Leafs' Litzenberger had a tragedy-marred career

[attach]2978[/attach]From an efficient NHL player to stockbroker and businessman, Bloor West Villager Eddie Litzenberger wasn’t one to brag. In fact, his death notice said nothing about his previous occupations.

But it was his hockey career that propelled him to legendary status, playing on four consecutive Stanley Cup teams and topping that off with two AHL championships with Rochester.

With an impressive resume, including those six consecutive pro titles, his durability was especially admirable since the lanky forward accomplished them after a serious car accident in 1960 that killed his first wife Doreen.

Litzenberger, 78, died Nov. 1 at Bridgepoint Health Centre in Toronto due to complications from old age, said his second wife Gayle.

Born in rural Saskatchewan, Litzenberger was a junior standout in Regina before being summoned to the NHL by Montreal Canadiens.

Litzenberger later said: “I cried real tears” when the powerhouse Canadiens traded him to Chicago Blackhawks in a “Help the Hawks Plan”.

It was in the Windy City that Litzenberger’s career took off. He was voted the NHL’s rookie of the year in 1954-55 when he collected 51 points. In 1958-59, he compiled a career-best 77 points.

However, the deadly accident in January, 1960 derailed his offence. He suffered a concussion, cracked ribs and a contusion of the liver.

Litzenberger recovered to captain Chicago’s Stanley Cup-winning team in 1961 and after a brief sojourn in Detroit, he captured three more NHL titles with the Maple Leafs from 1962 to 1964.

“Eddie played on a lot of winning teams, which is a compliment to him,’’ said former Toronto teammate Dick Duff. “He was a big, rangy guy, had a good shot, was a good defensive player and was a lot of fun.

“If he had any difficulties, it was in the skating part,” he added. “He wasn’t quite the same player after the accident.’’

After finishing his career with Rochester and Victoria in 1965-66, Litzenberger headed to New York to take a stockbroker’s course. He returned to Toronto and worked seven years for the firm Bache.

He eventually worked in construction and in sales.

On Sept. 26, 2006, Litzenberger, had a fall and could never regain the use of his legs.

His muscle structure collapsed on him and rehabilitation was ineffective.

Litzenberger leaves his wife Gayle, brother George, sons John and Dean, and daughter Kelly.