Sylvanus Apps, Olympian

Most good hockey fans will know that all-time Toronto Maple Leaf great Syl Apps was an Olympian before turning to pro hockey. After starring with the Hamilton Tigers in OHA senior hockey with 22 goals in 19 games, Apps represented Canada in the 1936 Berlin Olympics. The 21 year-old would finish tied for sixth place in Pole Vault with a leap of 13 feet, 1 and 5/32 inches.

Later that summer, Conn Smythe signed the highly touted player who was regarded as the best amateur player in the country. Apps would step in to replace the retired Joe Primeau between Busher Jackson and Charlie Conacher. The future Hall of Famer would end up leading the NHL with 29 assists and collected 45 points in 48 games winning the Calder Trophy in the process.








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