He holds the record for most points, 10, in a National Hockey League (NHL) game. He’s a legend in Leafs Nation. He’s also a big proponent of brain health and an ambassador in the fight to defeat dementia. He’s Darryl Sittler.

Speaking to BrainMatters recently, Sittler reflected on his career, his NHL record and his support of the annual Scotiabank Pro-Am for Alzheimer’s in support of Baycrest, the largest on-ice charitable hockey tournament in North America.

GIVING BACK TO THOSE IN NEED

Sittler has always been a leader. He led the Leafs in points each season from 1972 to 1980. He was made captain of the team in 1975 and held that honour until 1980. He was elected to the NHL Hall of Fame in 1989; and in 1998 was named one of the 100 Greatest Players of All Time by The Hockey News. Today, he’s leading again, this time in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease.

“The Pro-Am created an interest for the alumni players because of what it stands for… promoting the study of brain health at Baycrest, one of the most advanced organizations when it comes to research for these illnesses,” he said. The event attracts hockey fans from around Ontario, particularly those with family members who have been affected by dementia.

“It feels good to know that we retired pros have helped this event grow and helped educate people about the cause.”

“I’m glad to be a part of this for the last 11 years,” Sittler said. “This event creates awareness, raises money and also gets teams together to challenge each other and see who can raise the most. It’s just good for everybody.”

Sittler understands why so many people participate in the annual fundraising event, since he has also been involved with caring for a loved one with dementia.

His father-in-law developed severe dementia, eventually passing away in a long-term care home. “My wife and I saw the effect it had on him. That made a big impact on me. At the time, I didn’t know much about the disease. But looking back, after learning more about it and seeing some of the guys I played with who have cognitive impairment today, that also has an impact,” he said.

Proactive study into the disease and education about how to best maintain brain health at every stage of life are key components to delaying the disease. They are also our best weapons to help the next generations as they age, Sittler states. He said NHL alumni know that when they get invited to play in the Pro-Am, they are helping contribute to the success of Baycrest and ultimately the fight against Alzheimer’s.

“As a retired player, when you’re part of the Pro-Am, you talk to some of the younger guys and the ‘rookie’ alumni, and make them realize that the people who are donating and participating for the cause are to be respected, because they’re trying to do some good,” Sittler said. “It feels good to know that we retired pros have helped this event grow and helped educate people about the cause.”

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE DEDICATED FANS

Sittler said he feels “rewarded and satisfied” every time he hears how moved people are when they see him involved with the Pro-Am and get a chance to tell him their stories.

For example, Sittler referenced the co-chairs of the Pro-Am, Joey Arfin and David Lewenberg, whom he’s befriended over the years. Both Arfin and Lewenberg lost loved ones to dementia.

“I was Joey’s childhood idol and his father’s favourite Leaf. And David’s father spent the last few years of his life fighting dementia at Baycrest. So this cause is very dear to their hearts as it is to everyone participating,” he said.

Sittler notes how impressive it is that many of the participants he’s played with at the Pro-Am over the years have passed on their passion for the cause to their children, who are now starting to join their parents at the event.

“It’s a responsibility to give back and be involved in the charity. To me, that’s a big part of this event. As a player, you just appreciate that you can play a part in keeping this legacy alive and help the cause,” he said.

ABOUT THAT 10-POINT RECORD…

BrainMatters asked Sittler if he knew at the time that he had broken a longstanding record (eight points in one game) held by Montreal Canadiens’ legend Maurice “Rocket” Richard, first set in 1944, and how he felt about it. First, a little Sittler-Habs history:

“Growing up in St. Jacob’s, Ont., believe it or not, I was a Montreal Canadiens fan. Jean Béliveau was my childhood idol,” Sittler confesses. “When the Leafs drafted me in 1970, I was 20. I soon found myself playing in the Montreal Forum. I remember looking up and facing-off against Béliveau. He was 41 at the time. That’s a very vivid memory for me.”

“My 10-point night on Feb. 7, 1976 was against another Original Six team – the Boston Bruins. I was sitting at seven points by the end of the second period. I had no idea what the record was, but Stan Obodiac, the Leafs’ statistician, came down from the press box in the intermission, comes over to me, says: ‘Darryl, if you get one more point, you tie The Rocket’s record from the 1940s [Dec. 28, 1944].’ That was the first I heard that eight points was the record. I went on and scored three more goals in the third period.”

“I’m so honoured and privileged to have set that record in a Maple Leafs uniform.”

Sittler continues: “That was 43 years ago. I always thought that possibly in the 1990s, when Mario Lemieux and Wayne Gretzky were getting 200+ points a year, that one of them might break it. But here we are, more than 10,000 games played in the NHL since that night and no one’s done it. I’m so honoured and privileged to have set that record in a Maple Leafs uniform as an Original Six team member.”

Sittler said he misses the days when the Leafs and Habs would regularly meet in the playoffs. He hopes to see a “401” playoff rivalry rekindled. “It’s been 40 years since the Leafs and Canadiens played a playoff series against each other. Hopefully it’ll happen again soon.”

For more information about the Scotiabank Pro-Am for Alzheimer’s in support of Baycrest, visit www. Baycrestproam.ca.