Yes, Mats Sundin officially retired today. As most are saying, about a year overdue, but as the rest of Leaf world reflects on his past, I wanted to take a look at the place where his career as a leaf started, Maple Leaf Gardens.
I attended my first NHL hockey game at the Gardens (Leafs vs. Blackhawks) when I was about 8 years old. I got autographs from my favorite players at that very same game in a side corridor where most of the players came to the rink through (Clark, Leeman, and a few others that I can’t recall). I remember going to the last game between the Leafs and Canadiens that was ever played at MLG too. Rocket Richard dropped the puck. Mats was on a line with Steve Thomas, Cujo was on his game, and no disrespect to Burkie’s Dog House, but the dogs were second to none. I was at an age where I was very embarrassed when my dad sang the anthem out loud but back then it seemed like there was still an air of respect and history in attending a leaf game. It was old school.
Inspired by an article that my sister sent me today from the Toronto Star showcasing some old pictures of Maple Leaf Gardens, I did some digging. Here is a limited MOLSTAR communications video called “The Passion Returns” featuring the 92-93 Leafs. Very epic. Even has credits at the beginning, “Starring: Cliff Fletcher, Pat Burns, Doug Gilmour, Wendel Clark (the beard of a god), Felix Potvin, and the ‘rest of the Leafs’”. As well, I found some pics from the past, present and future.
Great shots of MLG at the start and end of this clip
Built in 1931 – Notice the lack of downtown…..
Andre the Giant at MLG
Wendel Clark killing people (Notice Marty McSorely getting beaten as an Oiler. Wendel went on to beat Marty mercilessly on every team that Marty ever played for. Marty had nowhere to run.)
After the last game was played but before they ripped out the seats
Present
MLG Escalator
Harrold Ballard's Box
Lights that used to illuminate the rink
The Future – Loblaws planning to build a facility with Ryerson University that is part sports complex and part grocery store….classy.
