The February sun shone onto a fresh sheet of ice at Nathan Phillips Square as the Toronto Maple Leafs held their annual outdoor practice for the first time since 2020.
Thousands of fans from all over the GTA braved the early morning breeze to get a good spot to catch a glimpse of the team in action in front of Toronto’s city hall.
Die-hard Leafs fan Hannah Domaoa said seeing the team live isn’t something that happens very often, making events like these special.
“Obviously tickets are super expensive so getting to watch games isn’t very easy, but the fact that this is a free event is really awesome and it’s a blast to be able to experience live Leafs hockey, even if it’s just practice,” she said.
The players were just as happy to mix outdoors again because for captain John Tavares it was a reminder of what makes the organization great: its fan base.
“With these events, you are really able to connect with the fans and share the love and support they give us and give it back to them,” he said.
Toronto came off a 4-3 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets the night before, but that didn’t stop them from having fun on a sunny February Sunday.
Head coach Sheldon Keefe said this was a picture-perfect day despite the emotions from the night before.
“If you’re going to come in after a loss like last night, this is as good a way to do it,” said Keefe. “Beautiful day. Unbelievable turnout.”
Head coach Sheldon Keefe skates on the ice at Nathan Phillips Square for the Leafs' outdoor practice on Feb. 12, 2023. Photo credit: Isabelle Ferrante
While early risers were in the square enjoying the Professional Women’s Hockey Players Association (PWHPA) skills competition, the TTC Sunday morning commuters had the surprise of a lifetime.
Just like in 2020, the team made the trip to City Hall via the subway from Union Station to Queen.
A fan and their dog look on as the Toronto Maple Leafs outdoor practice begins at Nathan Phillips Square in downtown Toronto on Feb. 12, 2023. Photo credit: Isabelle Ferrante
Keefe said taking the TTC was not only unique for the team but for the members of the community to experience.
“It’s a great way to move about the city and to do it for practice and have the guys in full gear and such it is pretty cool to see how people react, especially those that weren’t expecting,” he said.
A sea of blue and white met them when they arrived at the outdoor rink. Players posed for pictures and signed autographs as they made their way to the ice
Defenceman Morgan Rielly, a veteran of the city since being drafted in 2012, said he knows how passionate the fans are, and every chance he gets to meet them, it’s a lot of fun.
“We wish we had more time that we could spend and do autographs for everybody, but our turnout is huge and we’re very thankful to our fans for all the support,” he said.
The “practice” was a 3-on-3 tournament. The players were separated into three groups: Team Europe, Team North America and Team Ontario.
Forward William Nylander is on the ice warming up for the Leafs' outdoor 3-on-3 scrimmage at Nathan Phillips Square in downtown Toronto. Photo credit: Isabelle Ferrante
Member of Team North America, Rielly, feels like it is a fun distraction from the ups and downs of playing in the NHL.
“It’s just a change of pace during a long season and you know we get to come out and have a scrimmage, play three on three, whatever it is we get to enjoy it and have fun and be a part of the community,” he said
Forward Mitch Marner, a member of Team Ontario, came out on top in the 3-on-3 scrimmage over Team Europe. "For me, it's about trying to give back as much as you can and try to make a difference in the world," he said. Photo credit: Isabelle Ferrante
Team Ontario came out as champions of the day, beating Team Europe in the final.
Mitch Marner grew up in Markham as a Leafs fan so he knows what events like this mean to him now as a player.
“Now playing here, I’ve been loved by so many, so for me, it’s about trying to give back as much as you can and trying to make a difference in the world,” he said.