Toronto plans special events for Leafs centennial season
Free activities and appearances by former players to celebrate Leafs 100th season
After proclaiming Toronto's hockey supremacy over every other city in the world — including Montreal — Mayor John Tory announced a series of special events that will mark the Toronto Maple Leafs 100th season.
"This is a hockey town," Tory said outside City Hall on Friday. "This is the hockey capital of the world."
The Maple Leafs are celebrating the team's centennial season in 2017.
The Centennial Classic outdoor game against the Detroit Red Wings takes place at BMO Field on New Year's Day.
The city, together with the Ontario Government and Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment, is planning free activities for the public in January.
Winter Week will be a "celebration of 100 years of hockey in the City of Toronto," a city news release says.
From January 3 to January 8, the public is invited to outdoor skating rinks for games, music, giveaways, refreshments and appearances from Leafs alumni.
Former player Darryl Sittler helped make the announcement at Nathan Phillips Square on Friday.
"It's great to see the community doing this," Sittler said.
Winter Week celebrations will run from noon until 5 p.m. at the following dates and rinks:
- January 3 at Albert Campbell Square
- January 4 at Mel Lastman Square
- January 5 at Greenwood Park
- January 6 at Regent Park
- January 7 at Nathan Phillips Square
The final on January 8 will be for the Mayor's annual skate at Colonel Samuel Smith Park, 1 p.m. until 5 p.m.