Training camp information:
After holding their medicals and media day at MasterCard Centre in Etobicoke on September 17, the team will travel to Halifax where they will conduct on-ice sessions at BMO Centre in Bedford, Nova Scotia from September 18-20. The team will then open its eight-game pre-season schedule with split-squad games against the Senators in Ottawa and Toronto on September 21. A complete roster for this year’s training camp will be released at a later date.
Practices on Sept. 18-20 will begin each day at approximately 9:30 a.m. each day and end at approximately 2 p.m.
Wednesday Links:
- Staff: Ken Hitchcock on Babcock: “I think he’s setting you guys up… his team is going to do a lot better than people think” (MLHS via TSN)
I think [Babcock’s] setting you guys all up. I think his team is going to do a lot better than people think. He’s got it set up for great work ethic.
I - Jonas Siegel: Phaneuf opens up on trade talk, future (TSN)
“I think the biggest thing that I’ve learned, it might be kind of a cheesy quote, but ‘tough times don’t last, tough people do’,” Phaneuf said, pausing to let the weight of the quote sink in.
I - Lance Hornby: Ex-Leafs GM Gerry McNamara: Ballard passed on Quinn, Lamoriello as coach 98 (TorSun)
In a recent Q&A with the Society for International Hockey Research at the home of “Ultimate Leaf Fan” Mike Wilson, the reticent McNamara opened up about those turbulent times.
I - James Mirtle: Former Leafs star Gary Leeman leads retired NHL players’ fight in concussion lawsuit (G&M)
Leeman has frequent headaches and vision problems. He also believes that his personality has changed over the years, that his short temper is connected to all of the concussions he suffered in his career.
I - Kevin Allen: NHL players survey: Phil Kessel will score at least 40 goals with Penguins (USAToday)
“He’s a sniper. He likes to score goals. He’s a good skater — he’s flying every game,” said Malkin who was not a survey participant. “I think if he plays with Sid he can score 50 goals – at least. He has everything.”
I - Staff: Raptors, Leafs fans to face new security measures at ACC (CTV News)
Those visiting the Air Canada Centre will now have to pass through metal detectors ahead of sporting events. The detectors were installed as part of a sweeping change to all facilities hosting MLB, NHL and NBA games.
I - Kevin Allen: NHL players survey: 34 of 35 say they’d accept an openly gay teammate (USA Today)
“I’m not surprised by that,” said Calgary Flames president Brian Burke. “I’m disappointed by the one player. I don’t think our players have an issue with gay players. I think the first player to come out is going to find an unbelievably welcome reception.”
I - Steve Dangle: Dangle confronts Patrice Bergeron (Sportsnet)
Watch as Toronto Maple Leafs fan Steve “Dangle” Glynn confront Boston Bruins forward Patrice Bergeron about the pain he inflicted on Leafs Nation in Game 7 back in 2013.
