Maple Leafs: Easter Seals tradition fun reality check that never gets old
Winger James van Riemsdyk said it best about the importance of the annual Easter Seals skate with the Leafs.
“The Leafs have been doing this for years and it helps keep things in perspective as a player,” van Riemsdyk said after Sunday’s event at the MasterCard Centre.
“We are fortunate as players and you want to give back, so you’re trying to see what impact you can have. This (event) is a big part of playing in the city we do, where the fans care and people like (Easter Seals) care.”
Mitch Marner, Auston Matthews, Morgan Rielly, Roman Polak, Jake Gardiner and Matt Hunwick were among the other Leafs on hand for a fun day — for young and old — with skaters who each raised a minimum of $150 in pledges to support kids with disabilities in Ontario.
Whether it was a race with a speedy kid or pushing a wheelchair for a few laps around the ice, the Leafs solidified the connection between their roles as athletes and the impact they can have on youngsters who look up to them.
“Just goofing around and having fun and seeing them have fun,” van Riemsdyk said. “There’s so much support we get in this city, and you never ever take it for granted, but sometimes you forget. You talk to people and they tell you they didn’t see the game last night, but they taped it and they watched it with their kids at breakfast.”
Some players remembered former NHLers such as Adam Graves, who spent countless hours during his 16-year career, and now in his posthockey days, supporting children’s charities.
Gardiner recalled the first time he was star-struck by a hockey player — which ended with a sore elbow: “I remember skating with a high school team when I was a kid. I looked up to them and I raced one of the players . . . I fell to the ice and wound up getting stitches in my elbow, but it was worth it.”
Polak was chased by one particularly quick kid during a game of tag and had to put on some serious moves to keep out of reach.
“It’s just fun seeing how happy they are,” Gardiner said.
After Sunday’s skate, players stayed on the ice for another hour signing autographs for kids and adults — hats, jerseys, T-shirts.
“Whether you take them for a spin or sign an autograph, they are having fun,” said Gardiner. “I remember seeing a few of these faces in the past and then they say to me, ‘Hey, do you remember me?’ And when I say, ‘Yeah, for sure,’ it just makes it more fun.” Fun is what it’s all about. “I really enjoy doing this stuff.” Rielly said. “It’s not about us players being here. It’s about them feeling good. If they’re having fun, then I’m having fun.”