The Toronto Maple Leafs are back! Let’s drink to celebrate!
The Toronto Maple Leafs have returned as the preseason has begun. The excitement in the air is almost palpable as we finally get to see the new Leafs in action. But if there is one thing you can count on tonight and for the rest of the season, it’s drinking.
Hockey and drinking go together like peanut butter and jelly. There is no better feeling than watching your team, whether you’re at the arena or on your couch, and having a nice bottle or can of your favourite beer…so I’m told.
It’s simple, I’ve taken events that happen during a typical hockey game, as well as events specific to the Leafs, and placed them into various levels of drinking that must be followed during the game to get the best experience. Of course, this game is better played at home so you can avoid driving or getting into a brawl with an Ottawa Senators fan.
The 2018-19 Toronto Maple Leafs Drinking Game
One Sip – These events happen quite often so taking a shot each time isn’t the best idea.
Every Maple Leafs Goal – There are sure to be plenty of these during the season, but a quick sip for every time the boys in blue and white put the puck in the net seems like a nice way to celebrate.
Every Maple Leafs Powerplay – Again, a nice sip to celebrate a golden opportunity for the Leafs to fire the puck into the back of the net.
Every Auston Matthews Goal – The 2016 first overall pick is healthy and ready to light up the league once again. Considering James Tanner wrote about Matthews scoring 100 goals over the summer, we should probably keep this rule light.
Two Sips- Moving up with events that happen in a game, but not in favour of the Leafs.
Every Goal Against – Have two fingers for every time the Leafs let a puck into their net because if Mike Babcock is gonna punish the team, you need to join in.
Every Penalty Taken – Similar to the “Every Goal Against” rule, if a Leaf is sent to the box and the opposing team have a powerplay opportunity, curse that player’s name and take a drink.
Every Shootout Goal – We all despise the shootout, and this will make you hate it a little more, every time someone swoops in on a goalie and scores: Two Fingers.
Three Sips- It’s getting fun now.
Maple Leafs Win – Three fingers for another 2 points in the bag for the Leafs!
Maple Leafs Overtime/Shootout Loss – Three fingers for another point in the bag for the Leafs!
Every Team Timeout/Challenge/Referee Review – The events that slow down the game for teams to regroup or check if someone didn’t bump into the goalie require a drink.
Take a Shot- Prepare the liquor!
Any Shorthanded Goal – Regardless of who scores it, a shorthanded goal is an embarrassing moment for the team on the powerplay, pour a shot for them.
Maple Leafs Lose – You’re angry, bitter and want to scream, take a shot instead.
Any 5 Minute Major – Not fighting majors, but anytime someone decides to get themselves 5 minutes in the sin-bin, pour a shot.
Down Your Drink- Whether it’s a sip or the whole thing, see it off.
Goal With the Goalie Pulled – If a team pulls their goalie and they fire the puck into the net, whether down 3 or trying to tie it up, finish off the drink.
John Tavares’ First Goal as a Maple Leaf – Down the whole thing when John Tavares hit the twine for his first goal as a Maple Leaf (Regular Season Only)
The Maple Leafs Beat Another Canadian Team – Bragging rights are always fun, and so is drinking to the demise of a Canadian rival.
Any Leafs Record Is Broken – This offence is stacked, some all-time Maple Leafs records are going to fall.
So there you have it. The 2018-19 Toronto Maple Leafs drinking game. Have fun, be safe, drink responsibly and keep your local breweries in business!