The Tragically Hip 50 Mission Cap

Bill Barilko Fifty Mission Cap by the Tragically Hip, was released on the 1993 album, Fully Completely The song was written by lead vocalist Gord Downy and tells the story of former Toronto Maple Leaf player, Bill Barilko. Written by Gord Downey

History Bashin Bill Barilko was a professional hockey player for the Toronto Maples Leafs in the 1950’s. He is well known for scoring the game-winning goal that won the Leaf’s the Stanely Cup in the 1951 playoffs. Shortly after the success of the 1951 hockey season, Barilko went on a fishing trip in a remote area near Cochrane, Ontario. His plane crashed and his body was not recovered for over a decade until 1962.

Historical Significance The disappearance of Bill Barilko in 1951 was considered a jinx on the Toronto Maple Leafs, as they went 11 years without winning another Stanley Cup. Ironically this jinx was broken in 1962 when the Leafs won the cup and Barilko’s body was recovered.

Lyrics Bill Barilko disappeared that summer he was on a fishing trip. The last goal he ever scored Won the Leafs the cup They didn’t win another until 1962, The year he was discovered. I stole this from a hockey card, I keep tucked up under My fifty mission cap, I worked it in To look like that

50 Mission Cap A Fifty Mission Cap is what WWII Ace’s wore to identify themselves as pilots with over 50 missions flown. These pilots were allowed to beat the tar out of their caps which made them more identifiable or recognized and therefore more respected by Rookies. Although an interesting item, 50 Mission Caps have no connection to bill Barilko.