It was cool.....
The last time I was at Maple Leaf Gardens it was for a Leafs-Nordiques game. In fact, that's the only Leafs game I've ever been to. I may not be the biggest hockey fan, but I have to say that it was pretty cool (I know I should say something more intelligent, but "pretty cool" comes to mind) when I walked into the Gardens this morning. Sure, there was no ice in it, but to stand at what would have been centre ice and look around, I just felt the history.
From Stanley Cup hockey games to historic concerts, I made sure to take a mental snap shot of the arena where they all took place. This, before it's turned into the Ryerson University Sports and Recreation Centre and a Loblaw's grocery store.
I have to say that after hearing about the plans and looking at a couple of graphics that were provided at this morning's news conference, I think it's going to be okay. Sure, it would be great to have an NHL team in there or maybe even the Hockey Hall of Fame, but since that's not going to happen, this isn't a bad option. They're going to maintain the outside, including the iconic MLG sign. They're also planning on having a MLG museum inside. They'll also have an NHL-sized hockey rink upstairs in the Ryerson athletic facilities.
The way I look at it, is that the historic facade of the building is being maintained, hockey (among other things) is still being played inside, there's going to be an MLG museum AND you can buy President's Choice Decadent cookies...all in one building.
Sounds pretty good to me.
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