Maple Leafs legend Apps among NHL stars who enlisted during World War II

Legendary hockey reporter Stan Fischler writes a weekly column for NHL.com. Fischler, known as "The Hockey Maven," shares his humor and insight with readers each Wednesday.
This week he features his popular "Picture Is Worth 100 Words." The photo is rare since it depicts members of the same team in different uniforms.
The Toronto Maple Leafs players include (left to right) Billy Taylor, Gaye Stewart, Syl Apps and Bud Poile. Taylor and Apps are wearing Canadian Army uniforms; Stewart is wearing a Canadian Navy uniform; and Poile is in a Canadian Air Force uniform. The photo originally appeared in Fischler's "Great Book Of Hockey," co-authored with his wife, Shirley.

When Canada entered World War II in 1939, legions of NHL players enlisted in the armed forces. Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Jack Fox was the first professional hockey player to be killed in action in the conflict. By the time the United States joined the war, the New York Americans had lost so many enlisted players that the team was forced to fold.
Starting in 1942, NHL-stocked service teams began playing exhbition games. In 1943 and 1944 the U.S. Coast Guard Cutters -- with Hall of Famers Art Coulter and Frank Brimsek -- won the U.S Senior title.
Although the Maple Leafs were without the enlisted Billy Taylor, Gaye Stewart, Syl Apps and Bud Poile, they remained competitive enough to win the Stanley Cup in 1945.