Interview with George Armstrong
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Title
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Interview with George Armstrong
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Description
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Origins and beginnings in hockey (00:00:00 – 00:01:15)
George Armstrong explains that he was born on July 6, 1930, in Boland's, a small village near Sudbury, Ontario. He started playing on an organized team at the age of 11.
Indigenous identity (00:01:19 – 00:01:41)
He mentions that his mother told him he was Algonquin on his mother's side and that his ancestors had lived in the area for a long time.
Junior career and joining the Maple Leafs (00:01:43 – 00:02:23)
Armstrong played junior hockey in Sudbury and Stratford before joining the Toronto Maple Leafs organization in 1950. He remained there for about 20 years, including 12 as an active player.
Stanley Cups and rings (00:02:37 – 00:03:34)
He won four Stanley Cups with Toronto, but only has one ring that covers all four dates.
Punch Imlach and the Leafs era (00:03:45 – 00:04:43)
Armstrong describes Punch Imlach as an excellent motivator, capable of pushing his players to give their best.
Johnny Bower and anecdotes (00:04:43 – 00:06:12)
He recounts that Johnny Bower, his roommate for 11 years, did not know his exact age and was a great goalie. He also talks about the jokes and the atmosphere in the locker room.
Style and habits (00:06:24 – 00:07:45)
The players wore their hair very short, a fashion inherited from World War II. Armstrong still maintains this style, although his hair has turned gray.
The evolution of hockey (00:07:45 – 00:08:18)
He believes that hockey has evolved considerably: today's players are faster and better trained.
Working with the Nordiques (00:08:26 – 00:10:04)
Armstrong works as a scout for the Quebec Nordiques, traveling across Canada and the United States to observe junior players.
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Identifier
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ckwe-audio-156
ckwe-audio-156