Toronto, ON You’re probably thinking that seeing such a storied and historic rivalry between the Habs and the Leafs would be an outstanding match up to mark my first game back in the land of hockey, but that is likely because you’re an idiot. You see the Leafs have a bit of a “special events” problem. They need professional help. I noticed it start to develop a bit over the last five or six years, and now it seems like the Leafs are honouring someone or something every night these days – and we know making the playoffs ain’t it!
That night the Leafs decided to do a “homecoming game” wherein they honoured the likes of Alyn McCauley, and basically anyone who has ever played a game with the Leafs, up to and including a goalie who once had a “period shutout” in the 80’s – that’s right, a period shutout, as in he let in goals during that game. Legends. Now, to be fair, they did honour the same big names they always honour, such as Wendel, and Darryl, and Johnny Bower for the millionth time this season alone. I guess Dougie was too busy living it up in the O that night.
The problem is not the ceremonies themselves (however lame), the problem is what said lame ceremonies do to an already fragile Leafs crowd. We all know that a large portion of the in house Leafs fans are of the corporate persuasion. And while I’m not one to judge who is or is not a “real” fan, I have always noticed that there is a much larger percentage of patrons at the Air Canada Centre that seem to just be non-fans simply enjoying a night out. Seems kind of unfair when you think that there are lifelong, true blue, and loyal as all @#$% fans out there that would pay top dollar to be sitting in those seats. So, when the game day crowd is already not as enthusiastic as, say, the crowds at the Front Street pubs, and in man caves across the country, then these unnecessarily emotional tributes will only succeed in sucking the life right out of the entire building.
And it sure did.
I also noticed that the amount of red jerseys in the crowd was a lot higher than it used to be. Sure, there have always been a tonne of Montreal fans at these tilts in the past, and loads of blue jerseys at the Bell Centre when the Leafs come to town, but I was actually taken aback by how the red seemed to be taking over the ACC that night. I guess more and more disgruntled Leafs fans are jumping ship to Montreal, which is kind of shocking to me. If being a diehard Leafs fan is in your blood, then it’s practically blasphemy to start an affair with the Habs. I would have thought it was impossible, but I understand the influence of Hal Gill can be too much to handle at times.
The game, once again courtesy of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment Ltd, was a bit of a snooze as to be expected. The Leafs (somehow) shamed the Habs with a final score of 3-1. The third goal was an empty netter, and the first two were scored in the first period, so… you know… The highlights for me were drinking my first rootbeer since Korea, using the MLSE bathroom instead of the public ones like some scrub, when my friend outbid one of the aforementioned scrubs for a Maurice Richard autographed puck and photo majig thingie, and the free parking.
I probably shouldn’t let the world in on this fact, but CIBC Infinite Visa now gets you free parking at the NHLPA lot (20 Bay Street) for every Leafs and Raptors home game! This may not seem like much to fans in other cities, but in Toronto this particular lot is $20 on game night. Save some cash, and buy yourself something nice. Also, I should add that this credit card just happens to be the official card of PsychoLadyHockey.com! You’re welcome for the free promotional spot, CIBC! How about you pay my bills out of gratitude? If you haven’t noticed, I have a bit of a hockey addiction!
Top Photo: Alyn McCauley, a Maple Leaf that actually saw the post season while playing in Toronto. P.S. I’d go there…
