ST. CATHARINES, ON. (CUP) — Hooray. Hockey is back. OK, I admit I am not as excited as most of you hockey fans that our national pastime is underway. In fact, I can honestly say that I never really missed it all that much. The reason for my non-existent sorrow for the absence of the game is due to what has been termed “Leaf Nation.”
Since moving to southern Ontario, I have been bombarded with Leafs this, Leafs that, and I’ve finally had enough. It is a dirty job, but someone has to do it. I feel obligated on behalf of all non-Leaf fans to come out and say it-the Leafs make the concept of overrated the biggest understatement that I have ever come across.
Every year it is the same old story with the beloved “Buds,” disappointment. And every year Leaf Nation comes up with the same excuses.
Well years have passed and nothing has changed.
Arguably the most financially successful organization in the sport, and they can’t even make a Stanley Cup appearance. With baseball now in the books, I feel as though I need to throw in one last baseball reference before spring arrives once again, the reference being that the New York Yankees and the Toronto Maple Leafs have uncanny similarities. They play in the big markets, have a ton of cash, and cannot be matched in terms of popularity. However, the Yankees win, the Leafs do not.
It is inexcusable that the Leafs have not made it to the Stanley Cup Finals in the last 30 years, especially considering that aside from a handful of expansion teams, every other team has at least had a showing in the Cup finals.
So why Leaf Nation, why do you sit back and take it every year? I for one cannot understand it. Have you been brainwashed into the thinking that Eric Lindros and Jason Allison are your saviours this year? Let’s face it: They are both ticking time bombs. Or is the reliance on the grandfather/goalie Ed Belfour?
While every team in the league continues to get younger and faster, the Leafs get older and slower, and somehow this is tolerated without question.
When Gary Roberts and Joe Nieuwendyk left town, there was an outcry when there should have been a celebration. The two “key” off-season acquisitions for the Leafs are two players who have a history of injury and concussions, two elements that are detrimental to any athlete, especially hockey players.
I have yet to hear a Leafs fan admit that their cherished franchise is going in the wrong direction. I have yet to hear a Leafs fan admit that they are not making quality moves in improving their club. What I have heard is that the Leafs will win it all this year. I guess I shouldn’t be too surprised at this though.
Leaf Nation borders on cult status, though it appears as though a vast majority are not even sure as to why they cheer for them. All they know is that they should because everyone else does.
The Leafs’ leading scorer is a defenceman, their goaltender is ancient, and their top player should have worn a visor. Don’t be fooled-they will fade in the end and make you all relive what you do every year, a trip to the playoffs with a loss to Philadelphia.
One day I am sure the Leafs will win a Stanley Cup again, and the province will be in a state of commotion. I just hope that current Leafs fans are not holding your breath.
So go Sens, go Flyers, go Habs,, go anyone but the Leafs. While I hope that the Stanley Cup finds its way back north of the border, the only time it will be in Toronto is when it’s resting at the Hockey Hall of Fame.