TORONTO (AP) — Jim Pappin, the former NHL forward credited with the Toronto Maple Leafs’ last Stanley Cup-winning goal, has died. He was 82.
Pappin was born in Copper Cliff on Sept. 10, 1939. After spending two seasons (1958-1960) with the Toronto Marlboros in the Ontario Hockey League, he joined the Sudbury Wolves, lacing up with the team for the 1959–1960 season, although he joined the club in the middle of the season.
He turned pro in 1960 when he was signed by the Rochester Americans of the American Hockey League.
The Maple Leafs and Chicago Blackhawks announced the death Wednesday on social media.
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Jim Pappin," the Maple Leafs said. "Jim played five seasons in Toronto, winning the Stanley Cup in 1964 & ’67. Named one of the 100 Greatest Leafs, he scored the Cup-winning goal and led the team in scoring in ’67. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”
Later, the Blackhawks said: “The ‘P’ in the MPH Line tallied 444 points in 488 games in Chicago and ranks 17th all-time for franchise scorers with 216 goals. Our hearts go out to Jim’s family and friends.”
Pappin was given credit for Toronto's second goal in a 3-1 series-ending victory over Montreal in Game 6 on May 2, 1967. Linemate Pete Stemkowski deflected it in, but allowed Pappin to take credit to earn a contract bonus.
Pappin also played on Toronto's 1964 Stanley Cup championship team, spending part of five seasons with the Maple Leafs.
Traded to Chicago in 1968, he had his biggest offensive seasons with the Blackhawks with MPH Line mates Pit Martin and Dennis Hull, finishing with career highs of 41 goals, 51 assists and 92 points in 1972-73.
After seven seasons with Chicago, he spent the 1975-76 season with the California Seals and followed the franchise to Cleveland the following year for his final NHL season.
In 767 regular-season games in 14 seasons in the NHL, Pappin had 278 goals and 295 assists. In 92 playoff games, he had 33 goals and 34 assists.
The Associated Press
