There’s excitement in the air around Halifax, as The Toronto Maple Leafs get set to hit the ice for a three-day training camp.
“I’ve never been to an NHL game before,” exclaims Maple Leafs fan Tommy Blackburn. “That way it is exciting to watch them be here at my home.”
The BMO Centre is hosting close to six dozen players along with scouts and new coach Mike Babcock.
The main rink has been made to look like a replica of the Air Canada Centre in Toronto.
“People are so excited to be part of an NHL experience,” says BMO Centre General Manager Bill Cruickshank. “We haven’t seen anything like this.”
There are lots of Maple Leaf fans in the Maritimes.
It’s building a buzz around a team that’s offered little to cheer for lately.
Sales have been strong at sports stores in anticipation of training camp.
“It is really riveting that they are bringing so many players, coaches to demonstrate a superior of level of hockey in a smaller city,” says sports store manager Tyler Kent.
Cues have been set up for fans who will start lining up as early as 5:30 Friday morning to buy tickets.
Seats are being sold on first come first serve basis.
They are only $5 each, but the catch is that there are only 400 tickets available per day.
“All my life, been a Toronto fan,” says Hoover MacDougall, who lives right across the street from the ice rink.
He already has his ticket.
It’s one of only a handful given out in advance.
“Well I watch every one of their games,” he adds.
Of course, not everyone is a fan.
“I have no interest,” says Montreal Canadiens fan Gloria Studsbury. “I am Habs all the way. I might have to clean my bathroom that day.”
The players hit the ice at 9:30 a.m. Friday.
Even though they aren’t in Toronto, Maritime Maple Leafs fans will make them feel right at home.
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Kelland Sundahl.
