Leo Boivin

Leo Joseph Boivin (August 2, 1932 – October 16, 2021) was a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman and coach who played 19 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL). He played for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Boston Bruins, Detroit Red Wings, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Minnesota North Stars from 1952 to 1970.

Playing Career
Leo Boivin began playing hockey at seven years of age on the rivers and outdoor ice surfaces of Prescott, Ontario, near Ottawa. He planned on being a defenceman since childhood, "because defencemen got to stay on the ice longer, got to play more." His junior career consisted of a year with the Inkerman Rockets and two more seasons with the Port Arthur West End Bruins. In 1951–52 he began playing for the AHL's Pittsburgh Hornets and was promoted to the Toronto Maple Leafs. Yet, Leo was most remembered for his time with the Boston Bruins as he helped lead them to two Stanley Cup finals in the late 50's. Although just 5' 7", he was considered a very tough opponent, as Tim Horton referred to him as "the toughest blueliner to beat in a one-on-one situation". He has also been called the last of the tooth-rattling body checkers.

Retirement
Following his retirement in 1970, Boivin became a scout. He became an interim coach of the St. Louis Blues during the 1975–76 and 1977–78 seasons, and coached the Ottawa 67's of the Ontario Hockey League for a brief period, tutoring young defenceman Denis Potvin. Boivin was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1986.

Video
Three minutes of highlights from Game 2 of the Bruins-Red Wings 1957 Semi-finals with French commentary. Goals by Gordie Howe, Lorne Ferguson, Fleming Mackell and Leo Boivin are shown.