WARMINGTON: 'Incredible' crowd at The Vault deeply invested in Leafs playoff run
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The crowd was the seventh player in this game and right from the beginning. When Natalie Morris beautifully sang The Star-Spangled Banner and O Canada, the Scotiabank Arena crowd was already fired up.
The only time it got quiet was when goalie Anthony Stolarz left the game midway through the second period and was replaced by Joseph Woll. Other than that, it was pandemonium.
'There's nothing like playoff hockey,' said Eli Shupak. 'I am still hoping my 50th birthday wish comes true.'
He's not alone on that wish: There is a feeling amongst fans that the Maple Leafs have the horses to finally win this most coveted championship.
He may not have waited as long as Shupak, but Seth Tolensky, 16, is hoping he will get to experience a parade this year. With his sisters Ella and Audrey and parents Melanie and Lewis, they were doing their part and cheering at the top of their lungs.
One game at a time. You have to win 16 games. The Leafs are off to a pretty good start.
If it seemed loud at this game, can you imagine what it will be like if they get there.
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Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account As the Maple Leafs grapple with all-star Mitch Marner's likely departure, former general manager Gord Stellick brought up another story of a first-round pick, this one that got away at the draft table. While it was well known that the Leafs passed on Joe Sakic in 1987 — as did 12 other clubs before Sakic went to the Quebec Nordiques — Stellick detailed how close the future Hall of Famer came to wearing Blue and White in a guest appearance on the Leafs Morning Take podcast. Holding the seventh overall pick that year, the Leafs had an ad hoc committee with Stellick, who was then the NHL's youngest GM at 30 years old, coach John Brophy and senior scouts, but all living with the whims of unpredictable owner Harold Ballard. 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