Toronto and the Maple Leafs: A City and Its Team
$16.99-
100 years of love, celebration, heartbreak, and even parades
On December 19, 2017, the Toronto Maple Leafs officially turn 100. In the spirit of the centenary celebrations, Toronto and the Maple Leafs explores the city’s relationship with its most beloved sports team. No matter how many times the Jays and Raptors make the playoffs, it’s a Leafs game that still brings the city together on a cold Saturday night and fuels the talk shows all summer. But why are fans so absorbed by a team that has not won a Cup in 50 years?
Veteran Leafs and NHL columnist Lance Hornby gives readers an insider’s perspective on how the pulse of the city and team became one through two world wars, the Depression, the zany Harold Ballard years, and, until recently, dysfunctional hockey operations. Toronto and the Maple Leafs includes insights and stories from Mayor John Tory to Joe Fan; from influential voices of the Leafs, such as Foster Hewitt and Joe Bowen, to the ushers, cleaners, and ticket scalpers. Not to mention a funeral director who performs Leafs-themed services.
An unforgettable book about the good teams, bad games, and bizarre times of this franchise’s history, this is the perfect companion for every Leafs fan.
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Lance Hornby has covered the Maple Leafs and the NHL for the Toronto Sun and Postmedia since 1986. Ron Ellis played for the Toronto Maple Leafs for 16 seasons, was a member of the team’s last Cup-winning squad in 1967, and took part in the 1972 Summit Series. Both live in Toronto, Ontario.
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Published: October 2017
ISBN: 9781770413627
Dimensions: 6 x 9 in.
Pages: 240
Reviews
“Contrary to popular belief, Lance hasn’t been around for the entire 100 years of the Maple Leafs, it just seems that way. Nobody knows the history of this storied franchise better than Lance, and he once again exhibits this wisdom with his fantastic storytelling skill in this must-read book for Toronto hockey fans.” — Tim Wharnsby, CBC Sports
“Because of their history, and despite it, the Toronto Maple Leafs have a unique relationship with the city and with their fans. Lance Hornby has done a terrific job of telling the stories of the players, the coaches, and all those around the team over the years, depicting a love affair that never seems to end.” — Scott Morrison, NHL on Sportsnet
“Lance Hornby has covered the Leafs and the NHL for the Toronto Sun for 30 years, and draws on his storehouse of knowledge to present a lively collection of anecdotes, history and memorable characters, whether owners, players or fans.” – Toronto Star
“I had fun running down Memory Lane with Lance Hornby’s book. Lots of great stories from both on and off the ice surrounding the Toronto Maple Leafs” — Joe Bowen, radio and TV voice of the Leafs since 1982
“Nobody has a greater wealth of knowledge and insight on the Toronto Maple Leafs than Lance. His earlier books about the Blue and White have been enjoyable, and this time he brings it all together for the unique and special place the Leafs hold off the ice as well as on. A must read for all hockey fans, but especially for fans of the Leafs.” — Gord Stellick, Sportsnet Hockey Central analyst, Sirius XM Radio host, and author of Hockey, Heartaches and Hal and Stellicktricity
“Nice book for Leafs’ fans that includes a very good Foreword by Ron Ellis.” – Simcoe.com