Maple Leafs
Once again, I was on twitter and saw a tweet from @JonSinden that the Maple Leafs would be practicing today at the Sunnydale Outdoor Rink in Rexdale. I thought to myself – “hmm that would be fun”. So I went home to grab my camera and asked my 12 year old DD to join me. I had no idea what to expect seeing as the practice was in Rexdale, it was outdoors, and it was an event that began at 11:30 a.m.
Well – I soon found out that it was a HUGE event with close to 3,000 people attending. There were speeches by executives from RONA as well as Mayor Rob Ford. However the crowds were less interested in the speeches and wanted to see the Maple Leafs hit the ice!!
I also found out that MLSE Team Up Foundation, RONA and the City of Toronto invested over $150,000 to improve the Sunnydale Outdoor Rink. It is now a state-of-the-art rink complete with a UVA coating which will prevent the winter sun from affecting the ice quality plus it will extend the skating season. Plus they installed some sophisticated rink boards.
I was super thrilled to BE THAT CLOSE to the players and hear the blades cut into the ice. (you know that sound, I am talking about, right?) It was a completely different experience than going to a game in an indoor arena. Note to self: I really should go to a game this year. Its been too long.
Despite the cold, I managed to take off my winter gloves and snap a few photos. Just a few!!
PS Sunnydale Outdoor Rink is located at 50 Amoro Drive, Rexdale. For further info call (416) 338-RINK.
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