Maple Leafs: Tragic Losses Amongst Early Wins
The Toronto Maple Leafs are off to their best start in years.
League-wide, the Toronto Maple Leafs sit tied for second overall with a game in hand on the first place Lightening. Though the Leafs early success has been a surprise to many, I wrote in July my belief that this years team was close to contention and would make a run for the Cup.
Though still early, the Toronto Maple Leafs are showing they are an élite squad. The Leafs are so loaded up front with talent, they have a sophomore who previously set the team’s rookie assist record skating on the fourth line. You gotta be kidding me!
The Leafs are 6-1, scoring almost five goals per game. Three lines deep with players who can hurt you in the blink of an eye. That is 2017-18 Toronto Maple Leafs hockey. Continuing their play from last season, coach Babcock and his players bring an exciting brand of run and gun hockey, reminiscent of the early 80’s back to the NHL.
Mixed Emotions
Even with the Leafs early success, October has become a somber month for myself and many music and hockey fans. Health is a fickle mistress which we often take for granted.
The announcement by Brian Boyle of his diagnosis of chronic myeloid leukaemia, it touched a nerve within me. Though his time with the Leafs was brief: 21 regular season games, 6 playoff games, 5 points, his calming veteran presence helped the Leafs qualify for the playoffs where they gave the Capitals a scare. My heart went out to the Boyle’s as I understand first hand the trauma of a leukaemia diagnosis and the difficulties its treatments can bring.
Gordon Downie, Tragic(ally) Loss
With the loss of music icon Tom Petty from a heart attack two weeks later, followed by Gord Downie succumbing to cancer on the 17th, my grief became palpable. Both artists, are hugely influential to my music. Each balladeer spinning stories of life’s journey north and south of the border.
I AM CANADIAN!
My children and took an opportunity to say farewell during the Hips’ Man Machine Poem tour yet somehow I wanted more. I wanted that concert to go on forever. Unfortunately, nothing is forever within our human existence.
In my lifetime, the Leafs won four Cups before I turned eight years old. I believed that would continue, it was the norm. Boy, was I was wrong.
It saddens me that Gord will not celebrate the success of his second favourite team. He was actually a Bruins fan, and a goalie when he played. His God Father was Harry Sinden.
A Fitting Tribute, Saying goodbye to Gordon Downie
Brendan Shanahan and the Toronto Maple Leafs management showed due respect on Wednesday with a tribute before the team stomped the Red Wings 6-3. Though touching, somehow it wasn’t enough.
Once again, I wanted more.
Success seems closer than ever as this Maple Leafs team continues to exceed expectations. With the rebuild now a build, 18 months from laughing-stock to contender. The Leafs are finally skating towards their 14th Cup after 50 years of futility.
Gord Downie, Poet Laureate
Balladeer, activist, singer, lyricist, poet laureate.
Gordon Edgar Downie authored the soundtrack to our lives. He is deeply missed by all who he touched.
“Heaven is a better place today because of this,
But the world is just not the same”
The Tragically Hip, “Fireworks”: The Canadian Album Phantom Power. Bath, Ontario, Canada: Universal Music Canada (Recorded 1998).