Mayor John Tory has officially named Saturday - June 16, 2018 - Toronto Marlies Day in the city of Toronto, following the AHL team's Game 7 victory over the Texas Stars on Thursday evening.
Congratulations to our @TorontoMarlies on winning the #CalderCup Thursday night. To recognize the Marlies championship season, I have proclaimed today as Toronto Marlies Day in the City of Toronto. #MarliesLive #ThisIsMore pic.twitter.com/WHCsRyl3cV
— John Tory (@TorontosMayor) June 16, 2018
The Calder Cup win marks the team's first since it moved to Toronto from St. John's over the 2005-2006 AHL season.
The #CalderCup is here!#MarliesLive #ThisIsMore pic.twitter.com/zgN3Cuyj00
— Toronto Marlies (@TorontoMarlies) June 16, 2018
Saturday's celebrations included a fan rally outside of Ricoh Coliseum, the team's home rink.
Fans were treated to speeches, free food and drink, contests and prizes and the chance to buy official memorabilia.
A look at your #CalderCup Champions!#MarliesLive #ThisIsMore pic.twitter.com/RlVOANTd2s
— Toronto Marlies (@TorontoMarlies) June 16, 2018
"I felt all season long - and it really became obvious as we went through this playoff - that this has been a championship team for me all season," Marlies' head coach Sheldon Keefe told the fans.
"I just want to thank you guys for what you did for us in game seven," added team captain Ben Smith. "You guys brought it, and we felt it from the first minute. From the puck drop, you guys were cheering and it really helped us and got us going."
"So thank you guys for all that you've done all year for us, we really appreciate it."