Solo lap never gets old for Leafs
Veterans gave rookie Brown something to remember in his NHL debut Thursday
Moments before game time Thursday, veteran Maple Leaf players told rookie Connor Brown to get to the front and lead the team onto the ice.
When Brown’s skates touched the ice, he didn’t have to look behind him because he knew — no one followed him out.
The Toronto-born Brown was all alone on an initiation lap around the ice to mark his NHL debut in front of 18,922 fans at the Air Canada Centre, including his parents. He savoured the moment. “It’s a memory of your first game,” the 22-year-old said. “You can cherish that. It gets rid of the nerves a bit too, and lightens the mood. “It was a harmless thing.” The veterans have had plenty of opportunity this season to orchestrate this rookie tradition — 10 players have made their NHL debut this season — but it’s hard to find someone who will take responsibility.
And when you ask, you get a shoulder shrug or a blank stare.
“I’m not really sure,” third-year defenceman Morgan Rielly said. “It’s not planned or anything. I didn’t even know about it (Brown’s solo lap) until it was happening.”
Brown tries to evade the subject.
“I don’t think anyone in particular did it,” Brown says at first.
When pressed, he says it might have been Peter Holland.
Holland, however, wasn’t at practice Friday to confirm his role; he’s out with an injury and is day to day.
The NHL culture was once rife with hazing rituals to shame rookies; former Leafs defenceman Bob McGill remembers going through a headshaving ritual as a rookie.
Leafs coach Mike Babcock isn’t part of the planning, but he thinks this solo-lap tradition is good for team bonding.
“I thought that was outstanding,” he said. “Obviously, the guys only do that to you if they like you, so that’s positive for him. I think he has a chance to have a real good career.”
Fellow rookie Zach Hyman got off easy.
No solo lap for him, because when he made his debut Feb. 29 there were four Leafs enjoying their first NHL game and seven making their debut as a Leaf.
“I didn’t have to do it,” Hyman said with a smile, “but (Brendan) Leipsic did earlier.”
Asked to name the ringleader, Hyman shakes his head.
“I don’t know. I’m a rookie. You have to ask the older guys.”
Babcock, 52, is asked whether he had to endure any rookie initiations from his playing days in junior.
“Not any that I’ll share with you,” he said.