Did you know that members of the Maple Leafs volunteered with the Toronto Scottish Regiment in World War II? 🍁 When Canada declared war against Germany in September 1939, thousands of volunteers stepped forward. Conn Smythe, part owner of the Toronto Maple Leafs and a decorated veteran of the Great War, volunteered for active service a second time and encouraged his players to consider it as well. Many did. Names that are synonymous with the great Leaf teams of the 1930s and 40s including Syl Apps, Turk Broda, Hap Day, Bob Davidson, Red Horner and Gordie Drillon. Eleven other players also enlisted with the regiment. The new recruits underwent basic training including rifle drills and specialized training on the .303 water-cooled Vickers machine gun. The 1st Battalion of The Toronto Scottish had arrived in England prior to Christmas 1939 and the 2nd Home (Reserve) Battalion, organized in 1940 was to supplement the overseas battalion. The increase of NHL players volunteering for m...