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I understood many of the qualities that define a Leafs fan, having had the chance to wear the cherished Leaf crest on my chest for almost six years, but this book helped me to grasp the lengths to which fans will go in order to realize their dream of watching a Leafs game live.

Alyn McCauley

Former Toronto Maple Leafs forward (1997–2003)

and Los Angeles Kings scout

June 2012

Kingston, Ontario

I wish to thank the many people who helped me in this project; but first, some context.

I was finishing the manuscript as the Leafs were beginning an epic slump that would see them fall out of the NHL playoff race for the seventh consecutive season. The ugly slide cost head coach Ron Wilson his job. More telling was the anger that exploded amongst the team’s fan base — myself included — and the declining reputation of Leafs GM Brian Burke among the team’s supporters that took hold during this time. Having come undone as they did also scuttled any suggestion of a hopeful parting theme in this book. No one expected the 2011–12 version of the Leafs to win the Stanley Cup, but there was real hope up until about Valentine’s Day that the team would make the playoffs and provide genuine optimism for the future.