THE SIDELINES : Ballard Stash of Cash, Gold Told

Harold Ballard hid millions in cash and gold in chocolate boxes and stashed them in the vault at Maple Leaf Gardens, according to the late Toronto Maple Leafs owner’s longtime companion.

All boxes except one were missing when the vault was searched after Ballard’s death on April 11, Yolanda Ballard said in a sworn statement filed in court.

“There was one box found in the vaults,” Gardens lawyer Rosanne Rocchi confirmed Thursday. “It contained some cash and personal items.”

And the gold bars? “Yes, there were a couple--about the size of candy bars.”

Harold Ballard’s will provided $50,000 a year in support for Yolanda, who changed her name legally to Ballard although the two were not married. She wants more than $300,000.