Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Ace Bailey

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 23, 2025

Discover the career path of Ace Bailey, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Irvine Wallace "Ace" Bailey was a Canadian professional ice hockey player who played for the Toronto Maple Leafs from 1926 to 1933. His career ended prematurely due to a severe injury sustained during a game against the Boston Bruins. Bailey holds the distinction of being the first professional athlete to have his jersey number retired in his honor. Acknowledged for his skill, he led the NHL in scoring in 1929. His contributions to hockey were further recognized with his induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1975.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1924: Played senior hockey in Peterborough

In 1924, Ace Bailey played senior hockey in Peterborough for two seasons.

November 1926: Ace Bailey Signed by the Toronto St. Patricks

In November 1926, Ace Bailey was signed by the Toronto St. Patricks of the National Hockey League, which was later renamed the Toronto Maple Leafs during his first season with the team.

1926: Started playing for Toronto Maple Leafs

In 1926, Ace Bailey began playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs, then known as the Toronto St. Patricks.

1928: Leading scorer and goal scorer in the NHL

In the 1928-29 season, Ace Bailey was the leading scorer and goal scorer in the NHL with 22 goals and 32 points in 44 games.

1929: Ace Bailey led the NHL in scoring

In 1929, Ace Bailey led the NHL in scoring.

1929: Leading scorer in 1929-30 season

In the 1929-30 season, Ace Bailey was the Leafs' leading scorer.

1930: Leafs' leading scorer in 1930-31 season

In the 1930-31 season, Ace Bailey was one point short of repeating as the Leafs' leading scorer.

1931: Offensive Production Decline

In the 1931-32 season, Ace Bailey's offensive production declined.

1932: Stanley Cup Win

In 1932, Ace Bailey helped Toronto win the Stanley Cup, scoring the Cup-winning goal in game 3 of the finals.

December 12, 1933: Career-Ending Injury

On December 12, 1933, Ace Bailey's career ended abruptly when he was hit from behind by Eddie Shore of the Boston Bruins, fracturing his skull after hitting his head on the ice. He was severely injured and feared not to survive.

1933: Ended playing career with Maple Leafs

In 1933, Ace Bailey's career with the Toronto Maple Leafs ended after he encountered a fight during a game against the Boston Bruins and he was severely injured in the resulting scrum.