Despite having seven pro teams to concentrate on, I’ll admit that I don’t always pay as much attention to the Marlies as I should.  And as if to prove this point, I’ve only just found out who their host is. (And even that was by accident.)

In any event, meet Amanda Stavrou, who hails from Brampton and was selected last season to be the new host for the Marlies.  Amanda is a York University media & communications graduate and she’s a fashion addict who loves music.

Something tells me I’m going to have to start paying more attention to the team and I’m sure you’ll feel the same way after seeing these photos:

I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to actually show some pictures of Amanda doing her job:

As we prepare for another season of Marlies action, if that doesn’t convince you to go to the Ricoh Coliseum for some games, nothing will!  At the very least, make sure you follow Amanda on Twitter @AmandaStavs.

Photo credits: www.facebook.com

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• By English Paul
• August 20, 2013
• Comment

There’s no denying Steve Spott has a tough task ahead of him, trying to replace Dallas Eakins.  And not just because the Marlies new head coach doesn’t have the same Tom Cruise-style haircut as his predecessor.

During his four seasons in Toronto, the Oilers new head coach led the team to two division and one conference championship.  Eakins also oversaw the development of several players who are now considered key to the future hopes of the Leafs, including Nazem Kadri and Jake Gardiner.

Having said that, Toronto-born Spott has an impressive resume, including being head coach of both Canada’s under-18 and under-20 teams.  Yesterday, he took time out to answer questions from the fans.

(Rather worryingly, the questions appear to have come from people who sound more professional and better-prepared than myself, not that this takes much.)

1) JOINING THE ORGANIZATION

2) COACHING

3) COACH VS PLAYER

4) CHARACTER VS SKILL

I hope you noticed the particularly good question from the UK-based fan. (Spott’s words, not mine.)  Something tells me the Marlies are going to be in good hands moving forward.

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
• August 15, 2013
• Comment

During their offseason, professional athletes can be forgiven for wanting to spend a little time relaxing and letting it all hang out.  Unfortunately, some of them take this a little bit too literally at times, i.e. Dustin Byfuglien.

However, one person who can’t be accused of this is Mike Zigomanis.  Yesterday, the Marlies forward decided to go on a 10k run……………..in Milaflores, Peru:

That’s definitely an impressive view, although, personally, I’d rather take it in via a cable cart. (Let’s just say I’m permanently in offseason shape.)

However, while I feel the need to question his sanity, it appears that Zigomanis was preparing for a full day walk around Machu Picchua, which is located 7,970 feet above sea level:

Machu Picchu is often referred to as the “Lost City of the Incas”, which doesn’t surprise me after looking at the photo above.  Mind you, given that I periodically get lost whenever I’m walking around the PATH system in the downtown core, maybe I’m not the best person to comment on this.

In any event, the hike was definitely worthwhile for the former Buffalo Sabres draft pick, as evidenced by this picture:

I have all the respect in the world for what Zigomanis did, but I still can’t excuse his choice of sweater.  Oh well, at least he didn’t provide a builder’s bum shot for his followers.

On a more serious note, Zigomanis, who was the Marlies 2013 nomination for Community man of the year, will be participating in The Longest Day on the 21st June.  The Zigomaniacs’ will be raising funds and awareness of Alzheimer’s care, support and research.

Click here to donate to Zigomanis and his team, or visit this page, to learn more about the event.

Photo credits: @mikezigomanis

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
• June 12, 2013
• Comment

There’s no denying that Dallas Eakins leaving Toronto to join the Edmonton Oilers is a big blow.  His ability to develop young players such as Nazem Kadri and Jake Gardiner was beneficial to both the Marlies and the Leafs.

In any event, the Marlies must now concentrate on finding the ideal replacement to help continue the impressive work Eakins did within the organisation.  At least they have the benefit of being able to offer the best working environment outside of the NHL, including excellent working facilities.

There are various names being floated around at the moment, such as Ryan McGill (WHL’s Kootenay Ice), Steve Spott (OHL’s Kitchener Rangers) and Dominique Ducharme (CHL’s Halifax Mooseheads)

Another aspect which should ensure no shortage of interest, is the paycheque, which increases the scope of possible candidates, including those with NHL coaching experience.  In that respect, Joe Sacco, former head coach of the Avalanche, is another possibility.

However, according to sources, the front-runner appears to be Glen Gulutzan, who was recently fired by the Dallas Stars.  While Gulutzan was unable to end the longest playoff drought in franchise history, he did have the team in contention down the stretch in each of his two seasons as head coach in Dallas.

Gulutzan went 64-57-9 during his time in charge of the Stars, a decent effort when considering the talent at his disposal.  The potential upside he displayed in Dallas is the main reason why the Marlies are intrigued by the former professional player.

When you combine this with his age (41), it becomes clearer as to why the Marlies organisation is keen to make further enquiries about Gulutzan.  The hope is to bring someone to help maintain the progress and stability that was the hallmark of Eakins tenure, while also being a potential future replacement for Randy Carlyle.

Photo credit: @IAmByks

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• By T.O.I.N.S.D.R.
• June 9, 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 3-2 win in Rochester, 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.

If you have any questions, please email me at [email protected]

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

As we wrote earlier, Greg Scott played a huge part in the Marlies 6-3 win against the Rochester Americans yesterday by scoring four goals.  However, the winger wasn’t the only Marlie who stood out in the first game of the best-of-five series against their North Division rivals.

Goaltender Drew MacIntyre made arguably the save of the season in the AHL, one of those ‘did I really just see that?!’ moments.  However, we’ll let you be the judge of how good a stop it was:

As if the save wasn’t amazing enough, it came at a crucial point of the game when the Marlies were being dominated by the Americans.  During the second period, the visitors outshot their hosts 19-3.

Scott will quite rightly get the majority of the headlines.  However, MacIntyre’s performance, which included 31 saves, will need to be a regular occurrence if the Marlies are to advance in the playoffs.

For anyone who fancies going to today’s game, click here for tickets.  If you’re unable to make it to Ricoh Coliseum, the game will be broadcast live on Rogers TV from 3pm.

If you have any questions, please email me at [email protected]

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• By paul.taylor
• April 28, 2013
• Comment

The Marlies got their playoff campaign off to a perfect start yesterday, as they beat the Rochester Americans 6-3 at Ricoh Coliseum in the first game of a best-of-five series.  Greg McKegg and Paul Ranger both scored for the Marlies, but it was teammate Greg Scott who everyone was talking about.

Scott became the first AHL player in 13 years to score four times in a Calder Cup Playoff game.  The winger had only previously scored three career playoff goals.

For anyone who missed Scott’s dazzling display, or just wants to see it again, here’s all four of his goals:

Afterwards,  Scott spoke to the media about his performance:

Hopefully this is just the start of a special postseason run for both Scott and the Marlies.

For anyone who fancies going to today’s game, click here for tickets.  If you’re unable to make it to Ricoh Coliseum, the game will be broadcast live on Rogers TV from 3pm.

If you have any questions, please email me at [email protected]

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• By paul.taylor
• April 28, 2013
• Comment

The 2011-12 campaign was almost a dream season for the Marlies, who made it all the way to the Calder Cup final.  Unfortunately they came up on the wrong end of a 4-0 series defeat to the Norfolk Admirals.

This year, the Marlies have once again stormed through the regular season to win the North Division.  And as they prepare for their first playoff game this afternoon against the Rochester Americans at Ricoh Coliseum, the message is clear:

Video credit: @ Marlies TV

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• By paul.taylor
• April 27, 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