Rick Vaive is a former professional ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for 12 seasons. He was born on May 14, 1959, in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Vaive began his hockey career in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) with the Sherbrooke Castors in 1976. He was drafted by the Vancouver Canucks in the first round of the 1979 NHL Entry Draft, but he was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1980.
Vaive played for the Maple Leafs from 1980 to 1986 and was the team's captain from 1982 to 1986. He was known for his scoring ability and was the first player in Maple Leafs history to score 50 goals in a season, which he did in three consecutive seasons from 1981 to 1984. Vaive was also named to the NHL All-Star Team in 1982 and 1983.
In 1986, Vaive was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks, where he played for three seasons. He then played for the Buffalo Sabres for two seasons before retiring in 1992. Vaive finished his NHL career with 441 goals and 347 assists in 876 games.
Vaive's career was not without controversy, however. In his autobiography, "Catch 22: My Battles in Hockey and Life," Vaive revealed that he struggled with alcoholism during his playing days. He also claimed that the Maple Leafs organization did not provide him with the support he needed to overcome his addiction.
Despite his personal struggles, Vaive remains a beloved figure in Toronto and is considered one of the greatest Maple Leafs of all time. In 2016, he was inducted into the team's "Legends Row," which honors the greatest players in franchise history.
Since retiring from hockey, Vaive has worked as a television analyst and has been involved in various charitable endeavors. He has also been an advocate for better support for retired NHL players, particularly those who have suffered from brain injuries.
In conclusion, Rick Vaive was a talented and accomplished hockey player who had a successful career in the NHL. He was known for his scoring ability and was a fan favorite in Toronto. Despite his personal struggles, Vaive has remained a respected figure in the hockey community and has used his platform to advocate for important causes.
🏒