What Makes the Toronto Maple Leafs Hockey Team Great

written by Brett from kwikrinkice

Ice Hockey is an excellent sport for many reasons. It is physical, fast, and a team sport as well. One of hockey’s great teams is the Toronto Maple Leafs.

 

The Toronto Maple Leafs are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto, Ontario. They compete against 30 other teams in the National Hockey League (NHL).

 

The Maple Leafs have 13 Stanley Cup wins, which is the second-highest in the entire NHL. Regarded as the most significant trophy in all of the NHL, the Stanley Cup gets awarded to the NHL playoff winner.

 

There are many reasons to root for the Maple Leafs, and plenty of ways to show your support as well. Your support can include watching their games on TV or in person, purchasing some memorabilia, or just because you love Ice Hockey.

The Maple Leafs Legacy

One of the founding teams of the NHL, the Maple Leafs started in 1917. They were known as the Toronto Arenas and won two Stanley Cups within the first five years of the NHL. This strong start foreshadows their success in the League.

 

Win or lose; the Maple Leafs have some of the most dedicated fans in the NHL. The Leafs regularly outrank other teams in attendance for games.

 

You can attribute the achievement to Toronto’s immense love for hockey and the Maple Leaf’s various rivalries within the League. The Leafs and the Montreal Canadiens rivalry is tense and regarded as one of the biggest matchups in hockey.

 

The Toronto Maple Leafs have had many star players throughout the years, which helped push the team to greatness. Without these key players, they wouldn’t have the second most Stanley Cup wins in the NHL.

 

Players like Ted Kennedy led the Leafs to three consecutive Stanley Cup wins. At that point, the achievement had never before been seen.

 

George Armstrong, nicknamed The Chief, is another essential legend of the Leafs. He played professionally on the Leafs for 21 years. On top of being captain of the team, he led his team to 4 different Stanley Cup wins.

A Key to Success

What makes the Toronto Maple Leafs so dominant on the ice? One of the reasons is their rigorous training. The training allows them to be at the peak of their performance when it matters most.

 

A reason for their readiness is the use of synthetic ice. This ice can be skated on year-round, no matter the weather. The Maple Leaf’s training area at the Mastercard Centre has been fitted with synthetic ice to allow for the best practice possible.

 

Synthetic ice has many benefits that the players use. It is nearly identical to real ice and gets set up anywhere, big or small.

 

It is also highly resilient and can last up to 10 years! You can enjoy its usefulness no matter if you are a beginner or a professional on the Leafs.

Hockey Memorabilia

Something that can be both fun and rewarding is collecting your favorite team’s gear and items. There are many different things to choose from, so you can’t go wrong with what you pick.

 

If you are a Maple Leafs fan, consider getting a hockey jersey of one of the all-time greats such as Darryl Sittler or Turk Broda. These jerseys not only allow you to look fashionable, but you can represent your favorite players at the same time.

 

Other great collectibles will include player cards and official pucks. You can even get both of these items signed by players to increase their value and make them unique. These pieces can fit nicely on your shelf or bookcase for all the world to appreciate.

The Joy of Hockey

Hockey has a vast history with more than 100 years backing it up. It is an excellent sport with tons of benefits to you as a spectator or player.

 

As a player, hockey can be a great choice. Since the sport is so fast and physical, it ensures you get a great workout each time.

 

In addition to this, it is simply fun to do. Skating on the ice and feeling the wind on your face is something no other sport can replicate. Coupling the skating with the coordination of dribbling the puck, and you are surely in for a good time.

 

Hockey is also great because of the camaraderie involved. You will build a lot of relationships by playing and watching. These relationships could be with your friends and even your family! Having fun with others is an excellent way to feel good all around.

 

As you can see, hockey has tons of benefits for everyone. As a viewer, you get an intense game with fierce rivalries. As a player, you get friendship, teamwork, and a fun, fast-paced match. If you’re looking for a great team, you can’t go wrong, cheering on the Toronto Maple Leafs! See you on the ice!