Babe Pratt

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Lore & Background

Pratt's career reached its zenith during the mid-1940s, marked by individual brilliance and team success. In 1944, he earned NHL First All-Star Team honours on defence while capturing the Hart Memorial Trophy. The following year, his leadership was instrumental as the Toronto Maple Leafs captured the Stanley Cup; Pratt scored the game-winning goal in that Final series. Despite these highs, his tenure faced a severe low in January 1946 when he was caught betting on hockey games and suspended from the NHL. Pratt admitted to gambling but denied ever betting against his own team. After promising to quit betting, he was reinstated to the Maple Leafs before moving to the Boston Bruins for the 1946–47 season, which became his last in the league.

In Their Own Story

The defining moment of Babe Pratt's championship legacy occurred during the 1945 Stanley Cup Final. Playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs, he delivered a clutch performance that secured the title for the franchise. While the source highlights his role as an important member of the 1940 Rangers and 1945 Maple Leafs squads, it specifically notes his game-winning goal in the 1945 Final. This achievement capped off a stellar year that began with him winning the Hart Trophy. His journey was not without turbulence; just months after his glory, he faced suspension for gambling. However, his integrity regarding betting against his own team and his promise to quit led to his reinstatement, allowing him to complete one final season in the NHL before transitioning to the minors.

Reader's Guide

For fans tracking Babe Pratt's career path, note his versatility as a defenceman who also played left winger. His journey began with the New York Rangers (winning the 1940 Cup), moved to the Toronto Maple Leafs (winning the 1945 Cup and winning the 1944 Hart Trophy), and concluded with the Boston Bruins in 1946–47. He holds a unique record tied for most assists by a defenceman in one game with six. Beyond his playing days, Pratt remained active in hockey media as an analyst for CBC's Hockey Night In Canada from Vancouver in the 1970s and served as a goodwill ambassador for the Vancouver Canucks. His life ended tragically on December 16, 1988, during a Canucks game at the Pacific Coliseum, where he suffered a heart attack in the media lounge.

Did You Know?

• Pratt died in the media lounge of the Pacific Coliseum during the first intermission of a Vancouver Canucks game on December 16, 1988.
• The Vancouver Canucks honored his memory by stitching 'BABE' on their sweaters for the remainder of the 1988 season following his death.
• He is tied for the record of most assists by a defenceman in a single NHL game with six.
• Pratt admitted to gambling on hockey games but denied ever placing a bet against his own team before being reinstated.
• In 2009, he was ranked No. 47 all-time among Rangers players in the book '100 Ranger Greats'.