Former Toronto Maple Leafs hockey legend Darryl Sittler was circled by ecstatic fans as he tried to board an Uber. Photos by Suzie Basheir.
Hundreds of NHL fans descended on the Prince of Wales Park Rink on Third Street to see and cheer their favourite Toronto Maple Leafs hockey icons.
The cold did not stop fans from having a great time meeting and cheering their favourite Leafs alumni player as they signed autographs and chatted with fans outside the outdoor rink after a mock game..
A die-hard Maple Leafs fan with his ‘buds’ flag to show his support for the hometown team.
The Maple Leafs annual outdoor practice attracts hundreds of Leafs’ lovers from across the region, some who travel hours to see their favourite players and obtain photographs.
Crowd favourite and former twice Toronto Maple Leafs captain Darryl Sittler showed what a professional he is by sticking around and talking, signing autographs and taking selfies with fans of all ages, who are loyal Maple Leaf boosters.
Leafs Alumni Darryl Sittler took time to take selfies or sign autographs for every single fan.
Sittler was circled by fans as he tried to enter an Uber after an Leafs alumni mock game. The driver had to wait at least 20 minutes as the hockey great did not disappoint anyone.
The lakefront skate gave fans an opportunity to be upfront and close to the hockey legends they admired from a generation ago.
On January 27 and 28 the Maple Leafs team, hot and on a roll, will take to the Prince of Wales ice for a morning skate.
There are thousands of fans expected to see their faves as Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner or William Nylander.
MPP Christine Hogarth on the campaign trail handing out free pucks to hockey fans at the Maple Leafs open practice.
Handing out swag as pucks was MP Christiine Hogarth, who was out campaigning for a February 27 snap election in Ontario.
Hogarth said she was attending a church service with Premier Doug Ford that night as she tried to recapture the Etobicoke Lakeshore provincial riding which she has held for … years.
Perhaps the busiest place was the Tim Hortons trailer which had a long lineup for the free coffee being offered on this freezing day.
This fan brought her bundled up hockey-loving dog to see Mitch, Auston or Willie in an open practice.
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.
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.