Hey Tie,
I just wanted to start off by saying that it’s great to have the NHL back, it’s great to be a part of The Leaf Nation once again and to be totally honest, it wouldn’t be the Leaf Nation without it’s Leader on and off the ice. We all know that Mats is a great captain and the leader of the team and I am not trying to take anything away from that, but like you said before you were re signed, you are not the only one who feels like the TML’s take you for granted. You bring so much to this team. Not just the on ice stuff, but the off ice stuff as well. All the charities that you are involved with.
It must feel amazing not only to wear the Blue Maple Leaf on your shirt but to also be able to user your fame in so many other ways to help people with there lives. I only wish that there were so many more like you. A lot of fans only view Hockey players as being greedy people who make millions for just playing hockey. In my opinion, there needs to be a better avenue for fans to know exactly what players are doing for their fans and their communities. Like this website for instance. This is such a great tool for people and fans to see you and know you for what you really are. And that is a true sportsman, A true gentleman, and a true Toronto Maple Leaf. I’m sure that when you get cut in one of your brilliant fights you bleed blue and white, because you my friend are what every Leaf fan dreams of.
You have a lot on your shoulders, but all true Leaf fans are with all of you win or lose. If for some chance I am ever lucky enough to get up there to TO to see you guys play and meet you, I would just shake your hand and thank you for just being a true human being who brings the fire that burns inside all of The Leafs Nation and also pumps life and hope into the community who is less fortunate then others. I only hope that I will be able to teach my 5 yr old Leaf Fan son what being a Toronto Maple Leaf is all about. And I’m sure all I will have to do is tell him about you, and I have no doubt that he will understand. From a Die Hard Leaf Fan born and raised, I wish you and all the TML’s the best of luck this season. You make all of us proud to be fans!
Greg Stapleton