Mats Sundin: Misty During Toronto Return

If you're following sports, you will be aware that NHL player Mats Sundin returned to the Air Canada Center last night in Toronto.

The knowledgeable Leafs faithful showed class in the way the event was handled, giving Sundin his due with a video tribute and a two minute standing ovation for the past. They also gave him some jeers when he touched the puck during the game. It was a great way to handle the situation. The true hockey fan side responded to Sundin’s work while Leafs nation was giving him the gears for what might have been last year.

The big Swede was about as emotional as ever during the ovation, fighting back the tears of gratitude. It confirmed what Sundin has known for years—Toronto fans are the class of the league and truly in touch with the hockey world.

Both teams played well in the game with Roberto Luongo and Vesa Toskala having strong outings. The game ended in poetic fashion with Sundin scoring the shootout winner. Everyone in the building, including Toskala, knew what was coming but to Sundin’s credit, his patented fake to the forehand and roof the backhand was executed to perfection making the deke unstoppable.

It would be great to see Sundin and the rest of the Canucks sip from Lord Stanley’s mug this spring but we do not think they have quite enough horses to get the job done.

For supporting content on this sports news story on the web, the Toronto Sun had some good coverage.

“No Guts No Glory”

Walt Webb