years earned him the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL's Rookie of the Year in 1958.

Mahovlich's time with the Maple Leafs was not without its challenges. He often faced criticism from the media and pressure from management, particularly from the team's general manager, Punch Imlach. Despite these difficulties, Mahovlich continued to excel on the ice, consistently ranking among the team's top scorers.

In 1968, Mahovlich was traded to the Detroit Red Wings, where he continued to demonstrate his scoring prowess. Playing alongside his brother, Peter Mahovlich, and other talented players like Gordie Howe and Alex Delvecchio, Frank Mahovlich thrived in Detroit. He recorded impressive statistics, including a career-high 49 goals in the 1968-69 season.

After a successful stint with the Red Wings, Mahovlich was traded to the Montreal Canadiens in 1971. His arrival in Montreal coincided with another period of triumph, as he helped the Canadiens win two more Stanley Cup titles in 1971 and 1973. Mahovlich's ability to perform in high-pressure situations was evident during the playoffs, where he consistently contributed to his team's victories.

In 1974, Mahovlich made the decision to join the World Hockey Association (WHA), signing with the Toronto Toros. His move to the WHA allowed him to continue playing at a high level while also enjoying a more relaxed atmosphere compared to the NHL. Mahovlich later played for the Birmingham Bulls before retiring from professional hockey in 1978.

Throughout his career, Mahovlich was selected to participate in numerous All-Star Games and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1981. His legacy as a player is marked by his impressive statistics, including over 1,100 points in the NHL, and his ability to perform consistently over two decades.

Off the ice, Mahovlich's contributions to the sport were recognized when he was appointed to the Senate of Canada in 1998, where he served until 2013. His influence extended beyond the rink, as he became a respected figure in Canadian public life.

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