Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, William Nylander and colleagues will be practicing at Prince of Wales Rink on Third Street this month.
Lace up Toronto Maple Leafs fans as your favourite team is set to hold a multi-day practice at an iconic lakeside arena later this month.
The Maple Leafs are slated to hold an outdoor practice at the Prince of Wales Rink, located in the Third Street park, as a street event planned from January 23 to 28.
The event attracts hundreds of Leafs’ lovers from across the region, some who travel hours to see their favourite players and obtain photographs.
Join us for a weekend full of outdoor and on-ice activities, states a club website.
Leafs fan favourite William Nylander and Auston Matthews are expected to enjoy a Lakeside practice.
“Cheer on your Toronto Maple Leafs as they take to the ice at one of Toronto’s most iconic outdoor rinks and spend the weekend celebrating the game of hockey at all levels,” according to the promotion.
The park and open air rink are steps away from Lake Ontario on Third Street. It has a beautiful view of downtown Toronto and is a favourite for locals to watch the annual CNE Air Show.
Etobicoke Community Council has approved the six-day event and is seeking permission from Transportation Services to temporarily shut six area streets for the practice, which is always a fan favourite.
City officials said the Maple Leaf’s host an outdoor open practice every year for the fans to come out and enjoy.
Maple Leafs Captain Auston Matthews is always a crowd pleaser.
“This year, the outdoor Leaf’s practice is set to take place in Etobicoke-Lakeshore at the Prince of Wales Park,” according to City staff. “As part of the set-up and staging of the event, the event organizers have requested a few road closures.”
The streets to be closed includes: Third Street from Lake Shore Drive to the dead end, Lake Shore Drive from Third Street to the dead end of the street and Second Street from Morrison Street to the end.
Hundreds of Leafs hockey fans cheered on their favourite players last year at Nathan Phillips Square.
The Leafs’ annual outdoor practice is a free, public event that usually takes place at Nathan Phillips Square at City Hall. The event features a number of activities that last year included a Toronto Professional Women Hockey League (PWHL) skills competition and a Leafs alumni signing session.
Further details on the event are pending. Being considered is a Blue versus White alumni game, and viewing parties for a Toronto Sceptres vs. New York Sirens PWHL game and the Maple Leafs as they take on Ottawa Senators.
The beloved rink was built in 1967 and rebuilt in 2017. Area residents claim it is a ‘well-kept secret’ in the community.