Rick Vaive
Head Coach — St. Catharines Saints
Former Toronto Maple Leafs Captain & NHL All-Star
Selected 5th overall in the 1979 NHL Draft, Vaive quickly established himself as one of the premier power forwards of his era. After being traded to the Maple Leafs in 1980, he became a cornerstone of the franchise — making history as the first player in team history to score 50 goals in a season, a milestone he achieved in three consecutive years (1982–1984).
Over his 13-year NHL career, Vaive played 876 games, recording 441 goals and nearly 800 points, while earning recognition as one of the league’s most consistent and dangerous offensive players. He served as Maple Leafs captain from 1982 to 1986, leading the team during a defining period and solidifying his place among the organization’s most respected leaders.
Following his playing career, Vaive transitioned into coaching, where he continued to demonstrate his leadership and competitive drive — including championship success at the professional level.
Leadership & Impact
As Head Coach of the St. Catharines Saints, Vaive plays a central role in building a high-performance culture — helping guide players who have progressed through junior and professional hockey as they continue competing at the highest level of Senior AAA.
His experience — both on and off the ice — provides a unique bridge between elite sport and leadership, reinforcing the broader mission of the Saints and the SBLN to support player development, transition, and long-term success.
Rick will be in attendance throughout the evening, connecting with guests and representing the Saints organization as part of a broader group of hockey leaders, business professionals, and community partners.