October 2, 2024

LEAFS A SCREAM TODAY IN BRACEBRIDGE, A WEEK FROM SEASON OPENER IN MONTREAL

Photos and story Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com

BRACEBRIDGE — Matthews on point, season on the line, Leafs a scream.

A week out from the puck drop in Montreal, school was in and out on Toronto’s most important season in maybe decades.

A screaming crowd of 450 students — mostly from Monck — witnessed an intense 90-minute training camp practice this morning to whittle 29 players to 23 by Oct. 9.

Captain Austen Matthews spent much time on the point, back with Mitch Marner and William Nylander, in a power play formation that will make or break dreams of a Stanley Cup second round and beyond.

**Leafs captain Austen Matthew has a word with linemate William Nylander at today’s training camp practice at the new MLCC rink in Bracebridge. Photos by Mark Clairmont**

With the image of Bracebridge’s most famous Leaf, Ace Bailey, looming over them the pressure was palpable beyond be-Leaf.

At least for the few dozen adults in the room. Ninety per cent of the grades 4-8 were content to see and be heard exceeding decibel levels thus far in the month old Muskoka Lumber Community Centre.

Without a program and only numbers on their helmets, spotting the other stars like Matt Domi was a game of matching blue and white blurs.

Mayor Rick Mahoney was rink side in $78 million most expensive NHL seat ever. He said it was worth the price.

Alternate captain John Tavares, who spun around the ice in August with a group of pro players, was intense in the warm-up cutting circles left and right of goalies Matt Murray, Joseph Wol and Anthony Stolarz.

After the practice outside, while pleasing every eager autograph seeker, Tavares said he definitely was ready to play and prove he’s not done yet.

**Alternate captain John Tavares signed everything in sight after practice to the delight of everyone.**

The 34-year-old veteran paced himself on the ice at times between shifts, saving himself for minutes when it soon counts — and in late spring.

Marner, signing next to him, too looked strong on the ice, while saying he didn’t get to the NHL wedding of the season near his Muskoka cottage in July of Connor McDavid.

Tavares, Marner, Matthews, Murray were among generous players who rink side gave away sticks and enjoyed screaming kids who tossed down jerseys to be signed and had them flipped back with training camp treasures of a lifetime for many.

A class of Huntsville High special ed students received white Leafs team sticks.

Every player on the ice had a jump that will only be compared to the Boston Bruins and other Eastern Division teams and Canadian clubs when they meet.

Their post practice hats said ‘Muskoka Forever.’

Today it was all about building Leafs fans forever.

And that was a winner — Cup or not.