Optimism high as the rebuilding Maple Leafs head east for training camp
TORONTO — With the World Cup of Hockey occupying attention at the Air Canada Centre some 14 kilometres to the east, the Toronto Maple Leafs opened their centennial season somewhat under the radar Thursday.
The team’s media day was a subdued affair with general manager Lou Lamoriello hardly working up a sweat in an eight-minute appearance before a smaller than usual gaggle of reporters at the team’s suburban practice facility before heading for a plane and the start of on-ice activities Friday in Halifax.
“I like it,” Lamoriello said with a smile when asked about the lack of media crush. “Last year we had the Blue Jays, now we have the World Cup.”
Still there are big plans for a storied franchise looking to restore its lustre. The festivities include a Jan. 1 outdoor date with the Detroit Red Wings at BMO Field.