The Toronto Maple Leafs hit the ice today for their first-ever practice in Bracebridge.

For the fourth consecutive year, the team traveled to Muskoka for team bonding and practice, which had been held in Gravenhurst in previous years. The stands were filled with about 450 fans from local public schools, giving the team their warmest Muskoka welcome. Toronto Maple Leafs Head Coach Craig Berube was able to share a few words on the excitement of today’s event.

“It was nice to have the team in a new environment and it was great to see the fans have a standing ovation for the boys,” he said. “We had a good practice today.”

The event was special for the community as this is the first time the team has practiced in Bracebridge as well as their first time at the brand-new Muskoka Lumber Community Centre, which will have its official grand opening on Oct. 10. Bracebridge Mayor Rick Maloney was just one of the many Leafs fans excited to show the players the new community centre.

“We were thrilled to host the Toronto Maple Leafs today at the Muskoka Lumber Arena for a group of very excited students,” Maloney said. “The looks on their faces as the Leafs took the ice was wonderful, and the energy in the arena was electric. The Muskoka Lumber Community Centre has not only been extraordinary for our community, but it allows the town to host high-caliber athletes and events thanks to its state-of-the-art amenities. It was a privilege to watch the Leafs perform today, and we wish them the best of luck in their season ahead. Go Leafs!”

The town was grateful to open this event to young students in the area. Maria McManus, a Grade 7 teacher from Monck Public School, was thrilled to attend the event with her students.

“We are incredibly grateful to have been given this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to bring our students to not only watch the Toronto Maple Leafs practice in Bracebridge but to also see their hockey heroes up close and get autographs,” she said. “For many of these children, this will be their first time experiencing something like this, and we’re so thankful to have been able to give them this truly unforgettable memory that they will cherish forever.”

A few lucky fans were even able to score autographs and photos as well as prizes tossed into the crowd by Carlton the Bear, making the event all the more special. After the practice, the kids waved goodbye to their hockey idols as they loaded the team bus and headed back to Toronto.

The Town of Bracebridge is looking forward to future Toronto Maple Leafs practices in Muskoka, a tradition the team has carried for several years.