BELOVED FORMER LEAF LANNY McDONALD TO GUEST JUDGE ON CBC-TV’s BATTLE OF THE BLADES

Lanny McDonald, one of the most beloved Toronto Maple Leaf players, is returning to historic Maple Leaf Gardens as a guest judge on CBC Television’s BATTLE OF THE BLADES, Sunday, October 25 and Monday, October 26, at 8 p.m. McDonald is married to figure skater Ardell McDonald, making the hockey legend’s story one that mirrors what the BATTLE OF THE BLADES has accomplished.

McDonald started his illustrious NHL career in 1973 as the first draft choice of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Widely recognized for his iconic moustache, he also played with the Colorado Rockies, starting in 1979, and later joined the Calgary Flames where he helped bring them to glory by winning the team’s first Stanley Cup in 1989. This was also the year he retired from the sport.
Drawing from what he knows of hockey and figure skating, McDonald’s comments will bring added variety when combined with the remarks from regular judges Sandra Bezic and Dick Button. All three will preside together as the show’s remaining five pairs contend to win $100,000 for the charity of their choice.

Viewers can learn more about the competitors at www.cbc.ca/battle, the official online portal for the series and the source for everything about BATTLE OF THE BLADES. In addition to videos and behind-the-scene photos, the site offers viewers the opportunity to become fans of their favourite pair and track each participant’s activity as they strive to be the final pair remaining at the end of the series.

BATTLE OF THE BLADES is the brainchild of Kevin Albrecht with development by Sandra Bezic. BATTLE OF THE BLADES executive producers are John Brunton, Barbara Bowlby and Kevin Albrecht. It is produced by Insight Productions in association with CBC Television.