Red Wings Legend Helped Create Canadian Flag

Today is officially National Flag of Canada Day and at a time when politics are straining the relationship between the US and Canadians, perhaps it’s a good time to recollect that a legendary Detroit Red Wings player was instrumental in the introduction of the red maple leaf as Canada’s official flag.

Hall of Famer Red Kelly, a four-time Stanley Cup champion in Detroit during the 1950s, was serving as a Canadian Member of Parliament as the Liberal MP for the Ontario riding of York West. He ran for and succesfully won election to the seat in 1962, while playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Red Wings dealt Kelly to the Maple Leafs in 1960.

Canada was in the midst of debate about changing the country’s flag from the Red Ensign to the Red Maple Leaf flag we all know today. There was staunch resistance to the idea from British loyalists residing in Canada. That group was including Kelly’s boss, Maple Leafs owner Conn Smythe.

Kelly Would Champion Cause Of New Canadian Flag

Still, in 1962, making his first speech in the House of Commons, Kelly stood to champion the cause of the Red Maple Leaf flag. He recounted that day in his book The Red Kelly Story, which Kelly co-wrote with David Dupuis and L. Waxy Gregoire.

“I was raised by my parents to honor both our flag and anthem,” Kelly’s speech began. “I have traveled a lot. At the start of a game in a foreign country, the band would play ‘God Save The Queen.’ We stood to attention and were proud to do so.

I'm sharing an image a day to celebrate the vibrant and unique culture and history of Canada.
Today, it is Lester B. Pearson playing baseball in Oakville with NHL star (and future MP) Red Kelly playing catcher on the campaign trail.#ProudlyCanadian

📸City of Toronto Archives pic.twitter.com/aL8b60ATGz

— Craig Baird – Canadian History Ehx (@CraigBaird) February 13, 2025

“But during the last few years, they started to play ‘O Canada’ the odd time. You felt great pride and your chest stood out a little more. They were signing about our land, our home.”

Kelly the Red Maple Leaf flag would do the same to promote unique Canadian pride.

“The Red Ensign has been borrowed from Britain and now it is time to give it back and have our own distinctive flag,” Kelly said. “It is time to cut the apron strings from Britain.”

On February 15, 1965, the Red Maple Leaf was officially adopted as Canada’s flag. Kelly’s powerful speech is viewed as the catalyst that got the movement in motion.

A Red Wings Star

Kelly’s role in Detroit’s 1950s NHL dynasty was every bit as vital as that of goalie Terry Sawchuk and forwards Gordie Howe and Ted Lindsay. In 1953-54, Kelly was the first winner of the Norris Trophy as the NHL’s best defenseman. He was also a three-time winner of the Lady Byng Trophy while with the Red Wings.

1952. Stanley Cup Final. Game 1. The best rivalry in the 1950's. Detroit Red Wings vs Montreal Canadiens.

Gordie Howe, Red Kelly and Terry Sawchuk team up to prevent a determined Maurice Richard from scoring. pic.twitter.com/WnrzguFRa4

— The Hockey Samurai 侍 (@hockey_samurai) September 11, 2024

An eight-time NHL All-Star Team selection, Kelly was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1969. The Red Wings retired Kelly’s No. 4 jersey in 2019. He died later that year at the age of 91.