He scored among the most iconic goals in Stanley Cup history, then disappeared without a trace. You may know Bill Barilko from the Tragically Hip’s ’50 Mission Cap.' But prepare to meet the man behind the myth.
Amongst the treasured images and memorabilia inside the Leafs' locker room, few are quite as esteemed as one of two original lyric sheets to the Tragically Hip's '50 Mission Cap.' Signed by the band, and framed alongside the Pro Set 1991 hockey card that inspired lead singer Gord Downie to pen the song, the lyric sheet has pride of place in the equipment room - where it continues to inspire.
As Hip bassist Gord Sinclair tells it, the song was nothing but a riff until, mid jam, Downie opened up a pack of hockey cards, read the Barilko story, and became an extemporaneous freestyle.
That hockey card, written by historian James Duplacey, reads as follows:
" Bill Barilko, The End of Innocence"
Although he was not noted for his offensive skills, Bill Barilko scored one of the most celebrated goals in NHL history during the 1951 Stanley Cup Finals between Toronto and Montreal. This series was the only championship final that required overtime in every contest. In Game Five, the extra session was nearly three minutes old when Barilko spotted a loose puck near the Montreal crease. He dove in from the blueline and fired a shot over Montreal goaltender Gerry McNeil's outstretched arm to give the Leafs the Cup. Unfortunately, it was the last goal of Barilko's career. He disappeared that summer on a fishing trip, and the Leafs didn't win another Cup until 1962, the year his body was found."
As Downie himself said of Barilko, and the song, 'we are all united in tragedy.'
To learn more about Barilko's amazing life, check out Kevin Shea's Barilko: Without a Trace. This podcast could only scratch the surface. Bill's time as 'Hollywood Bill Barilko' alone could fill a book of its own.
And be sure to check out Gord Sinclair's first solo album, 'Taxi Dancers,' out on February 28th.
CREDITS: Leafs Forever is hosted by Scott Willats & written by Paul Matthews. This episode was produced by Katie Jensen & Vocal Fry Studios. Production & research assistance from Ellen Payne Smith, Erin Brandenburg, and Erika Dreher. Special thanks to Mike Ferriman, Kevin Shea, Gord Sinclair, and Frank Klisanich for speaking with us. And special thanks to Nick Konarowski for helping us out with the archives. Subscribe to Leafs Forever on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts.
