Andy Barbe

Andy Barbe was destined for NHL stardom. That was the prognosis coming from none other than his minor league coach - and NHL legend - Francis "King" Clancy.

Clancy raved about his high scoring right winger. The King even swore that Barbe had the hardest shot in all of hockey. Unfortunately Andy Barbe would not become a NHL star, but rather a one game wonder who was never heard from again.

Barbe, from Coniston, Ontario, was an explosive scorer with the Los Angeles Monarchs of the old PCHL in the late 1940s. He scored 139 goals in 3 seasons with LA. In order to further his career he knew he had to leave the warm sunshine of California and play hockey at a higher level. He joined Toronto's farm team in the AHL, the Pittsburgh Hornets, in 1949. He quickly established himself as a 20 goal scorer in the "A."

Barbe's only NHL game came during the 1950-51 season. Wearing the Leafs' jersey he scored no points and picked up a minor penalty.