WHO
WE ARE
WHO WE ARE
Our Legacy: Ted Lindsay's Mission to Support Autism
​The Ted Lindsay Foundation (TLF) is dedicated to supporting the Autism Community through impactful programs, research and resources. Founded in 2001 by NHL legend Ted Lindsay and his wife Joanne, TLF combines the legacy of a hockey icon with a passionate commitment to helping individuals with autism and their families.
What sets TLF apart is not just its mission, but its origin:
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Founded by #7 Ted Lindsay, Hockey Hall of Famer and four-time Stanley Cup Champion
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Co-founded with Joanne Lindsay and lifelong friend John Czarnecki
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Built on the belief that hockey’s platform can make a difference beyond the rink
LINDSAY
ABOUT TED LINDSAY
A Hockey Legend on and off the ice.
Early Life in Ontario
Ted Lindsay was born July 29, 1925, in Renfrew, Ontario, into a family with hockey in its blood. His father, Bert Lindsay, was a professional goaltender who played for several National Hockey Association teams and two NHL teams before retiring after the 1918–19 season.
When the Great Depression hit in 1929, the family moved north to Kirkland Lake, Ontario, where Bert worked in the gold mines. It was there that Ted grew up, went to school and developed the hockey skills that would eventually make him an NHL star.
First Skate and Early Passion
Ted received his first pair of skates from a neighbor—several sizes too big. The discomfort didn’t matter; he was hooked on the thrill of backyard rinks and frozen ponds.
By the time his father could afford a proper pair of skates, Ted was already in love with the game. Hockey became his childhood passion, and he quickly emerged as a talented young player in Kirkland Lake.
In 1942, he helped lead his hometown juvenile team to an Ontario Minor Hockey Association provincial title. A year later, Ted and teammate Gus Mortson went to Toronto to play junior hockey for the St. Michael’s Majors, where Detroit Red Wings scout Carson Cooper first approached him about joining the NHL.
Junior Hockey and the Memorial Cup
Before turning professional, Ted played for the Oshawa Generals, helping the team win the 1944 Memorial Cup, the top prize in Canadian major junior hockey.​
That championship marked the end of his amateur career. At just 19 years old, Ted earned a spot with the Detroit Red Wings, officially launching a legendary 13-season run in the NHL.
Building the Red Wings Dynasty
From 1944–45 to 1956–57, Ted Lindsay became a cornerstone of the Detroit Red Wings dynasty:
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4 Stanley Cup Championships
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Key member of the legendary “Production Line” with Gordie Howe and Sid Abel
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Known for tough, physical play and offensive firepower
Nicknamed “Terrible Ted,” he was fierce on the ice, fighting for space and for his teammates. His on-ice battles became hockey legend.
In 1949–50, he won the Art Ross Trophy as the NHL’s leading scorer with 78 points in 69 games. Despite standing just 5’8” and 168 lbs, Ted played with unmatched intensity and skill.
Career Highlights with Detroit
During his first 13 seasons with the Red Wings, Ted Lindsay achieved:
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321 goals and 403 assists
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8 First-Team All-Star selections
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A career-high 85 points in the 1956–57 season
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League-leading 55 assists that same year
Ted Lindsay’s grit, skill, and leadership helped define an era of Detroit hockey greatness.
Later Career and Return to Detroit
After the 1956–57 season, Ted Lindsay’s outspoken leadership in support of NHL players’ rights led to a trade to the Chicago Blackhawks. He spent three seasons in Chicago, helping rebuild the franchise and mentoring younger players with the same intensity he showed in Detroit.
In 1964–65, at the age of 39, Ted made a celebrated return to the Red Wings for one final season, adding to his legendary status as a tough, dedicated, and passionate player who gave everything to the game.
By the end of his 17-season NHL career, Ted Lindsay had:
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379 goals and 472 assists (851 points) in 1,068 games
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4 Stanley Cups
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A reputation as one of the most respected and feared competitors in NHL history
Skating Toward a Greater Purpose
Ted Lindsay’s impact went far beyond the rink:
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He was a pioneer for players’ rights, playing a key role in the early movement that would eventually lead to the NHL Players’ Association
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He remained deeply connected to the hockey community, serving as a mentor and ambassador for the sport
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His passion for helping others led him to use his platform to raise awareness and support for causes close to his heart
The Birth of the Ted Lindsay Foundation
In 2001, Ted Lindsay and his wife Joanne founded the Ted Lindsay Foundation (TLF) to support the autism community. Their inspiration came from a desire to help a friend’s son diagnosed with autism.
The Foundation’s mission:
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Fund autism research and innovative programs
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Provide therapy, education, and vocational training
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Raise awareness about autism in Michigan and beyond
By supporting the Foundation, donors carry forward Ted Lindsay’s legacy—helping families, driving research, and creating a lasting positive impact for individuals with autism.
Legacy and Family Connection
Ted Lindsay’s legacy is as strong today as it was on the ice:
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A Hall of Fame hockey career
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A champion for players’ rights
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A lifelong advocate for the autism community
In 2024, Ted and Joanne’s great-grandson was diagnosed with autism, bringing the family’s mission full circle. This personal connection continues to inspire the Foundation’s passionate efforts.
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​By supporting the Ted Lindsay Foundation, you are not only honoring a hockey legend but also transforming lives in the autism community.
Our Team
The Ted Lindsay Foundation Officers and Board of Directors is made up of passionate leaders, lifelong advocates and trusted stewards of our mission. Each member brings a personal connection to Ted Lindsay, the Lindsay family, the game of hockey and the autism community—fueling their dedication to making a lasting difference.
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Many of our board members are founding members who have guided the Foundation for over 25 years, sharing their expertise, vision and unwavering commitment to supporting individuals and families affected by autism. Their leadership ensures that Ted Lindsay’s legacy of compassion and impact continues to grow.
OFFICERS:
Lew LaPaugh
President
Lynn LaPaugh
Secretary
Stewart Frank
Vice President
Treasurer