The view of Scotiabank Arena on the backside of Union Station.
A slightly closer view of the arena’s exterior.
Upon entering Scotiabank Arena you know where you’re at.
The in-arena TV studio.
The mural over an entrance encompasses both pro franchises that play at Scotiabank Arena.
Carlton the Bear as a Maple Leaf and a St. Pat.
The NBA’s Raptors call Scotiabank Arena home as well.
The view from our seats in the quiet of the arena prior to the game’s start.
The front side of my commemorative lanyard.
And the back side of said lanyard.
Bagpipers performed during the Opening Night festivities.
Leafs’ captain Auston Matthews is introduced.
Canadian hockey icon and political figure, Ken Dryden, was honored during a pregame ceremony. Dryden played for Montreal and was the GM of Toronto.
My traveling partner, Jim, mugs for the camera during a break in the action.
A little baseball action kept the crowd entertained during a break in the action.
Maple Leafs’ goalie Anthony Stolarz adjusts his equipment.
The Leafs’ celebrate Morgan Rielly’s goal, the eventual game-winner.
Carlton the Bear working the crowd near our seats.
The Leafs work the puck during a powerplay.
I’m actually in this photo, captured off the TV screen of my buddy Paul watching in Birmingham, AL.
And I’m certainly in this photo during a break in the third period.
I couldn’t get a great shot of all the banners of retired numbers.
Yeah, our seats were pretty good:-)
Captain Auston Matthews is always looking to shoot.
Some game action.
Carlton the Bear did just about anything to get the crowd into the game.
A face-off deep in the Canadiens defensive zone.
I captured this shot of center ice following the game while everyone was fixated on the Blue Jays’ game in Yankee Stadium.
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Video
A look at the concourse, pregame.
Some Maple Leafs’ introductions.
Captain Auston Matthews introduction.
Canadiens hit the ice.
“O, Canada” is performed.
The opening face off.
A look-in at ALDS in NYC.
Wolfmother’s ubiquitous anthem.
A baseball chant breaks out.
Maple Leafs’ goal celebration.
Carlton the Bear doing things.
The final horn ends the game.
Three Stars announced.
The end of the Blue Jays’ win.
Chanting our way out of the arena.
Audio
NHL and Canadian hockey historian, Liam Maguire, joins me to talk about all things Canada hockey.
Fun Facts
Traveling Party – Doug and his friend, Jim
Last Time Visited – Doug once attended an exhibition game at the old Maple Leaf Gardens circa 1992, but had never been to Scotiabank Arena nor had Jim.
Nice Seats Buddy – I’ve been blessed by generosity at various stages of my Around the World journey and this game was no exception. My sister-in-law, Luisa, is a Torontonian and I inquired if she knew of anyone who might be able to get their hands on a pair of tickets at a reasonable price for what is routinely one of the toughest tickets in sports to acquire. Her sister, Julie, still resides in Toronto and clearly knows people. The results were tickets roughly nine rows up behind the goal the Maple Leafs attacked on twice during the game. The seats were beyond what I’d expected and only served to enhance an otherwise terrific visit to shores of Lake Ontario.
Missed Out – My biggest regret from this event was not taking the time to do a bit more research. As it came on the heels of my trip east to the Ryder Cup and National Baseball Hall of Fame, I failed to do the proper legwork and discover that an area near Scotiabank Arena known as Maple Leaf Square features statues of 14 Toronto hockey legends (including the likes of Borje Salming, Johnny Bower, Frank Mahovlich, and, yes, Tim Horton). I guess I now have another reason to revisit this gem of a city within a 5-hour drive of my house.
Running List of States Traveled To/Through (26 total) – Alabama, Alaska, California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, & Wyoming
Running List of Countries Traveled To/Through (8 total) – Argentina, Canada (Ontario & Quebec), England, Japan, Korea, Scotland, United States, & Wales
Distance Traveled – 221 miles from Scotiabank Arena to my home.
Cumulative Distance Traveled After 28 Events – 68,029 miles
Up Next: A trip to Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, IN, for Notre Dame vs. USC football.
