Conn Smythe

Smythe, Constantine Falkland Cary

 Constantine Falkland Cary Smythe, "Conn," sports entrepreneur (b at Toronto 1 Feb 1895; d there 18 Nov 1980). He was awarded the Military Cross in WWI and was severely injured by shrapnel in WWII. His reputation for hockey acumen derived from his success coaching U of T Varsity Grads to the Allan Cup (1927), and from the success of the original New York Ranger team, which he assembled in 1926. In 1927 he and associates raised $160 000 and bought Toronto St Pats, changing their name to TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS. Maple Leaf Gardens was built largely owing to his efforts (1931). He sold his controlling interest in the Gardens and the team in 1961 to his son Stafford and others. His autobiography, Conn Smythe: If you can't beat 'em in the alley, with Scott Young, appeared in 1981.