The Leafs are a cool hockey team. They do fun things and are sometimes the first NHL team to try to change the game of hockey.
Usually this is Mers specialty with Page 6ix. But since she’s so busy with work, I thought I’d help bring some of that back fun Leafs news for the past week.
Start with Travis Dermott‘s tape job.
Travis Dermott is using Pride Tape on his sticks more this season because “I have a family that is involved in the LGBTQ community, so I want to take a step forward and support them more in the future.” . “
– Kristen Shilton (@kristen_shilton) October 22, 2021
Dermott is an amazing person. In the NHL, you don’t see many players rocking the Pride tape all season long. One of the players that comes to mind first is Kurtis Gabrielwho is currently with the Marlies.
And I say we need to see more of that support.
Sure, there is Pride Night, but it would be nice to see more players doing it on a regular basis. That Dermott said he wanted to “step forward and give them more support in the future” means a lot.
Talking openly about wanting to move up is huge. Love that. Https://t.co/3SKTxaQQ03
– Brock McGillis (@brock_mcgillis) October 22, 2021
It’s only the beginning of Dermott’s step outside, but there’s an early optimism. It’s really great that he’s taking this step in his career.
A clean-shaven TJ Brodie. Lost his facial hair to help his Guy Fieri character for the Halloween party. pic.twitter.com/kaOX6ypFFT
– Lance Hornby (@sunhornby) October 21, 2021
Next on the list of funny things TJ Brodie shaves his beard.
I want to start by making this look so strange. I did some research and throughout his career he has been rocking his beard, mustache, and there have been times when he went beardless. But it’s mostly just beard.
As someone who can’t grow hair on their face, I envy Brodie. But I’ll say it again: that looks weird.
He made it for a Halloween costume and that’s all that matters. This is the time TLN-own, RoxanneShe will soon publish an article on the Leafs’ Halloween costumes.
Sheldon Keefe said Petr Mrazek skated and will travel with him #Leaves on their road trip. Not about to play yet, but making very good progress and wants to be with the team for ~ bonding ~ and so on
– Kristen Shilton (@kristen_shilton) October 22, 2021
It’s fun too.
While watching the all or nothing series, there were injured players who said it was hard to be away from the team. When you’re gone, you aren’t around her that often and you somehow lose the feeling of what it’s like in the room.
Mrazek does this great for himself as well as for the team. He’s a new player and wants to get to know the team better. I would worry if he didn’t want to go on a road trip with the Leafs.
And part of me is wondering if the team will let him travel when he’s not skating.
Hmm, interesting.
Today’s context-free answer from famous hockey stick ~ guru ~ Jason Spezza:
“Everyone else’s sticks sucks. Mine are the best “
– Kristen Shilton (@kristen_shilton) October 21, 2021
Hm, that’s interesting too.
We all love quotes from Jason Spezza on his sticks. And guess what, I would never change a thing. Ever. I’ll come back to all or nothing and talk about Spezza’s love for hockey sticks. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a player put more into their clubs than him.
He’s an extremely “funny guy” and his laugh is one of the best on the Leafs.
You may or may not have seen a trend in this article. It’s the amount of Kristen Shilton tweets I’ve added. Normally I would make up for this with quotes from other Beat reporters, but today is both a sad and special day.
Shilton leaves the Leafs beat.
Well friends. This is my last day at TSN.
I am so grateful for these past five years.
Cover the #Leaves literally changed my life. I’ve worked with the most incredible people. Stories shared with the most passionate fan base. It was a dream.
Thank you for having me.
– Kristen Shilton (@kristen_shilton) October 22, 2021
Shilton was one of the best Leafs Beat reporters (and writers) in my opinion. She always had quotes from the players and Sheldon Keefe on her account and she always gave great insights into the game. Shilton provided almost everything to us.
She was one of the best.
From me and everyone at The Leafs Nation, we wish her the best of luck on her next journey.
