Congratulations are in order for Drew MacIntyre. The goaltender has been named Marlies IOA/American Speciality AHL Man of the Year, in recognition of his contributions to the Toronto community during the 2013-14 season.

The 30-year old is renowned for his veteran leadership, so it comes as no surprise that this would extend to off the ice. His dedication and commitment are a positive influence on teammates and fans alike.

The 2001 121st overall NHL draft pick is best known for the miracle save he made last season against the Rochester Americans. His performances during this campaign have the Marlies in position to clinch a historic third consecutive North Division championship.

MacIntyre will now compete for the AHL’s 2013-14 Yanick Dupre Memorial award, named after the former Hershey Bears forward who died in 1997 as a result of leukemia. The winner will be announced later on this month by the AHL.

Photo credit: @coleveasey35

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• By T.O.I.N.S.D.R.
• April 3, 2014
• Comment

To say the Marlies have enjoyed a fine season would be a massive understatement. In fact, up by 18 points with just nine games remaining, they are on the brink of a historic third consecutive North Division championship.

The boys took a break from their quest for the Calder cup as duty called, in the form of team photo day at the Ricoh Coliseum. And as part of the occasion, some season ticket holders won the chance to be part in the team photo.

Here’s a few photos from the photo shoot, as we take you behind the scenes. Literally! (Kudos to @Eskay75 for the photo above.)

Photo credits: @TorontoMarlies

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• By English Paul
• April 2, 2014
• Comment

I know Toronto is all about the Leafs, but we still try to throw the Marlies some love every now and then. Here’s the recap of their season seat holder gala, which was held earlier this week at the Hockey Hall of Fame:

(Sorry, what’s that? You would have liked to have gone to the event, but you didn’t know anything about it? Tough! Try not to be so obsessed with the Leafs in future.)

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• By English Paul
• March 13, 2014
• Comment

The Leafs aren’t the only Toronto team looking forward to playing outdoors in Detroit. (At least I assume they are!) This afternoon, the Marlies will be playing against the Grand Rapids Griffins at Comerica Park.

The players took to the ice this morning to have some fun ahead of the big game. Puck drop is at 5:00 pm ET and you can watch the game live on Sportsnet:

If you have any tips or information about any of Toronto’s sports teams, please email me at [email protected]

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• By English Paul
• December 30, 2013
• Comment

While the Leafs are off to a slow start against the Bruins, one professional hockey team from Toronto currently embracing the postseason is the Marlies.  After Wednesday”s nights , the Marlies advanced to the second round of the Calder Cup playoffs.

And as a result of their clean sweep of the Americans, the team have the added bonus of not playing again until next Friday.  As such, Jerry D”Amigo and Jesse Blacker decided to take advantage of yesterday”s sunny weather in Toronto:

What a nice day to sit on a patio for lunch #oasis #sunsoutgunsout @jerryd91

— jesse blacker (@JBlacker91) May 2, 2013

And you”ll be glad to know they made the necessary arrangements before heading out:

So the message to the Leafs is clear: Get your act together and you too could get some free time to enjoy this nice weather and apply after-sun lotion to your teammates back.

Click here to buy Marlies tickets for the second round of the playoffs.  Games 1 and 2 will be played at Ricoh Coliseum on May 10th and 11th.

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• By paul.taylor
• May 3, 2013
• Comment

Yesterday was a big day for the Toronto Marlies at the Rioch Coliseum as they hosted a Canadian Forces Appreciation Day.

The event was organised in conjunction with the MLSE Team Up Foundation, who donated a generous $36,000 to the Soldier On Fund:

In honour of the troops, the Marlies decided to wear special camouflage jerseys for the game:

Well, I guess it’s the thought that counts.

Here’s Corey Syvret sitting on the bench, wishing he really was camouflaged:

As part of the festivities, members of the Canadian Forces took part in a ceremonial puck drop with the team captains:

A member of the Canadian Armed Forces and a young fan proudly pose with their Marlies hats.  They may or may not be chuckling to themselves about the camouflage jerseys:

While we’re (still) on the subject of the jerseys, several of them were auctioned off during the game.  However, this father and son appear genuinely conflicted between helping out a really good cause and potentially having to actually own one of the jerseys:

Given the occasion, it was only fitting the Marlies went on to beat the Binghamton Senators 2-1 in a shootout.  Afterwards the players posed for a group photo with the troops:

Post game, Sam Carrick and his teammates also signed autographs in Marlies Alley to round off a special afternoon for players, troops and fans alike:

Photo credits: @TorontoMarlies & @joshjimenez

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• By paul.taylor
• March 4, 2013
• Comment

Unfortunately for the Marlies, they’ve been flying under the radar a bit recently, since the return of NHL hockey.  (Although if Leafs results don’t improve soon, the Marlies could benefit, especially with still being well placed in the standings.)

However, they’re still doing their bit to interact with the fans, by holding an open practice at Milton Sports Centre last night:

Practice also provided a rare opportunity for local team, the Milton Winterhawks, to play with the Marlies.  Unfortunately, Mike Zigomanis let his competitive spirit get the better of him.

Here, he taunts some of the kids and tells them what he is going to do to them and their moms just before the poor bastards hit the ice:

It’s important for athletes to always be open to accepting tips as they navigate their way through their careers.  However, I’m a bit concerned that Joe Colborne is suffering a crisis of confidence as he stoops to new lows in taking advice on how to improve:

As you would expect, Carlton’s only slightly less annoying younger cousin Duke was in attendance.  (I don’t care if they’re not even the same species, all I know is they’re related somehow.)

In an ideal word, I like to think the picture was taken just seconds before Duke lost his balance and landed awkwardly on the ice, resulting in at least one broken limb and some form of agony and suffering.

After practice, perhaps the best part of the occasion for fans was the chance to meet the players up close and personal.  Here, Kenny Ryan patiently looks on as two young fans examine his autograph to make sure its acceptable to them:

Marlies captain Ryan Hamilton signs yet another shirt while Will Acton looks on longingly, wishing someone, anyone, would ask him for his autograph:

Nicolas Deschamps goes all in for the fist bump, which is more than can be said for the young fan who is showing all the passion of a Leafs supporter at the ACC:

Actually, after the Leafs 4-1 loss last night at home, it would explain the kid’s lack of enthusiasm. I’ll let him off.

Maybe he should go to the next Marlies home game this Wednesday against the Hamilton Bulldogs.  Click here for tickets if you fancy joining him at the Ricoh Coliseum.

Photo credits: @TorontoMarlies

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• By paul.taylor
• February 5, 2013
• Comment

One of the more positive outcomes of the recent NHL lockout has been the increased interest in the Marlies.  As such, it was no surprise to see the fans turn out in their droves last night at Heron Park Arena in Scarborough, to watch the team’s open practice:

Also benefiting from the evening were the West Hill Golden Hawks, a local team who got the chance to practice with the Marlies:

And even though I don’t have time for team mascots, I’m glad it was Duke the Dog who was there rather than Carlton the Bear, who just struts around like he owns the joint.

Of course, one of the best aspects of having open practices is when the fans gets a chance to interact with the players as well.  Here’s Mike Zigomanis and Greg Scott (who looks a little bit too pleased to be there) posing for the camera while signing autographs:

This is a particularly nice moment that was captured between Nicolas Deschamps and a young fan:

It’s just a shame to think this precious moment could potentially one day be replaced by feelings of anger, misery and failed expectations for the kid.  And that’s before they decide to support the Maple Leafs.

Overall, the evening was a success for the Marlies.  Hopefully, the team will continue to connect with the fans by holding other similar events.

Photo credits: @TorontoMarlies

• By paul.taylor
• January 16, 2013
• Comment

Okay, I get it.  When you play in the more popular/financially lucrative sports leagues, you don’t have to put as much time and effort in to establishing support from the general public.

In terms of Toronto, this applies to bigger teams such as the Maple Leafs, Blue Jays and, don’t laugh, the Raptors.  On the flip side, if someone happens to follow one of the so-called lesser teams, it can prove to be quite a rewarding experience.

For example, as well as appearing at Shoeless Joes on King Street West, the Argonauts players and cheerleaders meet fans on the field after every home games.  This interaction with young children, horny teenagers and adults who really should know better, is an invaluable way to help grow the fanbase.

Another team that provides a similar service for people is the Toronto Marlies.  And with the NHL still involved in a bitter lockout, this is the perfect time for the Marlies to take advantage of the situation in a market that has an insatiable appetite for hockey.

While I appreciate fan interaction is pretty much in the job description for professional athletes on less high-profile teams, it’s still pretty cool to see the Marlies players taking the time to meet the public.

Here’s Mike Zigomanis patiently signing autographs after a recent home game:

The team also held a ‘meet and greet’ event on Monday, which was a great way for season ticket holders to get up close and personal with their favourite players:

Unfortunately, Jerry D’Amigo may have taken the ‘up close and personal’ aspect a little bit too literally:

Is that an attempt at a smouldering look?  Whatever it is, D’Amigo better get in some practice in case he one day establishes himself at the NHL level and wants to take advantage of the groupies.

Overall, the importance of the Marlies on Toronto’s sporting scene cannot be underestimated.  In many ways, the Leafs need the Marlies more than ever to help spread the feel-good vibe at a time when hockey fans are becoming increasingly disillusioned with the game.

Photo credits: @TorontoMarlies

• By paul.taylor
• December 12, 2012
• Comment