Brian Glennie learned his hockey trade in the heart of his hometown, starting with The Little Toronto Hockey League. As a pee-wee, Glennie was coached by future Leafs bench boss Roger Neilson. And at the next level he reached the pinnacle of his youth hockey career: winning the Canadian midget championship with a team called Dick's Pickles.
Glennie's junior career unfolded with the Toronto Marlboros where in year three, he captained the club to a Memorial Cup victory in 1967. From there it was off to the '68 Olympics in France where Team Canada captured a bronze medal.
Glennie's pro career started in Rochester and Tulsa. As coach Johnny McClellan was promoted from Tulsa up to the Leafs in 1969, he brought Glennie with him. With Tim Horton as his first partner, the young defenseman quickly established himself as a solid, crease-clearing blueliner who excelled in the art of bodychecking.
In 1972, Dallas Smith declined to join Team Canada for the Summit series against the Soviet Union. Glennie eagerly took his place and, although he played in only two exhibition games, counts the experience as the greatest outing of his life.
Glennie remained with the Leafs until 1978 before joining the Los Angeles Kings for his final 18 NHL games.
