Maple Leafs Alumni Shares Terrifying Story of Having Skull Fractured by Al MacInnis
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Maple Leafs alumni Gary Leeman recalls terrifying moment his skull was cracked by an Al MacInnis slap shot.
As the Toronto Maple Leafs' offseason rolls on, it's always a good time to reflect on former players and the stories that shaped the team's history.
One such story resurfaced recently -- a terrifying moment when Maple Leafs alumnus Gary Leeman was struck in the head by a blistering slap shot from Al MacInnis in 1988. Leeman shared his account of the incident and the lasting impact it had on him.
In Lance Hornby's article, "Former Maple Leaf Gary Leeman looks back on the shot that changed his life" Leeman vividly describes the moment:
"I heard his release, but the shot was deflected. I felt a clunk on the left side of my head, with intense pain and instant ringing in my ear. Like someone had snuck up behind with a baseball bat and whacked you."
He continued, acknowledging the severity of the injury:
"Those around me said I was making horrifying noises. I was down awhile, struggling to get my bearings. It got pretty traumatic. I knew right then the puck likely cracked my skull."
Leeman was drafted by the Maple Leafs in the second round of the 1982 NHL Draft and played nine seasons with Toronto from 1983 to 1992.
Remarkably, despite the traumatic injury, he went on to have a career-best season in 1989, scoring 51 goals and recording 95 points in 80 games.
He has since spoken about the lack of proper concussion protocols and medical care at the time, but his on-ice performance in the following season is a testament to his resilience.
Leeman continued his NHL career for six more seasons after being traded to the Calgary Flames as part of the blockbuster Doug Gilmour deal.
He later won a Stanley Cup with the Montreal Canadiens in the 1992-93 season before finishing his career in Europe and retiring in 1999.
The good news for today's Maple Leafs and NHL players in general -- is that concussion protocols, medical staff, and player safety measures have vastly improved, thanks to advancements in technology and a greater focus on athlete health.
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