Warriors of yesteryear.

Hockey has a history of missing teeth, playing hurt and black eyes. That history was built on the toughness of the men who made this sport what it is today. Without starting a debate about which sport is the toughest.You will find many who argue that hockey may not be today's toughest sport. However very few can argue that this sport was not the toughest sport in the 1950's.

Players like Maurice Richard,Gordie Howe and Elmer Lach defined the meaning of "Warrior" and provided fans stories that will forever be passed on. Iconic moments in hockey history such as the Fontinato Vs. Howe fight defined hockey's reputation. Feb 1st 1959 was the date in which Gordie Howe cemented his reputation and hockey's in one night. "The Rangers downed the Red Wings 5–4 at MSG. Lou Fontinato became incensed when Gordie Howe whacked Eddie Shack over the ear with his stick, and challenged the right wing. Howe terminated the fight with an uppercut that broke Fontinato's nose and left it several degrees off centre". A historic moment for many reasons. This was a time in hockey which you're best player and best fighter could be one and the same. Picture Wayne Gretzky giving Bob Probert a beating so bad that Probert would need reconstructive surgery on his face. This seems absurd to think today but Hockey of the 1950's truly was the toughest sport in the world.

Fontinato after his brawl with Howe.

Maurice Richard also set the tone for toughness on many occasions for this sport. None more so then after scoring the winning goal in the 1952 Stanley Cup semi final versus the hated rivals the Boston Bruins. "As blood dripped down his face after an earlier injury that saw him suffer a concussion, he scored the series-winning goal of the 1952 Stanley Cup Semifinals. Richard had left the game, but returned to the bench in the third period, wearing a bandage. Richard, although somewhat dazed, jumped off the bench and drove to the net to score". These are the type of stories that have now become unheard of. Of course with good reason now that concussion awareness has been raised significantly.

  However one can always wonder if hockey would take the spotlight away from some of the prime time sports of today in U.S markets if it was still played like it was in 1950. Because this is still a Sports Memorabilia blog here's a look at my most prized possession and a gift from my girlfriend!