Maple Leafs fans talk about their pre-game rituals

By Giordano Ciampini | April 16, 2019

By Giordano Ciampini | 04/16/2019

Last night’s win over the Boston Bruins earned the Maple Leafs a two-to-one advantage in an ongoing seven-game series. If the Leafs are able to clinch this series, Toronto will advance past the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time since 2003. Fans are, obviously, excited. Before yesterday’s game, we asked a few of them about their pre-game rituals. Here’s what they told us.

Mike Leaf

34, project manager from Woodbridge

“At home, we watch the games with a blue light. If we’re downtown, we come a certain way, we park in a particular place and get off at a particular station. But we might have to change some rituals because we haven’t won a series in 16 years.”

Aneil Saini

21, geology student from Pickering

“During the playoffs I like to be here early. I get a little too stressed sometimes.”

Alex DiBenedictis

20, student from Mississauga

“I guess the only ritual I have is this Sundin jersey. I’ve had it for ten years and I always wear it. It’s my go-to.”

Ismael Nassereddine

20, bank worker from Mississauga

“I never celebrate by myself. There’s always someone I bring out for support.”

Jay Mair

48, grinding technician from Stratford

“If I’m coming to the game, I always wear this jersey and hope to run into a Leaf, even a former Leaf, to get an autograph. Lots of memories on here.”

George Hughes

62, contractor from Barrie

“I like to be by myself right in front of the TV, no phones, ready to go. It’s good to be here, though. I was alive the last time they won a Stanley Cup and I want to be alive for the next one, too.”