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If ever a name were synonymous with hockey, that name would be Smythe. During the depths of the Depression, Hockey Hall of Fame inductee Conn Smythe purchased the Toronto St. Pats and in patriotic tradition christened them, the Toronto Maple Leafs. Smythe reigned as Leafs owner and president from 1927 until his transfer of ownership to son Stafford in 1961. This move was part of a succession plan, which would insure that his grandson Tommy Smythe would one day assume his destined role in Leaf history as owner. Unfortunately due to Stafford's untimely death and partnership with Harold Ballard, Tommy never inherited the Smythe dynasty. Even so, his fortunate years growing up and associated with the Maple Leafs organization awarded him a fascinating life, witnessing and participating in an inconceivable number of significant hockey events. Tom befriended many of the most famous and influential people from the NHL's past and present and candidly conveys these experiences and more, throughout this comprehensive look at one of Canada's most prominent hockey families and the team which brought the city of Toronto, their eleven Stanley Cups.

Tommy Smythe is the grandson of Hockey Hall of Fame inductee Conn Smythe and son of former Maple Leafs owner and president, Stafford Smythe. From infancy, the one constant in Tom's life has been hockey. Beginning as stickboy for the Leafs in the early fifties, later as a scout, then as General Manager of the Toronto Marlboros, Tom had a centre ice view of the proceedings of Maple Leaf Gardens and the Toronto Maple Leafs hockey club. Presently, Tom helps run the Conn Smythe Charitable Foundation. He has two grown children Tommy and Christy and lives with his wife Penny in downtown Toronto.

Kevin Shea is a lifelong Leafs fan and longtime season ticket-holder. A native of Windsor Ontario, the former junior A hockey player is Vice-President of a Toronto-based record company. Kevin is currently researching the history of the NHL for his next book.

(The Toronto Sun) - George Gross

It's too bad Tommy Smythe is no longer associated with the Leafs. All players could learn what it means to have heart, courage and perseverance in the face of adversity.