Toronto Maple Leafs: Editor In Leaf Exclusive Interview With Paul Hendrick

I recently had the pleasure of interviewing former Toronto Maple Leafs reporter Paul Hendrick.

Paul and I discussed his years as a reporter with the Toronto Maple Leafs, working with the likes of Joe Bowen and Bob McGill as well as what he thinks of the moves Kyle Dubas made this off-season.

Paul Hendrick has covered the Maple Leafs for 25 years. During that time he has done it all. Whether it was reporting during a team practice or conducting a post-game interview, you name it, Paul has done it.

This past summer on July 15th, Paul announced that he was retiring. Right away there was an outpouring of love and respect directed towards Paul from players, colleagues, and fans alike. Paul Hendrick is and will always be loved by Leafs Nation.

During this interview, I will be referring to myself as JR and to Paul Hendrick as PH.

Editor In Leaf Interview With Paul Hendrick

 JR: How awesome was it to have the privilege of covering the Maple Leafs for as long as you did?

PH: I grew up in Noranda, Quebec, a mining town 640 km north of Toronto. The small city produced most of the world’s copper and, for a time, most of its hockey players. And back then, you either cheered for the Canadiens or the Leafs. I chose the latter.
My idol early on was a native son in Dave Keon. I had the privilege of meeting Dave 2 weeks after he won the Conn Smythe trophy in 1967. I was an altar boy at his father’s funeral up there as well. So to get the opportunity to cover the Maple Leafs for a quarter-century was simply incredible!

JR: I know Leafs Nation will tell you, that you made the right choice.

JR: What was it like working with Bob McGill?

PH: I would consider Bob, My best friend outside my relationship with my wife. He has taught me so much about the game and perseverance away from the game. His fighting spirit as a player and a person held him in great stead following his strokes in 2016. His love of family is unparalleled. I consider him part of my family, and he’s literally the brother I never had.

JR: Watching both of you working together over the years has been incredible. The two of you worked so well together and the chemistry was easy to see.

JR: Who would you list as your top 3 interviews?

PH: Tough question, but:
Alan MacCauley
Tom Fitzgerald
Paul Maurice
So many more who could easily replace these guys, but you asked for just 3.

JR: Would you mind sharing your favourite Joe Bowen story?

PH: Joe is a genius. His ability to describe a game and activate the adrenalin of all Leafs fans is unparalleled. Joe is the undisputed voice of Leafs Nation! We’ve enjoyed so many laughs over the years, most generated by Jim Ralph, But beyond all of that, what stands out for me with Joe is the incredible love he has for his four boys and his grandchildren. PRIDE is the hallmark of that relationship.

JR: I don’t know any Toronto Maple Leafs fans who wouldn’t agree with you on Joe being the voice of Leafs Nation.

JR: Did you have any pre-game rituals before going on-air?

PH: I always made sure I was prepped for the task at hand and, most importantly had a tin of Altoids in my side suit pocket. When you’ve done thousands of interviews that are often within close range, you want to make sure that all that hot air has a peppermint/cinnamon tinge to It.

JR: I’m sure the players and coaches appreciated it.

JR: How do you like what Kyle Dubas has done for the Leafs this off-season?

PH: Kyle has done a tremendous job of adding much-needed leadership to the room. This isn’t a criticism of John Tavares. His leadership qualities are superb, but the added personalities in the room starting with Joe Thornton will only reduce the load on JT and for others like Auston and Mitch too. This franchise hasn’t seen a leadership group as big as this since Pat Quinn’s Leafs in the early 2000s.

JR: I fully agree with you on that, but let’s hope this group can achieve what that group could not, a Championship.

JR: I know your wife Alicia has had some health issues, how is she doing?

PH: Thanks for asking. Alicia is doing well. A home renovation is keeping her busy. Overseeing that and her health concurrently isn’t easy, but that’s why I’m home. In a perfect world, she’d still be practicing medicine, and I’d be covering hockey. 

JR: Leafs nation will miss you covering hockey, but family is more important. I wish you and Alicia all the best.

PH: Thank you

JR: What have you been doing to pass the time during the pandemic?

PH: Studying Spanish, Alicia’s family is from Spain. I’ve also started a podcast to keep my feet wet and my brain somewhat lucid. It’s called (The First Question) sponsored by Biliztik Sports, an interactive board game company.
It’s a ton of work, but I’ve enjoyed talking with former players and authors about hockey, and getting to do it in a relaxed 40-minute format makes for some great storytelling.

JR: I will definitely have to check that out.

JR: Any travel plans for when it’s safe to travel again?

PH: Hoping to visit my daughter out West in the new year, but ideally, we’d like to get to Madrid for a few months this winter so I can practice the language, enjoy all the ambiance Spain has to offer, and of course, cheer for Real Madrid. This is all Covid permitting of course. So I’m not holding my breath.

JR: What is one piece of advice you would give to someone just starting their sports reporting or broadcasting career?

PH: Don’t ask what they’re paying you, never say no, and be prepared to leave home to begin your career. Above all else, enjoy what you’re doing. My 41 years has been a blast.

JR: Paul, thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview.

PH: My Pleasure