Memories of Attending Games at Maple Leaf Gardens

Scotiabank Arena is Not Maple Leaf Gardens

The Competition

My closest friend at the time was a St. Louis Blues fan (I know, the only one in the GTA), so when the Blues were in town, we’d head downtown and buy a pair of seats on the street, with the agreement that the loser of that night’s game had to pay for the tickets.

Even though the Leafs stunk for all those years, it seemed they would always find a way to beat St. Louis at home, and I’d go for free. 

I swear I only ever paid once or twice.  On the flip side, my buddy got to see his team hoist the Stanley Cup during his lifetime, while I continue to wait patiently.

Seeing an NHL game at Maple Leaf Gardens was always special somehow.  Coming out of the concourse into the seating area and seeing the ice for the first time that night always made me think “Wow, I’m HERE”.  It’s possible that feeling came from being younger at the time, but I don’t think so.

Toronto Maple Leafs fans today, myself included, are blessed to have the chance to cheer on a team with enough star power to entertain us every game, win or lose. 

Scotiabank Arena is a good place to watch a game, and although it often lacks crowd noise, it’s clean, safe and fun.

But……..it just isn’t Maple Leafs Gardens.