The Story Behind 50 Mission Cast

The inspiration for 50 Mission Cast came while Shayne Stevenson was driving home with his son Cam — named after Boston Bruins legend Cam Neely — and his daughter Taylor. As they listened to the radio, the iconic Tragically Hip song “50 Mission Cap” began to play.

The song tells the story of legendary Toronto Maple Leafs player Bill Barilko, who scored the Stanley Cup-winning overtime goal for the Leafs in 1951. That same summer, Barilko disappeared during a fishing trip in Northern Ontario and was tragically never seen again. His story became one of hockey’s greatest mysteries until his remains were discovered 11 years later — the same year the Toronto Maple Leafs finally won another Stanley Cup in 1962.

The story deeply connected with Shayne, a former NHL hockey player himself who played professionally for the Boston Bruins organization and the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Today, 50 Mission Cast pays tribute to both Canadian hockey history and Northern Ontario fishing culture. Shayne named his fully customized 30-foot tri-toon “The Barilko” in honor of Bill Barilko’s legendary story and the lasting impact of The Tragically Hip song that inspired the business.

For Shayne, 50 Mission Cast represents more than fishing charters — it’s about family, storytelling, Canadian tradition, hockey history, and unforgettable days on the water.