The TNT network paid tribute to two hockey-playing military veterans during its Kings/Avalanche broadcast this past Tuesday. The first veteran portrayed was the Toronto Maple Leafs Charles Joseph Sylvanus (“Syl”) Apps, who was with the Leafs as their captain from 1936 to 1948. Apps took a two year leave after the 1942-43 season to serve in the Canadian Army during World War II, and later was a member of the Provincial Parliament in Ontario. In 2017, Apps was named as being among the 100 greatest NHL players in history. Apps also displayed his athletic prowess beyond the ice as well. He was an Olympic pole vaulter in the 1936 Berlin Olympics, and an accomplished football player at McMaster University in Hamilton.
Hobart Armory Hare (“Hobey”) Baker also was honored in this broadcast. Baker attended Princeton University in New Jersey. While at Princeton, Baker played both hockey and football, and was a three-time national champion (twice in hockey and once in football). When the Hockey Hall of Fame was created in 1945, Baker was one of its first nine inductees. Baker served in the American Air Force during World War I, stationed in France during his tenure. The trophy awarded to the best college hockey player each season bears his name, a fitting tribute for a person considered to be one of the best early American hockey players.
Excellent work TNT.