Hockey Hall of Fame
Joseph Hector "Toe" Blake
Toe Blake was one of the defining figures in the formative dynasty years of the Montreal Canadiens, first as a player and later as a coach who helped shape one of hockey’s greatest runs of success. Born in Victoria Mines (now Kirkland Lake), Ontario, in 1912, Blake came up through senior hockey before joining the Canadiens in 1935. He quickly became known for his intelligence on the ice, his strong two-way play, and his ability to elevate the players around him. Blake’s playing career is most closely tied to the legendary “Punch Line,” alongside Maurice Richard and Elmer Lach. Together,...