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'''Ralph Harvey Jackson''' (January 17, 1911{{spaced ndash}}June 25, 1966) was a [[Canadians|Canadian]] professional [[ice hockey]] player. Jackson played 15 [[National Hockey League]] (NHL) seasons between 1929 and 1944 for the [[Toronto Maple Leafs]], [[New York Americans]], and [[Boston Bruins]]. He was a member of the Maple Leafs' famed [[The Kid Line|Kid Line]] with [[Joe Primeau]] and [[Charlie Conacher]], one of the early NHL's dominant scoring trios.  Jackson [[List of past NHL scoring leaders|led the league]] in scoring in [[1931–32 NHL season|1931–32]] and was a member of Toronto's 1932 [[Stanley Cup]] championship team. He was named to five [[NHL All-Star team]]s and played in three benefit All-Star Games, including the [[Ace Bailey Benefit Game]], the first All-Star contest in NHL history.
'''Ralph Harvey "Busher" Jackson''' (January 17, 1911{{spaced ndash}}June 25, 1966) was a [[Canadians|Canadian]] professional [[ice hockey]] player. Jackson played in the [[National Hockey League]] (NHL) from 1929 to 1944 for the [[Toronto Maple Leafs]], [[New York Americans]], and [[Boston Bruins]]. He was a member of the Maple Leafs' famed [[The Kid Line|Kid Line]] with [[Joe Primeau]] and [[Charlie Conacher]], one of the early NHL's dominant scoring trios.  Jackson [[List of past NHL scoring leaders|led the league]] in scoring in [[1931–32 NHL season|1931–32]] and was a member of Toronto's 1932 [[Stanley Cup]] championship team. He was named to the [[NHL All-Star team]] five times and played in three benefit All-Star Games, including the [[Ace Bailey Benefit Game]], the first All-Star contest in NHL history.


Off the ice, Jackson was well-known for his high-spending lifestyle and drinking habit that prompted his trade from Toronto to New York in 1939. He was remembered as one of hockey's tragic figures following his retirement, as he struggled with alcoholism and financial difficulty. In the 1960s, Jackson was a figure of controversy within the [[Hockey Hall of Fame]] selection committee, as the Hall used his lifestyle and personal problems to block his induction. He finally earned a place in the Hall of Fame in 1971, five years after his death. Jackson is also an honoured member of [[Canada's Sports Hall of Fame]], which he was inducted into in 1975. He was the brother of fellow NHL player [[Art Jackson]].
Off the ice, Jackson was well-known for his high-spending lifestyle and drinking that prompted his trade from Toronto to New York in 1939. He is remembered as one of hockey's tragic figures, as he struggled with alcoholism and financial difficulty following his retirement. For years his personal difficulties made him ineligible for induction to the [[Hockey Hall of Fame]] in the eyes of members of its selection committee. He was finally inducted into the Hall in 1971, five years after his death. Jackson is also an honoured member of [[Canada's Sports Hall of Fame]], into which he was inducted in 1975. He was the brother of fellow NHL player [[Art Jackson]].


==Playing career==
==Playing career==


===Junior===
===Junior===
Jackson grew up in Toronto, playing his youth hockey at "Poverty Pond" in the city's east side before playing at the [[Ravina Gardens|Ravina Rink]] where he was discovered by [[Frank Selke]], the assistant general manager of the [[Toronto Maple Leafs]].  Selke signed Jackson to a contract and assigned him to the [[Toronto Marlboros]] in the [[Ontario Hockey Association]] (OHA)'s [[junior ice hockey|junior]] league for the 1927–28 season.<ref name="PodnieksPlayers">{{cite book |last=Podnieks |first=Andrew |title=Players: The ultimate A–Z guide of everyone who has ever played in the NHL |publisher=Doubleday Canada |year=2003 |location=Toronto |isbn=0-385-25999-9 |page=396}}</ref> Jackson scored four goals in four regular season games that season, and though the Marlboros were considered a favourite to win the [[Memorial Cup]], the team was defeated in the Eastern final by the Ottawa Gunners.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Lapp |first1=Richard |last2=Macaulay |first2=Alec |title=The Memorial Cup |publisher=Harbour Publishing |year=1997 |isbn=1-55017-170-4 |page=32}}</ref> He returned to the team for the 1928–29 season, scoring 10 goals and 14 points in 9 regular season games.<ref name="LOHStats">{{cite web |url=http://www.legendsofhockey.net/LegendsOfHockey/jsp/LegendsMember.jsp?mem=p197101&type=Player&page=statsawards&list=ByName |title=Busher Jackson statistics |publisher=Hockey Hall of Fame |access-date=January 14, 2013}}</ref> He then led the OHA playoffs with seven goals and nine points as the Marlboros won the OHA championship.<ref name="OGHHOF">{{cite book |last1=Duplacey |first1=James |last2=Zweig |first2=Eric |title=Official Guide to the Players of the Hockey Hall of Fame |publisher=Firefly Books |location=Richmond Hill, ON |year=2010 |isbn=978-1-55407-662-8 |page=[https://archive.org/details/officialguidetop00/page/259 259] |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/officialguidetop00/page/259 }}</ref> Jackson was a leading offensive player for Toronto in the [[1929 Memorial Cup]] playdowns, scoring 15 goals and 25 points in 13 games.<ref name="LOHStats" /> The Marlboros reached the final, defeating the [[Elmwood Millionaires]] in a best-of-three series to win the franchise's first Memorial Cup championship.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Lapp |first1=Richard |last2=Macaulay |first2=Alec |title=The Memorial Cup |publisher=Harbour Publishing |year=1997 |isbn=1-55017-170-4 |page=34}}</ref>
Jackson grew up in Toronto and played hockey in his youth at Poverty Pond in the city's east side.  He then played at the [[Ravina Gardens|Ravina Rink]] where he was discovered by [[Frank Selke]], the assistant general manager of the [[Toronto Maple Leafs]].  Selke signed Jackson to a contract and assigned him to the [[Toronto Marlboros]] in the [[Ontario Hockey Association]] (OHA)'s [[junior ice hockey|junior]] league for the 1927–28 season.<ref name="PodnieksPlayers">{{cite book |last=Podnieks |first=Andrew |title=Players: The ultimate A–Z guide of everyone who has ever played in the NHL |publisher=Doubleday Canada |year=2003 |location=Toronto |isbn=0-385-25999-9 |page=396}}</ref> Jackson scored four goals in four regular season games that season.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Lapp |first1=Richard |last2=Macaulay |first2=Alec |title=The Memorial Cup |publisher=Harbour Publishing |year=1997 |isbn=1-55017-170-4 |page=32}}</ref> In 1928–29 season, he scored 10 goals and 14 points in nine regular season games,<ref name="LOHStats">{{cite web |url=http://www.legendsofhockey.net/LegendsOfHockey/jsp/LegendsMember.jsp?mem=p197101&type=Player&page=statsawards&list=ByName |title=Busher Jackson statistics |publisher=Hockey Hall of Fame |access-date=January 14, 2013}}</ref> and led the OHA playoffs with seven goals and nine points as the Marlboros won the OHA championship.<ref name="OGHHOF">{{cite book |last1=Duplacey |first1=James |last2=Zweig |first2=Eric |title=Official Guide to the Players of the Hockey Hall of Fame |publisher=Firefly Books |location=Richmond Hill, ON |year=2010 |isbn=978-1-55407-662-8 |page=[https://archive.org/details/officialguidetop00/page/259 259] |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/officialguidetop00/page/259 }}</ref> In the [[1929 Memorial Cup]] playdowns, he scored 15 goals and 25 points in 13 games,<ref name="LOHStats" /> and in the finals the Marlboros defeated the [[Elmwood Millionaires]] in a best-of-three series to win their first Memorial Cup championship.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Lapp |first1=Richard |last2=Macaulay |first2=Alec |title=The Memorial Cup |publisher=Harbour Publishing |year=1997 |isbn=1-55017-170-4 |page=34}}</ref>


===Toronto Maple Leafs===
===Toronto Maple Leafs===
Joining the Maple Leafs for the [[1929–30 NHL season|1929–30 season]], the 18-year-old Jackson was the youngest player in the [[National Hockey League]] (NHL).<ref name="OGHHOF" /> In his league debut against the [[Montreal Canadiens]], Jackson knocked over his idol [[Howie Morenz]] with a [[checking (ice hockey)|bodycheck]].  Assessing the youngster's potential following the hit, Morenz offered, "you'll do."<ref name="LOHBio">{{cite web |url=http://www.legendsofhockey.net/LegendsOfHockey/jsp/LegendsMember.jsp?mem=p197101&page=bio&list=ByName |title=Busher Jackson biography |publisher=Hockey Hall of Fame |access-date=January 15, 2013}}</ref> Jackson appeared in 31 games for the Leafs, scoring 12 goals and adding 6 assists.<ref name="LOHStats" /> He missed some time due to injury, during which he earned his nickname from the team's trainer, Tim Daly. According to Jackson: "Daly asked me to carry sticks for him. I told him I wasn't a stick boy, I was a hockey player, so he said I was nothing but a fresh busher [a term for someone who had just been called up from the minors] and the name stuck."<ref>{{cite book |last1=Duplacey |first1=James |last2=Zweig |first2=Eric |title=Official Guide to the Players of the Hockey Hall of Fame |publisher=Firefly Books |location=Richmond Hill, ON |year=2010 |isbn=978-1-55407-662-8 |page=[https://archive.org/details/officialguidetop00/page/258 258] |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/officialguidetop00/page/258 }}</ref>
Jackson joined the Maple Leafs for the [[1929–30 NHL season|1929–30 season]]; at eighteen he was the youngest player in the [[National Hockey League]] (NHL).<ref name="OGHHOF" /> In his debut against the [[Montreal Canadiens]], Jackson knocked down his idol [[Howie Morenz]] with a [[checking (ice hockey)|bodycheck]].  Rising from the ice, Morenz told the young man, "You'll do."<ref name="LOHBio">{{cite web |url=http://www.legendsofhockey.net/LegendsOfHockey/jsp/LegendsMember.jsp?mem=p197101&page=bio&list=ByName |title=Busher Jackson biography |publisher=Hockey Hall of Fame |access-date=January 15, 2013}}</ref> In 31 games that season, Jackson scored 12 goals and had 6 assists.<ref name="LOHStats" /> Jackson got his nickname from the team's trainer, Tim Daly. As Jackson told it, "Daly asked me to carry sticks for him. I told him I wasn't a stick boy, I was a hockey player, so he said I was nothing but a fresh busher [i.e. one who had just been called up from the minors] and the name stuck."<ref>{{cite book |last1=Duplacey |first1=James |last2=Zweig |first2=Eric |title=Official Guide to the Players of the Hockey Hall of Fame |publisher=Firefly Books |location=Richmond Hill, ON |year=2010 |isbn=978-1-55407-662-8 |page=[https://archive.org/details/officialguidetop00/page/258 258] |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/officialguidetop00/page/258 }}</ref>


During his first season, Jackson was placed on a [[line (ice hockey)|line]] with two other young players. [[Charlie Conacher]], a teammate of his with the Marlboros, played [[winger (ice hockey)|right wing]] and [[Joe Primeau]] was their [[centre (ice hockey)|centre]]. The trio formed what became known as the "[[the Kid Line|Kid Line]]," one of the early NHL's most famous scoring trios.<ref name="CSHOF">{{cite web |url=http://www.sportshall.ca/honoured-members/28060/harvey-jackson/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130219191224/http://www.sportshall.ca/honoured-members/28060/harvey-jackson/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 19, 2013 |title=Honoured Member – Harvey Jackson |publisher=Canada's Sports Hall of Fame |access-date=January 15, 2013 }}</ref> Primeau was the line's [[Glossary of ice hockey terms#P|playmaker]], whose passes set up both Conacher and Jackson's goal-scoring ability.<ref name="CSHOFPrimeau">{{cite web |url=http://www.sportshall.ca/honoured-members/27500/joe-primeau/ |title=Honoured Member – Joe Primeau |publisher=Canada's Sports Hall of Fame |access-date=January 15, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130219190811/http://www.sportshall.ca/honoured-members/27500/joe-primeau/ |archive-date=February 19, 2013 }}</ref>
Also during his first season, Jackson was placed on a [[line (ice hockey)|line]] with two other young players: right winger [[Charlie Conacher]], his former teammate on the Marlboros, and centre [[Joe Primeau]]. The trio became known as the "[[the Kid Line|Kid Line]]," one of the early NHL's most famous scoring trios.<ref name="CSHOF">{{cite web |url=http://www.sportshall.ca/honoured-members/28060/harvey-jackson/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130219191224/http://www.sportshall.ca/honoured-members/28060/harvey-jackson/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 19, 2013 |title=Honoured Member – Harvey Jackson |publisher=Canada's Sports Hall of Fame |access-date=January 15, 2013 }}</ref> Primeau was the line's [[Glossary of ice hockey terms#P|playmaker]], setting up key goal-scorers Conacher and Jackson.<ref name="CSHOFPrimeau">{{cite web |url=http://www.sportshall.ca/honoured-members/27500/joe-primeau/ |title=Honoured Member – Joe Primeau |publisher=Canada's Sports Hall of Fame |access-date=January 15, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130219190811/http://www.sportshall.ca/honoured-members/27500/joe-primeau/ |archive-date=February 19, 2013 }}</ref>


[[File:NHL Kid Line 1930s.jpg|thumb|left|The Kid Line of Conacher, Primeau and Jackson| alt= three young men stand side by side.  Each has short, dark hair parted in the middle and are wearing identical team jackets with a stylized maple leaf logo on the left breast.]]
[[File:NHL Kid Line 1930s.jpg|thumb|left|The Kid Line of Conacher, Primeau and Jackson| alt= three young men stand side by side.  Each has short, dark hair parted in the middle and are wearing identical team jackets with a stylized maple leaf logo on the left breast.]]
Following a 31-point season in [[1930–31 NHL season|1930–31]], Jackson [[List of past NHL scoring leaders|led the NHL in scoring]] with 53 points in [[1931–32 NHL season|1931–32]]. At 21 years, 3 months old, he became the youngest scoring champion in NHL history, a record he would hold until [[1980–81 NHL season|1980–81]], when it was broken by [[Wayne Gretzky]].<ref name="OGHHOF" /> Jackson's 28 goals that season was the most he would score in his career,<ref name="LOHStats" /> and he was named to the NHL's [[NHL All-Star team|First All-Star team]] for the first time of his career.<ref name="OGHHOF" /> He added five goals in the 1932 playoffs, including one of Toronto's six in the deciding game of the [[1932 Stanley Cup Finals]], a 6–4 victory over the [[New York Rangers]] that clinched Toronto's first [[Stanley Cup]] championship since 1922.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=itVkAAAAIBAJ&sjid=p24NAAAAIBAJ&pg=1938%2C4279990 |title=Pro hockey title returns to Toronto |work=Saskatoon Star-Phoenix |date=April 11, 1932 |access-date=January 15, 2013 |page=11}}</ref>
In [[1930–31 NHL season|1930–31]] Jackson scored 31 point, and in [[1931–32 NHL season|1931–32]] he [[List of past NHL scoring leaders|led the NHL in scoring]] with 53 points. At 21 years, 3 months old, he became the youngest scoring champion in NHL history, a record he held until [[1980–81 NHL season|1980–81]], when it was broken by [[Wayne Gretzky]].<ref name="OGHHOF" /> Jackson's 28 goals that season was the highest of his career,<ref name="LOHStats" /> and he was named to the NHL's [[NHL All-Star team|First All-Star team]] for the first time.<ref name="OGHHOF" /> He scored five goals in the 1932 playoffs, including one of Toronto's six in the deciding game of the [[1932 Stanley Cup Finals]], a 6–4 victory over the [[New York Rangers]] that clinched Toronto's first [[Stanley Cup]] championship since 1922.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=itVkAAAAIBAJ&sjid=p24NAAAAIBAJ&pg=1938%2C4279990 |title=Pro hockey title returns to Toronto |work=Saskatoon Star-Phoenix |date=April 11, 1932 |access-date=January 15, 2013 |page=11}}</ref>


The Kid Line remained Toronto's top offensive threat for several years; Jackson, Conacher and Primeau were the team's top three scorers for four consecutive seasons between 1932 and 1935. Following his league-leading season, Jackson led Toronto offensively in [[1932–33 NHL season|1932–33]] with 44 points.<ref>{{cite book |editor-last=Park |editor-first=Pat |title=2011–12 Toronto Maple Leafs Media Guide |publisher=Toronto Maple Leafs Hockey Club |year=2011 |pages=199–201}}</ref> On November 20, 1934, Jackson set an NHL record when he became the first player in NHL history to score four goals in a period, notching four markers in the third period of a 5–2 victory over the [[St. Louis Eagles]]. The record has not been surpassed through 2019, though eleven players have matched it.<ref>{{cite book |editor-last=Park |editor-first=Pat |title=2011–12 Toronto Maple Leafs Media Guide |publisher=Toronto Maple Leafs Hockey Club |year=2011 |page=201}}</ref> He was named to three additional All-Star teams during this time, placed on the second team in 1932–33 and on the first team in both [[1933–34 NHL season|1933–34]] and [[1934–35 NHL season|1934–35]].<ref name="OGHHOF" /> Additionally, Jackson played in the [[Ace Bailey Benefit Game]] on February 14, 1934.<ref name="1934BaileyBenefit">{{cite book|last=Podnieks |first=Andrew |title=The NHL All-Star Game: Fifty Years of the Great Tradition |page=10 |year=2000 |publisher=HarperCollins |location=Toronto |isbn=0-00-200058-X}}</ref> Held in support of injured teammate [[Ace Bailey]], it was the first [[NHL All-Star Game|all-star game]] in NHL history.<ref>{{citation |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=3wctAAAAIBAJ&sjid=YtUFAAAAIBAJ&pg=3896,5956000 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130124190055/http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=3wctAAAAIBAJ&sjid=YtUFAAAAIBAJ&pg=3896,5956000 |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 24, 2013 |title=Hockey benefit nets Ace Bailey roll of $20,909 |work=Miami News |date=February 15, 1934 |access-date=November 20, 2010 |page=14 }}</ref> Jackson scored two goals for the Maple Leafs in a 7–3 victory over the NHL All-Stars.<ref name="1934BaileyBenefit" />
The Kid Line were the team's top three scorers between 1932 and 1935. Following his league-leading season, Jackson led Toronto offensively in [[1932–33 NHL season|1932–33]] with 44 points.<ref>{{cite book |editor-last=Park |editor-first=Pat |title=2011–12 Toronto Maple Leafs Media Guide |publisher=Toronto Maple Leafs Hockey Club |year=2011 |pages=199–201}}</ref> On November 20, 1934, Jackson scored four goals in a period, the first NHL player to do so, in the third period of a 5–2 victory over the [[St. Louis Eagles]]. As of 2019 the record has been matched eleven times, but never surpassed.<ref>{{cite book |editor-last=Park |editor-first=Pat |title=2011–12 Toronto Maple Leafs Media Guide |publisher=Toronto Maple Leafs Hockey Club |year=2011 |page=201}}</ref> He was named to the All-Star Team three more times during this period, placed on the second team in 1932–33 and on the first team in both [[1933–34 NHL season|1933–34]] and [[1934–35 NHL season|1934–35]].<ref name="OGHHOF" /> He also played in the [[Ace Bailey Benefit Game]] on February 14, 1934,<ref name="1934BaileyBenefit">{{cite book|last=Podnieks |first=Andrew |title=The NHL All-Star Game: Fifty Years of the Great Tradition |page=10 |year=2000 |publisher=HarperCollins |location=Toronto |isbn=0-00-200058-X}}</ref> the first [[NHL All-Star Game|all-star game]] in NHL history.<ref>{{citation |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=3wctAAAAIBAJ&sjid=YtUFAAAAIBAJ&pg=3896,5956000 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130124190055/http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=3wctAAAAIBAJ&sjid=YtUFAAAAIBAJ&pg=3896,5956000 |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 24, 2013 |title=Hockey benefit nets Ace Bailey roll of $20,909 |work=Miami News |date=February 15, 1934 |access-date=November 20, 2010 |page=14 }}</ref> Jackson scored two goals for the Maple Leafs in a 7–3 victory over the NHL All-Stars.<ref name="1934BaileyBenefit" />


Following four consecutive 20-goal seasons, Jackson slipped to 11 goals in [[1935–36 NHL season|1935–36]].<ref name="OGHHOF" />  The Kid Line was finally broken up. While they remained consistent offensive performers, they lacked defensive ability and opposing teams began to find success playing their own top scoring lines against the trio.<ref name="CarrollJacksonObit">{{cite news |last=Carroll |first=Dink |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=5qgtAAAAIBAJ&sjid=uJ8FAAAAIBAJ&pg=6702%2C5432789 |title=Busher Jackson dies |work=Montreal Gazette |date=June 27, 1966 |access-date=January 15, 2013 |page=28}}</ref> Primeau subsequently retired in 1936 in favour of his business interests.<ref name="CSHOFPrimeau" /> Despite the break-up, Jackson scored 21 goals and had 40 points in [[1936–37 NHL season|1936–37]] to earn his fourth and final appearance on the first All-Star team.<ref name="OGHHOF" />
Following four consecutive 20-goal seasons, Jackson slipped to 11 goals in [[1935–36 NHL season|1935–36]].<ref name="OGHHOF" />  The Kid Line was finally broken up. While Jackson, Conacher and Primeau remained consistent offensive performers, they lacked defensive ability and opposing teams found success with their own top scoring lines against the trio.<ref name="CarrollJacksonObit">{{cite news |last=Carroll |first=Dink |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=5qgtAAAAIBAJ&sjid=uJ8FAAAAIBAJ&pg=6702%2C5432789 |title=Busher Jackson dies |work=Montreal Gazette |date=June 27, 1966 |access-date=January 15, 2013 |page=28}}</ref> Primeau retired in 1936, <ref name="CSHOFPrimeau" /> but Jackson rebounded in [[1936–37 NHL season|1936–37]] with 21 goals and 40 points, and appeared on the first All-Star team for the fourth and last time.<ref name="OGHHOF" />


Prior to the start of the [[1937–38 NHL season|1937–38 season]], Jackson played with the NHL All-Stars in the [[Howie Morenz Memorial Game]], the NHL's second benefit all-star contest.<ref>{{cite book |last=Podnieks |first=Andrew |title=The NHL All-Star Game: Fifty Years of the Great Tradition |page=14 |year=2000 |publisher=HarperCollins |location=Toronto |isbn=0-00-200058-X}}</ref> In regular league play, his offence entered a decline as he had 34 points that season, then 27 in [[1938–39 NHL season|1938–39]].<ref name="LOHStats" />  
In 1937 Jackson played with the NHL All-Stars in the [[Howie Morenz Memorial Game]], the NHL's second benefit all-star contest.<ref>{{cite book |last=Podnieks |first=Andrew |title=The NHL All-Star Game: Fifty Years of the Great Tradition |page=14 |year=2000 |publisher=HarperCollins |location=Toronto |isbn=0-00-200058-X}}</ref> His production declined as he had 34 points in [[1936–37 NHL season|1936–37]], then 27 in [[1938–39 NHL season|1938–39]].<ref name="LOHStats" />  
Following the season, the Maple Leafs traded him to the [[New York Americans]], along with [[Jimmy Fowler]], [[Murray Armstrong]], [[Elwyn Romnes|Doc Romnes]] and [[Buzz Boll]] in exchange for [[Sweeney Schriner]] on May 18, 1939.<ref>{{cite news |last=Shields |first=Tommy |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=RI0vAAAAIBAJ&sjid=6tsFAAAAIBAJ&pg=5007,2924256 |title=Round and round the sports wheel |work=Ottawa Citizen |date=May 27, 1939 |access-date=July 29, 2010 |page=12}}</ref> The five-for-one deal was unprecedented in NHL history at that time.<ref>{{cite book |last=Podnieks |first=Andrew |title=Players: The ultimate A–Z guide of everyone who has ever played in the NHL |publisher=Doubleday Canada |year=2003 |location=Toronto |isbn= 0-385-25999-9 |page=770}}</ref>
On May 18, 1939, the Maple Leafs traded him to the [[New York Americans]] along with [[Jimmy Fowler]], [[Murray Armstrong]], [[Elwyn Romnes|Doc Romnes]] and [[Buzz Boll]] in exchange for [[Sweeney Schriner]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Shields |first=Tommy |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=RI0vAAAAIBAJ&sjid=6tsFAAAAIBAJ&pg=5007,2924256 |title=Round and round the sports wheel |work=Ottawa Citizen |date=May 27, 1939 |access-date=July 29, 2010 |page=12}}</ref> The five-for-one deal was unprecedented in NHL history at that time.<ref>{{cite book |last=Podnieks |first=Andrew |title=Players: The ultimate A–Z guide of everyone who has ever played in the NHL |publisher=Doubleday Canada |year=2003 |location=Toronto |isbn= 0-385-25999-9 |page=770}}</ref>


===New York and Boston===
===New York and Boston===
Prior to his first season in New York, Jackson played in his third benefit all-star game, the [[Babe Siebert Memorial Game]], on October 29, 1939.  He represented the NHL All-Stars in a 5–2 victory over the Montreal Canadiens.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=XB9kAAAAIBAJ&sjid=PnsNAAAAIBAJ&pg=3783%2C5948871 |title=Syl Apps shines as All-Stars beat Canadiens in Siebert Memorial Game |work=Calgary Herald |date=October 30, 1939 |access-date=January 16, 2013 |page=6}}</ref> In NHL play, he posted 12 goals and had 20 points for the Americans, then improved to 26 points in [[1940–41 NHL season|1940–41]].<ref name="LOHStats" /> He was unable to come to terms with team manager [[Red Dutton]] on a new contract for the [[1941–42 NHL season|1941–42 season]] however, and did not join the team at the start of the season.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=JeRkAAAAIBAJ&sjid=0IANAAAAIBAJ&pg=4158,5467911 |title=Dutton, Jackson are $1,000 apart |work=Edmonton Journal |date=October 27, 1941 |access-date=January 16, 2013 |page=7}}</ref> The impasse lasted for half the season, until Dutton sold Jackson's rights to the [[Boston Bruins]] for $7,500 on January 4, 1942.<ref name="BruinsTrade">{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=syJkAAAAIBAJ&sjid=WXsNAAAAIBAJ&pg=4917%2C345166 |title=Harvey Jackson joins Bruins |work=Calgary Herald |date=January 5, 1942 |access-date=January 16, 2013 |page=10}}</ref>
At the beginning of his first season in New York, Jackson played in his third benefit all-star game, the [[Babe Siebert Memorial Game]], on October 29, 1939.  He played for the NHL All-Stars in a 5–2 victory over the Montreal Canadiens.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=XB9kAAAAIBAJ&sjid=PnsNAAAAIBAJ&pg=3783%2C5948871 |title=Syl Apps shines as All-Stars beat Canadiens in Siebert Memorial Game |work=Calgary Herald |date=October 30, 1939 |access-date=January 16, 2013 |page=6}}</ref> That season he posted 12 goals and had 20 points for the Americans, then improved to 26 points in [[1940–41 NHL season|1940–41]].<ref name="LOHStats" /> He was unable to come to terms with team manager [[Red Dutton]] on a new contract for the [[1941–42 NHL season|1941–42 season]], and did not join the team at the start of the season.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=JeRkAAAAIBAJ&sjid=0IANAAAAIBAJ&pg=4158,5467911 |title=Dutton, Jackson are $1,000 apart |work=Edmonton Journal |date=October 27, 1941 |access-date=January 16, 2013 |page=7}}</ref> The impasse lasted until January 4, 1942 when Dutton sold Jackson's rights to the [[Boston Bruins]] for $7,500.<ref name="BruinsTrade">{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=syJkAAAAIBAJ&sjid=WXsNAAAAIBAJ&pg=4917%2C345166 |title=Harvey Jackson joins Bruins |work=Calgary Herald |date=January 5, 1942 |access-date=January 16, 2013 |page=10}}</ref>


Joining the Bruins gave Jackson the opportunity to play alongside his younger brother [[Art Jackson|Art]].<ref name="BruinsTrade" /> He played only 26 games that season due to his holdout, just over half of the NHL season of 48 games, registering 12 points.  Though he played left wing throughout his career, the Bruins switched him part-time to [[defenceman (ice hockey)|defence]] when they lost players to injury or the [[World War II|Second world war]].<ref name="OGHHOF" /> He had 34 points in [[1942–43 NHL season|1942–43]], and his 19 goals were Jackson's highest total in six seasons.<ref name="LOHStats" /> The Bruins reached the [[1943 Stanley Cup Finals]] by defeating Montreal, but lost the series to the [[Detroit Red Wings]] in four straight games.<ref>{{cite book |last=McFarlane |first=Brian |year=1990|title=100 Years of Hockey |isbn=0-929091-26-4|publisher=Summerhill Press|page=45}}</ref> Jackson's playoff overtime goal on March 25, 1943, at the Forum would turn out to be the last Boston playoff overtime goal in Montreal until 1992.<ref>{{cite book|title=The End of the Montreal Jinx: Boston's Short-Lived Glory in the Historic Bruins-Canadiens Rivalry, 1988-1994|author=K.P. Wee|date=October 2015|page=153 |publisher=CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform |isbn=978-1517362911}}</ref> Jackson played a final season in [[1943–44 NHL season|1943–44]], after which he announced his retirement as a player following a 15-year career.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=A5VjAAAAIBAJ&sjid=QHoNAAAAIBAJ&pg=6510%2C4493824 |title=Busher Jackson quitting hockey |work=Saskatoon Star-Phoenix |date=October 24, 1944 |access-date=January 16, 2013 |page=13}}</ref>
In Boston, Jackson played alongside his younger brother [[Art Jackson|Art]].<ref name="BruinsTrade" /> Joining the Bruins late in the season, he played only 26 games and scored only 12 points.  The Bruins sometimes placed him on [[defenceman (ice hockey)|defence]] when they lost players to injury or the [[World War II|Second World War]].<ref name="OGHHOF" /> He had 34 points in [[1942–43 NHL season|1942–43]], and his 19 goals were his highest total in six seasons.<ref name="LOHStats" /> The Bruins reached the [[1943 Stanley Cup Finals]] but lost to the [[Detroit Red Wings]] in four straight games.<ref>{{cite book |last=McFarlane |first=Brian |year=1990|title=100 Years of Hockey |isbn=0-929091-26-4|publisher=Summerhill Press|page=45}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=The End of the Montreal Jinx: Boston's Short-Lived Glory in the Historic Bruins-Canadiens Rivalry, 1988-1994|author=K.P. Wee|date=October 2015|page=153 |publisher=CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform |isbn=978-1517362911}}</ref> Jackson retired after the [[1943–44 NHL season|1943–44 season]], after a 15-year career.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=A5VjAAAAIBAJ&sjid=QHoNAAAAIBAJ&pg=6510%2C4493824 |title=Busher Jackson quitting hockey |work=Saskatoon Star-Phoenix |date=October 24, 1944 |access-date=January 16, 2013 |page=13}}</ref>


==Personal life==
==Personal life==
Considered to have the looks of a movie star,<ref name="CarrollJacksonObit" /> Jackson lived the lifestyle of a [[Cinema of the United States|Hollywood]] actor during his playing career, spending money freely, driving fast cars, and attending posh parties.  Maple Leafs' owner [[Conn Smythe]] unsuccessfully tried to convince Jackson to save his money for the future, even offering to match his player's savings dollar for dollar.<ref name="PodnieksPlayers" /> Jackson's habits, particularly his drinking, ultimately played a role in his trade away from Toronto.<ref name="EndsMeans">{{cite news |last=McLachlan |first=Lloyd |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=s2E_AAAAIBAJ&sjid=jVMMAAAAIBAJ&pg=1471,63802 |title=End might not justify means |work=Windsor Star |date=February 16, 1985 |access-date=January 16, 2013 |page=B3}}</ref> Jackson's lifestyle came crashing down following his retirement as a player, as he no longer had the money to fund his pursuits.<ref name="PodnieksPlayers" /> He unsuccessfully tried to overcome his [[alcoholism]],<ref name="RLPHHOF">{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=QvBUAAAAIBAJ&sjid=ljwNAAAAIBAJ&pg=5135,5514456 |title=Busher Jackson |newspaper=Regina Leader-Post |date=August 28, 1971 |access-date=January 16, 2013 |page=5}}</ref> had two marriages end in divorce, struggled to hold a job, and it was said that he could be found outside [[Maple Leaf Gardens]] trying to sell broken sticks of Maple Leaf players to try to make some money.<ref name="PodnieksPlayers" /> He emerged as one of hockey's tragic figures.<ref name="EndsMeans" />
Considered by some to have the looks of a movie star,<ref name="CarrollJacksonObit" /> Jackson lived the lifestyle of a Hollywood actor during his playing career, spending money freely, driving fast cars, and attending posh parties.  Maple Leafs' owner [[Conn Smythe]] tried in vain to convince Jackson to save his money for the future, and even offered to match his player's savings dollar for dollar.<ref name="PodnieksPlayers" /> Jackson's habits, particularly his drinking, ultimately compelled the Leafs to trade him.<ref name="EndsMeans">{{cite news |last=McLachlan |first=Lloyd |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=s2E_AAAAIBAJ&sjid=jVMMAAAAIBAJ&pg=1471,63802 |title=End might not justify means |work=Windsor Star |date=February 16, 1985 |access-date=January 16, 2013 |page=B3}}</ref> Jackson's lifestyle came crashing down following his retirement as a player, as he no longer had the money to live lavishly.<ref name="PodnieksPlayers" /> He tried without success to overcome his [[alcoholism]],<ref name="RLPHHOF">{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=QvBUAAAAIBAJ&sjid=ljwNAAAAIBAJ&pg=5135,5514456 |title=Busher Jackson |newspaper=Regina Leader-Post |date=August 28, 1971 |access-date=January 16, 2013 |page=5}}</ref> had two marriages end in divorce and struggled to hold a job.  It was said that he could be found outside [[Maple Leaf Gardens]] trying to sell broken sticks of Maple Leaf players to make some money.<ref name="PodnieksPlayers" /><ref name="EndsMeans" />


[[File:Grave of Ralph Harvey Jackson (1911–1966) at Park Lawn Cemetery, Toronto.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Jackson's grave at Park Lawn Cemetery]]
[[File:Grave of Ralph Harvey Jackson (1911–1966) at Park Lawn Cemetery, Toronto.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Jackson's grave at Park Lawn Cemetery]]


Jackson suffered a series of injuries and ailments in his later years.  In 1958, he broke his neck after falling down a flight of stairs. His recovery took 18 months and cost him mobility in his right hand.  Two months after his release, Jackson returned to hospital with a bout of [[jaundice]].<ref name="SSPDeath">{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=AHFjAAAAIBAJ&sjid=X3kNAAAAIBAJ&pg=7141,4348931 |title=Legendary Busher Jackson dies in Toronto |newspaper=Saskatoon Star-Phoenix |date=June 27, 1966 |access-date=January 16, 2013 |page=18}}</ref> He was hospitalized again in 1962 following an [[epileptic seizure]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=htVUAAAAIBAJ&sjid=NTwNAAAAIBAJ&pg=1939,1462740 |title=Jackson goes to hospital |newspaper=Regina Leader-Post |date=February 8, 1962 |access-date=January 16, 2013 |page=28}}</ref>
Jackson suffered a series of injuries and ailments in his later years.  In 1958, he broke his neck after falling down a flight of stairs. His recovery took 18 months and the accident cost him mobility in his right hand.  Two months after his release, Jackson returned to hospital with a bout of [[jaundice]].<ref name="SSPDeath">{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=AHFjAAAAIBAJ&sjid=X3kNAAAAIBAJ&pg=7141,4348931 |title=Legendary Busher Jackson dies in Toronto |newspaper=Saskatoon Star-Phoenix |date=June 27, 1966 |access-date=January 16, 2013 |page=18}}</ref> He was hospitalized again in 1962 following an [[epileptic seizure]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=htVUAAAAIBAJ&sjid=NTwNAAAAIBAJ&pg=1939,1462740 |title=Jackson goes to hospital |newspaper=Regina Leader-Post |date=February 8, 1962 |access-date=January 16, 2013 |page=28}}</ref>


As Jackson's health failed,<ref name="SSPDeath" /> he became the focus of a controversy within the [[Hockey Hall of Fame]] selection committee.<ref>{{cite news |last=Coleman |first=Jim |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=OGhkAAAAIBAJ&sjid=5nwNAAAAIBAJ&pg=981,3534725 |title=Jim Coleman's column for June 11, 1969 |work=Calgary Herald |date=June 11, 1969 |access-date=January 16, 2013 |page=41}}</ref> Though he was considered one of hockey's greatest left wingers<ref name="CarrollJacksonObit" /> and was famed for his attacking style of play and [[Backhand shot (ice hockey)|backhand shot]],<ref name="OGHHOF" /> Jackson's personal problems led Hall chairman Conn Smythe to blacklist him from entry.<ref name="RLPHHOF" />  Though Primeau and Conacher had gained induction,<ref name="CarrollJacksonObit" /> Jackson died on June 25, 1966, without being given the same honour.<ref name="SSPDeath" /> He was buried at [[Park Lawn Cemetery]] in Toronto. It would be another five years until the remainder of the selection committee finally overruled Smythe and posthumously inducted Jackson into the Hall of Fame in 1971.<ref name="RLPHHOF" />  Smythe quit the committee in protest,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=AJkuAAAAIBAJ&sjid=tKEFAAAAIBAJ&pg=6732,2849130 |title=Smythe leaves 'Hall' |work=Montreal Gazette |date=June 12, 1971 |access-date=January 16, 2013 |page=27}}</ref> while Jackson's son Kim accepted the honour on his father's behalf.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=M-0vAAAAIBAJ&sjid=Y-0DAAAAIBAJ&pg=5178,3189671 |title=Sawchuk among five honored by hockey |work=Spokane Spokesman-Review |date=August 25, 1971 |access-date=January 24, 2013 |page=26}}</ref> In 1975, Jackson was inducted into [[Canada's Sports Hall of Fame]],<ref name="CSHOF" /> and ''[[The Hockey News]]'' ranked him 55th in its 1997 book, ''The Top 100 NHL players of All-Time''.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Ulmer |first1=Michael |last2=Dryden |first2=Steve |title=The Top 100 NHL players of All-Time |work=The Hockey News |publisher=McClelland and Stewart |year=1999 |isbn=978-0-7710-4175-4 |page=136}}</ref>
As Jackson's health failed,<ref name="SSPDeath" /> the prospect of his induction to the [[Hockey Hall of Fame]] became a matter of controversy.<ref>{{cite news |last=Coleman |first=Jim |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=OGhkAAAAIBAJ&sjid=5nwNAAAAIBAJ&pg=981,3534725 |title=Jim Coleman's column for June 11, 1969 |work=Calgary Herald |date=June 11, 1969 |access-date=January 16, 2013 |page=41}}</ref> Though he was considered one of hockey's greatest left wingers<ref name="CarrollJacksonObit" /> and was famed for his attacking style of play and [[Backhand shot (ice hockey)|backhand shot]],<ref name="OGHHOF" /> Jackson's personal problems led Hall chairman Conn Smythe to blacklist him.<ref name="RLPHHOF" />  Though Primeau and Conacher had been inducted,<ref name="CarrollJacksonObit" /> Jackson died on June 25, 1966, without being given the same honour.<ref name="SSPDeath" /> He was buried at [[Park Lawn Cemetery]] in Toronto. It would be another five years until the rest of the selection committee overruled Smythe and inducted Jackson into the Hall of Fame in 1971.<ref name="RLPHHOF" />  Smythe quit the committee in protest,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=AJkuAAAAIBAJ&sjid=tKEFAAAAIBAJ&pg=6732,2849130 |title=Smythe leaves 'Hall' |work=Montreal Gazette |date=June 12, 1971 |access-date=January 16, 2013 |page=27}}</ref> while Jackson's son Kim accepted the honour on his father's behalf.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=M-0vAAAAIBAJ&sjid=Y-0DAAAAIBAJ&pg=5178,3189671 |title=Sawchuk among five honored by hockey |work=Spokane Spokesman-Review |date=August 25, 1971 |access-date=January 24, 2013 |page=26}}</ref> In 1975, Jackson was inducted into [[Canada's Sports Hall of Fame]],<ref name="CSHOF" /> and ''[[The Hockey News]]'' ranked him 55th in its 1997 book, ''The Top 100 NHL players of All-Time''.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Ulmer |first1=Michael |last2=Dryden |first2=Steve |title=The Top 100 NHL players of All-Time |work=The Hockey News |publisher=McClelland and Stewart |year=1999 |isbn=978-0-7710-4175-4 |page=136}}</ref>


==Career statistics==
==Career statistics==

Latest revision as of 16:50, 25 June 2025

Template:Short description Script error: No such module "redirect hatnote". Template:Use mdy dates Template:Use Canadian English Template:Good article Template:Infobox ice hockey player Ralph Harvey "Busher" Jackson (January 17, 1911Template:Spaced ndashJune 25, 1966) was a Canadian professional ice hockey player. Jackson played in the National Hockey League (NHL) from 1929 to 1944 for the Toronto Maple Leafs, New York Americans, and Boston Bruins. He was a member of the Maple Leafs' famed Kid Line with Joe Primeau and Charlie Conacher, one of the early NHL's dominant scoring trios. Jackson led the league in scoring in 1931–32 and was a member of Toronto's 1932 Stanley Cup championship team. He was named to the NHL All-Star team five times and played in three benefit All-Star Games, including the Ace Bailey Benefit Game, the first All-Star contest in NHL history.

Off the ice, Jackson was well-known for his high-spending lifestyle and drinking that prompted his trade from Toronto to New York in 1939. He is remembered as one of hockey's tragic figures, as he struggled with alcoholism and financial difficulty following his retirement. For years his personal difficulties made him ineligible for induction to the Hockey Hall of Fame in the eyes of members of its selection committee. He was finally inducted into the Hall in 1971, five years after his death. Jackson is also an honoured member of Canada's Sports Hall of Fame, into which he was inducted in 1975. He was the brother of fellow NHL player Art Jackson.

Playing career

Junior

Jackson grew up in Toronto and played hockey in his youth at Poverty Pond in the city's east side. He then played at the Ravina Rink where he was discovered by Frank Selke, the assistant general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Selke signed Jackson to a contract and assigned him to the Toronto Marlboros in the Ontario Hockey Association (OHA)'s junior league for the 1927–28 season.[1] Jackson scored four goals in four regular season games that season.[2] In 1928–29 season, he scored 10 goals and 14 points in nine regular season games,[3] and led the OHA playoffs with seven goals and nine points as the Marlboros won the OHA championship.[4] In the 1929 Memorial Cup playdowns, he scored 15 goals and 25 points in 13 games,[3] and in the finals the Marlboros defeated the Elmwood Millionaires in a best-of-three series to win their first Memorial Cup championship.[5]

Toronto Maple Leafs

Jackson joined the Maple Leafs for the 1929–30 season; at eighteen he was the youngest player in the National Hockey League (NHL).[4] In his debut against the Montreal Canadiens, Jackson knocked down his idol Howie Morenz with a bodycheck. Rising from the ice, Morenz told the young man, "You'll do."[6] In 31 games that season, Jackson scored 12 goals and had 6 assists.[3] Jackson got his nickname from the team's trainer, Tim Daly. As Jackson told it, "Daly asked me to carry sticks for him. I told him I wasn't a stick boy, I was a hockey player, so he said I was nothing but a fresh busher [i.e. one who had just been called up from the minors] and the name stuck."[7]

Also during his first season, Jackson was placed on a line with two other young players: right winger Charlie Conacher, his former teammate on the Marlboros, and centre Joe Primeau. The trio became known as the "Kid Line," one of the early NHL's most famous scoring trios.[8] Primeau was the line's playmaker, setting up key goal-scorers Conacher and Jackson.[9]

three young men stand side by side. Each has short, dark hair parted in the middle and are wearing identical team jackets with a stylized maple leaf logo on the left breast.
The Kid Line of Conacher, Primeau and Jackson

In 1930–31 Jackson scored 31 point, and in 1931–32 he led the NHL in scoring with 53 points. At 21 years, 3 months old, he became the youngest scoring champion in NHL history, a record he held until 1980–81, when it was broken by Wayne Gretzky.[4] Jackson's 28 goals that season was the highest of his career,[3] and he was named to the NHL's First All-Star team for the first time.[4] He scored five goals in the 1932 playoffs, including one of Toronto's six in the deciding game of the 1932 Stanley Cup Finals, a 6–4 victory over the New York Rangers that clinched Toronto's first Stanley Cup championship since 1922.[10]

The Kid Line were the team's top three scorers between 1932 and 1935. Following his league-leading season, Jackson led Toronto offensively in 1932–33 with 44 points.[11] On November 20, 1934, Jackson scored four goals in a period, the first NHL player to do so, in the third period of a 5–2 victory over the St. Louis Eagles. As of 2019 the record has been matched eleven times, but never surpassed.[12] He was named to the All-Star Team three more times during this period, placed on the second team in 1932–33 and on the first team in both 1933–34 and 1934–35.[4] He also played in the Ace Bailey Benefit Game on February 14, 1934,[13] the first all-star game in NHL history.[14] Jackson scored two goals for the Maple Leafs in a 7–3 victory over the NHL All-Stars.[13]

Following four consecutive 20-goal seasons, Jackson slipped to 11 goals in 1935–36.[4] The Kid Line was finally broken up. While Jackson, Conacher and Primeau remained consistent offensive performers, they lacked defensive ability and opposing teams found success with their own top scoring lines against the trio.[15] Primeau retired in 1936, [9] but Jackson rebounded in 1936–37 with 21 goals and 40 points, and appeared on the first All-Star team for the fourth and last time.[4]

In 1937 Jackson played with the NHL All-Stars in the Howie Morenz Memorial Game, the NHL's second benefit all-star contest.[16] His production declined as he had 34 points in 1936–37, then 27 in 1938–39.[3] On May 18, 1939, the Maple Leafs traded him to the New York Americans along with Jimmy Fowler, Murray Armstrong, Doc Romnes and Buzz Boll in exchange for Sweeney Schriner.[17] The five-for-one deal was unprecedented in NHL history at that time.[18]

New York and Boston

At the beginning of his first season in New York, Jackson played in his third benefit all-star game, the Babe Siebert Memorial Game, on October 29, 1939. He played for the NHL All-Stars in a 5–2 victory over the Montreal Canadiens.[19] That season he posted 12 goals and had 20 points for the Americans, then improved to 26 points in 1940–41.[3] He was unable to come to terms with team manager Red Dutton on a new contract for the 1941–42 season, and did not join the team at the start of the season.[20] The impasse lasted until January 4, 1942 when Dutton sold Jackson's rights to the Boston Bruins for $7,500.[21]

In Boston, Jackson played alongside his younger brother Art.[21] Joining the Bruins late in the season, he played only 26 games and scored only 12 points. The Bruins sometimes placed him on defence when they lost players to injury or the Second World War.[4] He had 34 points in 1942–43, and his 19 goals were his highest total in six seasons.[3] The Bruins reached the 1943 Stanley Cup Finals but lost to the Detroit Red Wings in four straight games.[22][23] Jackson retired after the 1943–44 season, after a 15-year career.[24]

Personal life

Considered by some to have the looks of a movie star,[15] Jackson lived the lifestyle of a Hollywood actor during his playing career, spending money freely, driving fast cars, and attending posh parties. Maple Leafs' owner Conn Smythe tried in vain to convince Jackson to save his money for the future, and even offered to match his player's savings dollar for dollar.[1] Jackson's habits, particularly his drinking, ultimately compelled the Leafs to trade him.[25] Jackson's lifestyle came crashing down following his retirement as a player, as he no longer had the money to live lavishly.[1] He tried without success to overcome his alcoholism,[26] had two marriages end in divorce and struggled to hold a job. It was said that he could be found outside Maple Leaf Gardens trying to sell broken sticks of Maple Leaf players to make some money.[1][25]

File:Grave of Ralph Harvey Jackson (1911–1966) at Park Lawn Cemetery, Toronto.jpg
Jackson's grave at Park Lawn Cemetery

Jackson suffered a series of injuries and ailments in his later years. In 1958, he broke his neck after falling down a flight of stairs. His recovery took 18 months and the accident cost him mobility in his right hand. Two months after his release, Jackson returned to hospital with a bout of jaundice.[27] He was hospitalized again in 1962 following an epileptic seizure.[28]

As Jackson's health failed,[27] the prospect of his induction to the Hockey Hall of Fame became a matter of controversy.[29] Though he was considered one of hockey's greatest left wingers[15] and was famed for his attacking style of play and backhand shot,[4] Jackson's personal problems led Hall chairman Conn Smythe to blacklist him.[26] Though Primeau and Conacher had been inducted,[15] Jackson died on June 25, 1966, without being given the same honour.[27] He was buried at Park Lawn Cemetery in Toronto. It would be another five years until the rest of the selection committee overruled Smythe and inducted Jackson into the Hall of Fame in 1971.[26] Smythe quit the committee in protest,[30] while Jackson's son Kim accepted the honour on his father's behalf.[31] In 1975, Jackson was inducted into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame,[8] and The Hockey News ranked him 55th in its 1997 book, The Top 100 NHL players of All-Time.[32]

Career statistics

    Regular season   Playoffs
Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM
1927–28 Toronto Marlboros OHA-Jr. 4 4 0 4 2 2 0 0 0 0
1928–29 Toronto Marlboros OHA-Jr. 9 10 4 14 0 3 7 2 9 —
1928–29 Toronto Marlboros Mem. Cup — — — — — 13 15 10 25 4
1929–30 Toronto Maple Leafs NHL 32 12 6 18 29 — — — — —
1930–31 Toronto Maple Leafs NHL 43 18 13 31 81 2 0 0 0 2
1931–32 Toronto Maple Leafs NHL 48 28 25 53 63 7 5 2 7 13
1932–33 Toronto Maple Leafs NHL 48 27 17 44 43 9 3 1 4 2
1933–34 Toronto Maple Leafs NHL 38 20 18 38 38 5 1 0 1 8
1934–35 Toronto Maple Leafs NHL 42 22 22 44 27 7 3 2 5 2
1935–36 Toronto Maple Leafs NHL 47 11 11 22 19 9 3 2 5 2
1936–37 Toronto Maple Leafs NHL 46 21 19 40 12 2 1 0 1 2
1937–38 Toronto Maple Leafs NHL 48 17 17 34 18 6 1 0 1 8
1938–39 Toronto Maple Leafs NHL 42 10 17 27 12 7 0 1 1 2
1939–40 New York Americans NHL 43 12 8 20 10 3 0 1 1 2
1940–41 New York Americans NHL 46 8 18 26 4 — — — — —
1941–42 Boston Bruins NHL 27 5 7 12 8 5 0 1 1 0
1942–43 Boston Bruins NHL 44 19 15 34 38 9 1 2 3 10
1943–44 Boston Bruins NHL 42 11 21 32 25 — — — — —
NHL totals 636 241 234 475 437 71 18 12 30 55

References

  • Career statistics: Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".

Template:Reflist

External links

Template:S-endTemplate:Authority control
Preceded byTemplate:S-bef/checkTemplate:Succession box/check NHL Scoring Champion
1932 Template:S-ttl/check 		Template:S-aft/check Succeeded by
  1. ↑ a b c d Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  2. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  3. ↑ a b c d e f g Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  4. ↑ a b c d e f g h i Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  5. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  6. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  7. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  8. ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  9. ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  10. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  11. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  12. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  13. ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  14. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  15. ↑ a b c d Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  16. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  17. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  18. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  19. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  20. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  21. ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  22. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  23. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  24. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  25. ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  26. ↑ a b c Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  27. ↑ a b c Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  28. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  29. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  30. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  31. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  32. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
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