Former Toronto Maple Leafs forward Forbes Kennedy, whose NHL career ended abruptly after a bench-clearing brawl in 1969, died on May 25, 2026, at the age of 90. Kennedy, a native of Prince Edward Island, was known for his tenacious and often violent style of play.
The Infamous Brawl
Kennedy's NHL timeline reached a sudden halt on April 2, 1969, in Boston. That night, the Maple Leafs suffered a 10-0 loss to the Bruins, a game remembered for Pat Quinn's check that knocked Bobby Orr unconscious. However, it was Kennedy's altercation with Bruins goalie Gerry Cheevers that sparked a full-scale brawl. Kennedy fought Cheevers and several other Bruins, and in the chaos, he knocked down linesman George Ashley. League president Clarence Campbell suspended him for four games, but Kennedy never played in the NHL again.
A Career of Fights
Standing at just 5-foot-8, Kennedy amassed 888 regular-season penalty minutes over 603 NHL games. He played for the Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings, Boston Bruins, Philadelphia Flyers, and Toronto Maple Leafs. Despite his reputation, Kennedy defended fighting in hockey, stating, "I don't believe in cross-checking, I don't believe in spearing. I believe in good hitting, and a good fight sometimes clears the air." He argued that removing fighting would lead to more dangerous plays.
Life After the NHL
After his suspension, Kennedy played in the minors, winning the Calder Cup with Buffalo and the Central League title with Omaha. He later coached junior hockey in Charlottetown and operated a bar. He was inducted into the PEI Sports Hall of Fame. NHL coach Gerard Gallant remembered Kennedy as a caring figure who helped many Islanders pursue hockey careers.
Cheevers, who felt responsible for Kennedy's suspension, urged Campbell for leniency but was unsuccessful. Kennedy's number 22 in Toronto later became iconic when Tiger Williams wore it while becoming the league's career penalty minutes leader.
