On Thursday, the Toronto Maple Leafs held their annual community outdoor practice at Toronto City Hall. While you might usually think, “Oh, that’s cool. Their annual outdoor practice. Neat.” I’m here to let you know it was even cooler than you think.
They took public transportation in their full hockey gear.
Quick roll call, who was actually on board? Coach Mike Babcock, Connor Brown, Zach Hyman, Patrick Marleau, Jake Muzzin, Justin Holl, William Nylander, Travis Dermott, Andreas Johnsson, Par Lindholm, Auston Matthews, Frederik Gauthier, Mitchell Marner, Jake Gardiner, Frederik Andersen, and Garret Sparks.
First, the Leafs made their way into the train station.
Making our way uptown. #LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/WolHZrCd9Q
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) February 7, 2019
The Maple Leafs Instagram posted a great slideshow of some highlights, including what looks like Mitch Marner throwing out some t-shirts. I’m sure everyone on the train loved a good t-shirt toss during their commute.
Connor Brown told NHL.com, “I think we surprised some people. A couple people hopped on the subway with their head down and all of a sudden picked their head up and were shocked, but it was awesome. It’s cool to do something like this, something different, and interact with the fans.”
Leafs Star Auston Matthews- takes the subway! #TMLtalk @TTCStuart pic.twitter.com/QgdZV4SFsE
— Cristina Tenaglia (@cristina_CP24) February 7, 2019
Goaltender Frederik Andersen was lucky enough to score a seat en route to practice.
They made it! Looking like a group of school kids getting off the Metro when they visit the Smithsonian for a field trip.
This is our stop. #LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/WHrnjCCCKk
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) February 7, 2019
The mayor of Toronto, John Tory, told NHL.com, “It tells you a story about how committed they are to the community. They could have taken a fancy luxury bus up here but they took the subway and I think that surprised and delighted a lot of people, as this practice did at Nathan Phillips Square.”
And just to show how down to earth they are, Mitch Marner ate a hot dog on the bench during practice.
Maybe next time TJ Oshie and Matt Niskanen take the metro, they can ride in full gear and bring some more buddies.
