Maple Leaf Gardens set to be named something less historic, more corporate (surprising all of nobody)

The Toronto Maple Leafs’ parent company has succeeded in its effort to prevent Ryerson University from using the name “Maple Leaf Gardens” when the school’s team takes to the ice at the fabled building next year. Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment threatened the university and Loblaw (which plans to open a grocery store on the main floor) after they used the Leafs’ name in promotional material. But Ryerson president Sheldon Levy said the school actually never planned to use the name in the first place and will name their portion of the building after a sponsor—with the word “Gardens” included. According to the Globe and Mail, MLSE is also concerned that Ryerson’s 2,500-seat venue could compete with the action at the Air Canada Centre—because why go see the Leafs in a massive arena when you can watch the Ryerson team play in a small venue? Um, sure. The worst part of this might be that a Loblaw spokesperson said the grocery store could still use the Leafs brand. Conn Smythe would have wanted it that way. Read the entire story [Globe and Mail] »