Toronto's Stage is Set for Stars to Shine

As the sun rises on a crisp Sunday morning in Toronto, it feels only fitting that the leagues' biggest spectacle is being played in the home of it's greatest prize.

Following a light-hearted practice on Saturday, MRFHL All-Stars attended a gala at the Hockey Hall of Fame where they were greeted by the league's most pristigous guest — The Stanley Cup.  When it's not touring the world riding roller coasters, being dunked in the ocean or steaming in a backyard hottub, Lord Stanley's mug rests in Toronto, only steps from the Maple Leafs Scotiabank Arena.  Some call it a curse — one that has ensured the Leafs have only been the true custodians of the cup only once in the past 13 seasons — but as set our sites on the ultimate exhibition, a celebration of the world's fastest game, no other city seems more appropriate a host. 

"Yeah, you know it's what we fight for every day," said Leafs forward, and Eastern Conference All-Star Sam Reinhart. "We're as motivated as ever to put ourselves in a spot to hopefully at the end of the season maybe be the team that could possibly hoist the Stanley Cup."  What the Leafs leading scorer perhaps lacked in eloquence, he made up for in spades with determination.  "I just know that, like any of the guys in the room, ask any one of them, all of us just kinda feel like, and it's not just me, it's everyone, we just sorta think that if we stick to the plan, listen to coach, keep our head down, work hard, that this group of guys — ask any of us — have as good a chance as any to win."

When the Cole Harbour kid, Florida's Sidney Crosby was asked about his feelings of being reunited with the Stanley Cup, a prize he's won three times with the Sunrise team, the Panthers captain simply stated, "Yeah." Although we paused and waited for Crosby to elaborate, it felt like the man's wisdom and reflection was perfectly summarized in his one-word answer.

Polling all four goaltenders about their thoughts of the Cup turned up fruitless as it appears the goaltenders union stayed united in their superstition, none of two team's netminders having previously won the Cup so none volunteering to share any thoughts or reflections.  Lukas Dostal seemed the most awkward of the bunch, as it appeared even basic eye contact was a struggle for the St. Louis crease commander.

Whether words were scant or a plenty, one thing's for sure, having the Lord in the house meant the league spared no expense in throwing the city's hottest party.  Rare bison milk was served to guests from a giant ice sculpture in the middle of the ballroom.  The milk, which has been described by one general manager as being "whiter and has a thicker consistency" than its bovine counterpart was a hit among players and front office members alike.

Not to be outdone by their bison brethren, the Buffalo Sabres general manager offered a delectable meal that included petite handpicked baked chicken limbs, served either rubbed in select spices or covered in a unique butter sauce infused with cayenne pepper.  And for those that don't have as refined a palette, Detroit's general manager supplied grilled cheese sandwiches to all those interested.  The two cheese blend of mozzarella and cheddar was brought to life with a hint of pizza sauce.

Although pleasant, Saturday's gala was definitely the calm before the storm.  As the two teams take to the ice on Sunday, a night of frivalties will be long forgotten and all 40 players will be laser focused on one goal (well technically, two goals... one on each end of the ice).

UPDATE:  An update to the ongoing national anthem drama, a story exclusively broken by our news outlet yesterday, it appears the Maple Leafs have offered a considerable sum of money to lure Michigan rising star Dougie Bibeau to the All-Star festivities to perform for the sold out crowd.  More as the story conitues to unfold.

Eastern Conference Lines

Western Conference Lines