He stayed out of the spotlight, but Leafs fans know J.P. Bickell cast a long shadow.

A self-made mining magnate and the man who kept the Maple Leafs in Toronto and financed Maple Leaf Gardens, J.P. Bickell lived an extraordinary and purposeful life. As one of the most important industrialists in Canadian history, Bickell left his mark on communities across the nation. He was a cornerstone of the Toronto Maple Leafs, which awards the J.P. Bickell Memorial Award to recognize outstanding service to the organization.

Bickell’s story is also tied up with some of the most famous Canadians of his day, including Mitchell Hepburn, Roy Thomson, and Conn Smythe. Through his charitable foundation, he has been a key benefactor of the Hospital for Sick Children, and his legacy continues to transform Toronto. Yet, though Bickell was so important both to Toronto and the Maple Leafs, the story of his incredible life is today largely obscure. This book sets the record straight, presenting the definitive story of his rise to prominence and his lasting legacy — on the ice and off.

Jason Wilson

is an award-winning Canadian author and musician. He is a two-time Juno Award nominee and is currently completing his Ph.D. at the University of Guelph. Author of four books, including

Lord Stanley: The Man Behind the Cup

(2006), Wilson has been published on various topics, including Canada and the First World War, hockey, and music.

Jason Wilson's profile page

DEREK SANDERSON grew up in Niagara Falls, Ontario, and played for the Boston Bruins, New York Rangers, St. Louis Blues, Vancouver Canucks and Pittsburgh Penguins of the NHL, as well as the Philadelphia Blazers of the WHA. A former sports commentator, Sanderson is currently an investment professional in Boston, where he serves as a financial advisor for athletes.

KEVIN SHEA is the editor of publications for the Hockey Hall of Fame and the author of twelve hockey books, including Barilko: Without a Trace and Lord Stanley: The Man Behind the Cup. Shea is the recipient of the 2012 Brian McFarlane Award for excellence in research and writing.

Kevin Shea's profile page

Graham MacLachlan is a relative of J.P. Bickell who has an extensive business background in international trade that is equalled by his involvement in hockey in the IIHF, the NHL, the WHL, Hockey Canada, Hockey Alberta, and Hockey Calgary. Graham lives in Calgary, Alberta.

Graham MacLachlan's profile page

A fitting tribute to a great man.

James Smith, Sell Em Ben’s and former McIntyre Mining Employee

The definitive story of [J.P. Bickell’s] rise to prominence and his lasting legacy.

Society for International Hockey Research

A fascinating read … this isn’t just another Leafs book. Far from it.

Hockey Book Reviews.com