Hockey Heroes of the Past: Harvey "Busher" Jackson

Welcome to another blog article, where I will be featuring Hockey Heroes of the Past. For now, I will be focusing on player who played between 1900-1970. Why that time period? Well, it is important to remember these pioneer's, that paved the way for current NHL superstars. Without these legends, who knows where our game would be. So I find it is essential that these Hockey Heroes get the recognition they deserve. Today we look at one of Toronto Maple Leafs first starts, Harvery "Busher"Jackson.

Harvey Jackson

Born: January 17th, 1911

Birthplace: Toronto, ON

Died: June 25th, 1966

Height: 5ft10

Weight: 185 lbs

Position:Left Wing, Defense

Teams: Toronto Maple Leafs, New York Americans, Boston Bruins

Nickname: "Busher"

NHL Career Stats;

GP = 633

G = 241

A = 234

Pts = 475

PIM =437

***Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1971'''

"Busher" Jackson was a menacing force during his 15 year NHL career. He could score, beat you up, and was capable of playing both Left Wing and Defense. A true powerhouse, who was a member of the famous "Kid Line" compose of Charlie Conacher and Joe Primeau. Busher was a larger than life person. Very flashy,cocky, and lived a "rock-and-roll" lifestyle. One filled with drug and alcohol problems.

Busher Jackson helped Toronto win the Stanley Cup in 1931, but his substance abuse problems started to catch up to him. After the 1938-39 season, he was traded to the New York Americans, where he spent two disappointing seasons, before being traded to the Boston Bruins. He had moderate success during two seasons there, before announcing his retirement from hockey.

It was at this time that Jackson's life spun out of control. Failed marriages and businesses, domestic assault, There was alot of controversy surrounding him. Conne Smythe, who was the President of the HHOF at the time, continually blocked Busher's entry into the Hockey Hall of Fame. Conne Smythe had been the Toronto Maples Leafs owner during Jackson's playing time, and he disapproved of Busher's life style. Busher was finally inducted into the HHOF in 1971, 5 years after his death. Smythe resigned as president of the HHOF shortly after Busher's Induction. Jackson's story is a sad one, especially given the talent he had. Blessed with astonishing speed, and a deceiving backhand shot, he is considered one of the best left wingers of his time. That's why he should still be remember, for the talented player he was, and not for the train wreck he was off the ice.