August 24, 2024

MLCC OPENING INCLUDES BONUS FRIENDLY: MATTHEWS VS. TAVARES

Photos and story Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com

BRACEBRIDGE — A few came to tour the MLCC opening day — but most were there to watch the NHLers.

But the smart hockey fans yesterday morning had their eyes on the Maple Leafs’ new captain — and his “assistant.”

Auston Matthews and John Tavares were chipping away as if on opposing teams.

**Auston Matthews and John Tavares battle for the puck during a workout yesterday at the MLCC in Bracebridge as they took part in the Muskoka Hockey pro camp. Photos Mark Clairmont**

That’s summer hockey in Muskoka — and definitely so once their training camp kicks off Sept. 18.

It was a great bonus for more than 300 sports lovers — and photo-taking phone fanatics who got a sneak peek at a couple of their loveable losers in the new digs.

A priceless front row ticket for all.

And the winner?

On the ice it was a split decision between the first and second line centres who showed why the Leafs should go further in the playoffs exhibiting by skating incredibly hard and fast and looking impressive from rink side all round in all areas of their game. Each jostling and winning the edge on separate close checking plays.

**Big and small fans of all ages came out to the MLCC to see the pro camp and to get their autograph books signed.**

But upstairs in the auditorium at the autograph session Tavares was the clear winner when he showed up after shedding sweaty gear 30 minutes following the hour-plus long public workout and looking nonetheless worn for it. He said he felt good afterwards.

When asked by several young fans where Matthews was, the former captain politely informed them that number #34 “Had to go to the airport to pick someone up and couldn’t stick around” to sign jerseys, hats, cards and give autographs.

Much to the disappointment almost everyone.

However, #91 more than made up for it as the others by autographing everything shoved his way — while smiling and posing for countless photos and selfies photos with admirers who didn’t have to wait long.

He even signed dozens of Matthews jerseys — including many with his name emblazoned on the back shoulders.

**Alex Hogg wishes John Tavares good luck this season during the autograph session.**

Devon Harriam, of Bracebridge, got his turquoise cellphone signed more than once.

Tavares also told a young fan “Yes!” when asked whether he would be an “assistant captain” this year with the Leafs.

It went much the same at the head table for fellow NHLers Erik Gudbranson (Columbus) and Nate Bastian (New Jersey) and Sam Gagner the retired Edmonton Oiler who organized Friday’s practice along with Tavares.

Gagner runs the Muskoka Hockey Camp, which plays out of west Muskoka’s Humphrey Arena and nearby and Rosseau Lake College. He added a two-week U9-12 camp this year at the Muskoka Lumber Community Centre.

And he moved his pro camp to Bracebridge for all of August, which included a rotating roster of National, American and Ontario hockey league players. Among them yesterday was also Taylor Hall (Boston). Also recently Max Domi (Leafs). Twenty or so have been working out mornings in private and have another week to go.

Some players come up for the camp, while others bunk in with teammates or friends at their cottage.

Fans would have loved it had Brandon Montour brought here the Stanley Cup he won this spring with the Florida Panthers.

**About 300 kids and their families were excited to line in the community room to get cards and jerseys signed.**

But everyone was impressed with the speed, passing precision, shots and overall hustle of the NHL calibre practice. The kind few see as close — save for the past few years in Gravenhurst when the Leafs have held court for workouts and bonding the week before the season’s start (this year on Oct. 9 in Montreal).

Adam Long came from Huntsville with Buddy Ethan Tye from Dwight. The “beer leaguers” said it was “great to see them in person.”

Hannah Barnes, of Bracebridge, hoped to see her favourite player Bobby McMann (Leafs), she smiled.

Bracebridge sisters Marabelle Sopkowe, 12, and Lily, 10, were just happy to be there with their dad and come away with a practice-used puck that they wanted to get signed — and I think they did.

Brody Lisle, another town resident, wore his late grandfather Chuck’s old worn St. Pat’s hoodie.

It was a great way for little players who practised in the rink after to emulate their hockey heroes and say they played on the same ice as Matthews and Tavares and Montour.

Programming at the MLCC is free the next two weeks leading up to the official early October opening.