Maple Leafs forwards joined Canadian armed forces in World War II

Legendary hockey reporter Stan Fischler writes a weekly scrapbook for NHL.com. Fischler, known as "The Hockey Maven," shares his humor and insight with readers each Wednesday.
This week Fischler presents his monthly feature, "A Picture is Worth 100 Words." The rare photo, from Fischler's personal collection, was taken during the height of World War II when four former Toronto Maple Leafs forwards on leave showed up at Maple Leaf Gardens in their armed forces uniforms to watch a game.

After Canada entered World War II in 1939, Toronto Maple Leafs boss Conn Smythe -- a hero in World War I -- urged his able-bodied players to join the armed forces. Smythe enlisted and so did four of the best forwards on the Maple Leafs.
They gathered for a reunion prior to a Maple Leafs home game during the 1943-44 season. They included (left to right, Billy Taylor, Canadian Army; Gaye Stewart, Canadian Navy; Syl Apps, Army; Bud Poile, Royal Canadian Air Force).
All four successfully returned to the NHL after the war. Apps, Poile and Stewart helped Toronto win the Stanley Cup in 1947. Smythe returned to run the Maple Leafs after being badly wounded in France.