Dave Keon: The Little Big Man

He was up there with the all-time best. One of the game's fastest skaters—from dead start to full speed, as quick as any player that ever laced on the blades.

Born in Noranda, Quebec, on March 22, 1940, Dave Keon was a Centreman.  At 5'9", and 165 lbs, he had a left hand shot that was lethal on 396 occasions in the N.H.L.—and if he could not light the red lamp, he would help light it with 590 assists—for 986 total points.

Dave Keon was never a dirty player or a cheap-shot artist.  He was always in flight,  gliding, as if it took very little effort to stay with his man.

He was the recipient of the Calder, Lady Byng, J.P.Bickell, and Conn Smythe Trophies, as well four Stanley Cups

Dave came out of St. Michael's College, as did many of the Leafs Players. He was made captain of Toronto from 1969 to 1975.

I have a 1967 Toronto newspaper showing Dave Keon washing his face in the Stanley Cup.

I would imagine that any true Leafs fan is wondering from day one, why, just why, is Davey Keon's Jersey not hanging on the rafter's in honor of such a great hockey legend.

Yes, I know the Ballard story. And yes, I know the little thing with Dave's son and the Leafs. I also know that we as people have a tendancey to hold grudges because of hurt within.

But I have never read, or never heard anything to the effect, that Dave Keon never wanted his jersey hanging in his honor.

Has any person got proof that states the reason why the Leafs or Dave Keon do not want No. 14 hanging from the beams"?

Whatever the reason, it is strange to me that such a Great Leaf is not being recognized. It is such a pity, and makes one wonder whatever happened to "Respect and Discipline."

I watched a replay two days ago of the 1967 "Stanley Cup"—Game Six, the Cup winner for the Leafs. Yes, hockey fans, Dave Keon was the "Little Big Man."