The sports and entertainment worlds (sort of) collided together yesterday for the wedding of the year, as Dion Phaneuf married his girlfriend, Elisha Cuthbert*.  When the Leafs captain proposed to the actress last year, we wrote about the positives and negatives of their impending nuptials, but either way, we give kudos for it not being one of those long drawn-out engagements.

* Mikhail Grabovski must be pissed.  Not only do the Leafs buy him out, but his former teammate steals the thunder from his own wedding.

The couple tied the knot at St. James Catholic Church in Summerfield, PEI, where Phaneuf’s parents are from.  Teammates Phil Kessel and Tyler Bozak were reportedly in attendance, but no word on if Sean Avery was invited.

Here’s a few photos from the wedding, just in case any of you care:

1) DION’S ARRIVAL

Here’s Phaneuf arriving for the wedding.  You can tell it must be a happy occasion, because he’s almost smiling. Which is more than can be said for the kid, who looks like he just got some bad news.  Shit!  I hope the Knicks haven’t decided to call off their trade for Andre Bargnani?!

2) ELISHA’S ARRIVAL

This was the moment when the male population finally had to accept the wedding was in fact going ahead, with Cuthbert arriving at the church in a black convertible.

3) THEY’RE MARRIED

And just in case there were any guys out there who were still convinced they had a chance with Cuthbert, here’s the happy couple leaving the church after getting married.

4) LET ME REPEAT THAT: THEY’RE MARRIED

Seriously, give it up! It’s over!  Can’t you see how happy Cuthbert is?  What’s Phaneuf’s is now hers.  And not a moment too soon, what with the ‘comedy’ series Happy Endings recently being cancelled.

5) HEADING TO THE RECEPTION

Call it skewed priorities, but my biggest concern of the day was if everyone’s favourite big lug would be able to fit in the car.  Fortunately, Phaneuf managed to get in, hence the excitement emanating from the crowd.  At least I assume that’s why they’re cheering.

6) THE STALKERS VIEW

It looks like the person taking this picture forgot to use the zoom option.  Mind you, even if they did, the view would have been partially blocked anyway.  (Hey, hey, HEY! Behave yourself.  I’m referring to the car parked in front of the entrance to the church.)

7) THE MEDIA

Talking of pictures, as you’d expect, members of the media were in attendance (as opposed to invited) to cover the wedding.  Sara Orlesky and Barry Davis weren’t there, so I’m assuming TSN and Sportsnet didn’t provide round-the-clock coverage of the day’s events.

Afterwards, the reception took place at a nearby large waterfront estate which is owned by Phaneuf.  (Dion, please tell me you at least got Cuthbert to sign a prenup?)  One guest confirmed there were fireworks while everyone was eating and food trucks at midnight, courtesy of the in-laws.  Something tells me the newly married couple likely pitched in for this.

Congratulation Mr and Mrs Phaneuf.  Despite Blue Toro often taking a more light-hearted look at anything related to the Toronto sports scene, we genuinely wish you both all the best.  (Or at less as genuinely as we can do, considering we’ve never met either one of you.)

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
• July 7, 2013
• Comment

It’s fair to say Leafs Nation is pumped up about the signing of David Clarkson, who was at the top of a lot of people’s UFA lists.  Despite being undrafted, the winger has had a successful NHL career.

The local born Clarkson brings a lot to the Leafs, including speed, aggression and character.  But let’s be honest, most of all he comes in with a reputation as a fighter.

Coach Randy Carlyle will love the fact it doesn’t matter how big the opposition is, Clarkson won’t turn anyone down.  As such, here’s a selection of some of his fights to help whet your appetite for next season:

1) ZENON KONOPKA: DEVILS VS ISLANDERS (03/30/11)

I’ll admit I’m not the biggest fight fan in the world.  However, even I can appreciate the beauty of how Clarkson pretty much controls this scrap from start to finish against an experienced opponent.

2) AARON VOROS:  DEVILS VS RANGERS (12/12/08)

Despite this fight happening in just the third year of Clarkson’s NHL career, I love the fact he already has a history with Voros.   Clarkson’s attitude about the whole thing is pretty cool as well.  He doesn’t care and he’s ready to go.

3) ZACK SMITH: DEVILS VS SENATORS (03/25/13)

I figured we should have at least one recent fight in here, i.e. from this past season.  Credit where it’s due, the Senators Zack Smith gave it a damn good go.  However, Clarkson used his experience to win out in the end.

4) DION PHANEUF: DEVILS VS LEAFS (02/21/12)

This should make for an interesting first meeting between Clarkson and Phaneuf in the locker room.  To be honest, I’m actually impressed with how well the Leafs captain held his own during the fight.  Overall though, it’s good to know Clarkson always there to defend his teammates.

5) SEAN AVERY: DEVILS VS RANGERS (03/30/09)

Okay, this last one isn’t strictly a fight, but it’s most probably my favourite clip in the list.  If there was even a modicum of doubt left about what a punk-ass cowardly bitch Sean Avery is, this dispels it once and for all.  You have to enjoy the way Clarkson shows Elisha Cuthbert’s ex up.

Yep, something tells me the former New Jersey Devil’s going to fit in just fine in Toronto.

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
• July 5, 2013
• Comment

So it’s official: Tyler Bozak is staying in Toronto for five years and $21 million.  And as you’d expect, it made a certain somebody extremely happy:

My buddy is back leaf nation

— Phil Kessel (@PKessel81) July 5, 2013

I guess it’s nice that Kessel has his friend sticking around, although I’m not sure how much of a friend Bozak is, if this comment by Joffrey Lupul is anything to go by:

Oh thats sweet. It’s probably time for him to start paying some rent, right? RT PKessel81: My buddy is back leaf nation

— Joffrey Lupul (@JLupul) July 5, 2013

Of course, the news of Bozak’s re-signing resulted in people taking to Twitter to give their take.  As you’d expect, some were positive:

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS BOOOOOZZZAAAKKK IIISSSS BBAACCKK

— Leafs fan right here (@Tyler_bozak) July 5, 2013

Yes Tyler Bozak is staying with the Maple Leafs

— LE$ (@Bondoc_) July 5, 2013

YESS!!! Tyler Bozak is back!! Flooozakk! #LeafsNation

— Vishal Oommen (@_Vishall) July 5, 2013

Others?  Not so much…….

I’d rather have 5 million dollars worth of pucks than 5 million dollars worth of Tyler Bozak #leafs #fuckingitup

— Matt Bebenek (@mattbebenek) July 5, 2013

New Flash: Just because you pay Tyler Bozak like a #1 center doesn’t make him a #1 center. #TSN #NHL

— Gabriela Vyskocil (@GabbyV2) July 5, 2013

I’ll say there’s about a 15% chance that Tyler Bozak actually plays the next 5 years with the Leafs.

— Alexander Chippin (@Chippin_13) July 5, 2013

TYLER BOZAK WAS GONE… HE WAS ALLLLLL GONE… ALL GONE… BYEBYE GONE… WHY… WHY… WHY???????

— Steve McEwen (@SMcEwen_eh) July 5, 2013

Wow.  Why don’t you tell us what you really think?!  Personally, I’m happy to see Bozak back, although he should be a second line centre, at best, on a good team.  However, I’ll leave it to Warren to have the final word:

Maybe now Tyler Bozak can afford a fucking a hair cut.

— Warren Haas (@wadoha) July 5, 2013

Photo credit: http://wwold.blogspot.co.uk

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
• July 5, 2013
• Comment

With the NHL free agency period set to officially begin today at 12pm ET, here’s some of the rumours currently circulating in respect of the Leafs:

TYLER BOZAK

The Leafs centre has been one of the more polarising figures recently in Toronto.  However, despite decreasing his demands to five years at $5 million, reports indicate Leafs GM Dave Nonis is not willing to accept this.  This does not mean Nonis would not like to bring Bozak back if it’s feasible, but as it stands, negotiations are ongoing.

ROD SCUDERI

The Kings defenceman is high on the list of players the Leafs would love to bring in.  Scuderi proved to be a key part of two Stanley Cup winning sides in Pittsburgh and Los Angeles.   Word has it that the Leafs are at the top of Scuderi’s list if he leaves the Kings, although there could be competition from his former team, the Penguins.

MICHAEL RIBERIO

Apparently, the Leafs have reached a verbal agreement with a ‘Major UFA’, which will be announced today.  According to rumours, there are two names being mentioned prominently, one of which is centre Michael Riberio.  If this is true, fan opinion could be split on a player who, while more than capable of scoring 70 points next season, is often criticised for his lack of toughness.

DAVID CLARKSON

The other player being linked with the Leafs as their high-profile UFA signing, is David Clarkson.  The winger is renowned for being aggressive, something which would be of huge benefit to the team next season, especially if they make the playoffs.  Make no mistake though, if Clarkson does come to Toronto, it won’t be cheap. (Reports indicate he will get in the region of 7 years at $6 million.)

Photo credit: http://thehockeyjunkies.blogspot.co.uk

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• By T.O.I.N.S.D.R.
• July 5, 2013
• Comment

Despite my lack of interest in the whole hoopla that surrounds these occasions, yesterday’s NHL Draft in New Jersey wasn’t too bad.  The Leafs actually had a pretty decent day, although I won’t go as far as to give it a grade.  (What’s the point, when it may take years to work out the impact on your organisation?)

However, what I will do is tell you eight things that you may or may not know about the Leafs first round draft pick, Frederik Gauthier:

1) HE’S FRENCH-CANADIAN 

However, despite being born and raised in Quebec (come on now, let’s not hold it against the guy), Gauthier speaks perfect English.  Okay, so it’s not perfect per se, but it’s still better than mine.

2) HE’S 6FT 3IN AND 193 LBS

Or 6ft 4in and 219 lbs. Or 6ft 5in and 210 lbs. Or 6ft 5 ins and 215 lbs.  It depends on who you ask.  Regardless, the kid’s pretty big for an 18-year old and he should make for an extremely intimidating presence on the ice for the Leafs.

3) HE RISES TO THE OCCASION

Gauthier scored the winning goal for Canada in their gold medal game against the USA in the 2013 IIHF Ice Hockey U18 World Championship.  He also had three assists in his seven games at the tournament, which all came during the playoff rounds.  Just the type of clutch player the Leafs could have used in game seven against the Bruins.  (What, you’re kidding me?! It’s still too soon to mention that?!?!)

4) HE HAS ALL THE TOOLS

Gauthier may well never be considered a top offensive threat, but this is countered by scouting reports that say his defensive game was among the best in this year’s draft class.  He is “an incredible back-checking centre, who has too many tools to ignore”.  Fine, just as long as he’s not arrogant with it.

5) HE COULD IMPACT TYLER BOZAK’S FUTURE IN TORONTO

Mr Bozak would do well to take note of this statistic: During the 2012/13 season, Gauthier led all first-year players in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League with a face-off winning percentage of 46.6%.  He also ranked fourth among first-year players, with 60 points (22 goals & 38 assists) in 62 games.

6) FUN FACT NUMBER ONE

Not sure how much this really matters, but his mum, Sophie Normandin, was an international swimmer.  As long as Gauthier doesn’t have a tendency to dive at the first sign of contact, we should be okay.

7) THE LEAFS WERE LUCKY TO GET HIM

In some respects, the Leafs were fortunate Gauthier was still available for the 21st pick, having been ranked number eight by the NHL Central Scouting Bureau.  The Bureau  is the department within the NHL that ranks prospects for the entry draft, based on how well they will translate to the professional game.  And as we all know, you can always trust any company with the word ‘Bureau’ in it’s title.

8 ) FUN FACT NUMBER TWO

Gauthier’s favourite TV shows include Prison Break and Suits.  Someone really needs to introduce him to Game of Thrones or at least get him onto reruns of Lost on Netflix.

Photo credit: @NHL_rumor_mill

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
• July 1, 2013
• Comment

With the NHL draft less than an hour away, the flurry of trade rumours will only intensify, as teams look to put themselves in the best position possible.  The Leafs will be no different and you can be sure their name will crop up repeatedly throughout the course of this evening.

In the build up to the 2013 draft, the Leafs have already been linked with a move for Sam Gagner, although the centre is currently in negotiations with the Oilers, regarding a new deal.  Another rumour involving Edmonton, has the Leafs sending Jake Gardiner or Carl Gunnarsson, along with their 21st pick, to Alberta, in exchange for the seventh overall selection.

Another possibility that has come to light, involves Dave Nonis swapping Dion Phaneuf with Paul Stastny of the Colorado Avalanche.  The Leafs GM would prefer not to trade his captain, although he did recently indicate no one is exempt from being traded, especially as they search for quality cover at the centre position.

Stansty is a strong skater who is described as an intelligent playmaker,  capable of scoring between 60-70 points. From Phaneuf’s point of few, there are those who believe his time in Toronto is up, with such a move representing a fresh start and a move closer to home.

Whatever the ramifications of such a trade, it wouldn’t be an issue from a financial standpoint.  Both Phaneuf and Stastny become UFAs’ in 2014 and their cap hit for next season is remarkably similar, standing at $6.5 million and $6.6 million respectively.

With the Avalanche holding the first overall draft pick, who they select could determine if any deal with the Leafs is possible, although even this is open to perception.  If Colorado  selects Nathan MacKinnon, do they see him playing behind Matt Duchene and Stansty, or is this an indication that there is no longer any room for their alternate captain?

Hopefully, matters will become clearer during the coming hours in New Jersey.

Photo credit: www.whitecovermag.com

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• By T.O.I.N.S.D.R.
• June 30, 2013
• Comment

Well it’s been an eventful seven days to say the least, with just as much to look forward to this weekend.  As such, let’s dive straight into out ‘Top Toronto athlete sightings of the week’:

(Translation: I can’t be bothered with a lengthy intro today.)

1) ROBERTO & SANDY ALOMAR

Here’s Roberto and Sandy Alomar, who this week did their bit for the children, by helping out at a Blue Jays baseball camp.  Now I’m sure a lot of you would rather we didn’t make fun of the Hall of Famer or his dad and that’s absolutely fine with me.

(To be honest, I’m more distracted anyway by trying to figure out if they’re posing with an underdeveloped adult or just one of the oldest looking kids I’ve ever seen in my life.)

2) TERRENCE ROSS & JOFFREY LUPUL

This week, Blackberry became the official computing partner of MLSE.  Unfortunately for the Raptors Terrence Ross and Joffrey Lupul of the Leafs, this meant getting up at the crack of dawn to promote this news on Breakfast television.

It seems Ross couldn’t decide whether to go with the smart or casual look, while Lupul appears to have just woken up. Literally. Which is ironic, given the Leafs winger likely gave women all around the GTA area an early morning boost, (including CP24 Breakfast presenter Melissa Grelo by the looks of things).

3) TERRENCE ROSS

As part of the promotion, Ross also took to the streets in the Yonge and Dundas area, with tickets to the Raptors home opener on offer to the first person who could find him with a Blackberry device.  I don’t want to say it was a fix, but why am I not surprised the winner turned out to be an attractive young lady.  (I wonder if Ross was doing a ‘Rob Ford’ with his left hand?)

4) ANDRE DURIE & DONTRELLE INMAN

Also getting up early were the Argonauts Andre Durie and Dontrelle Inman, who appeared on breakfast television to help promote the new CFL season.  If truth be told though, I’m only really showing this photo as an excuse to look at the lovely Nalini Sharma of CP24. (Yep, that’s right. I’m a weak man.)

5) JOHNNY BOWER & BEN SCRIVENS

This photo of Leafs legend Johnny Bower and Ben Scrivens is my favourite one of the week, and was taken at the MLSE Team Up Challenge.  At the time, it was described as ‘past meets present’.  Who could have known that within a couple of hours, this would no longer be the case?

(Yes, I know the Leafs organisation likely already knew.  It was a rhetorical question.  No need to be a smart ass!)

6) JOSE REYES

Cushioning the blow of the end of the Blue Jays 11-game winning streak, was the news of the return of the charismatic Jose Reyes.  And despite getting ready to fly to Tampa Bay to join his teammates,  the ever-generous four-time All-Star still made time for his fans.

(I would have totally understood if Reyes declined to sign an autograph for this kid.  I’m sure the last thing he needed was one final reminder that he’d just spent a few days in Buffalo.)

7) MUNENORI KAWASAKI

Talking of Reyes, his return turned into a bitter-sweet moment, as it resulted in everyone’s favourite Japanese player returning to Buffalo.  But before being sent down, (albeit for a grand total of 48 hours) Kawasaki still found time to photo-bomb his teammates picture.

Welcome back Kawasaki!

8 ) DION PHANEUF

And finally, poor Dion Phaneuf.  As if the Leafs captain hasn’t got enough on his mind with the rumours surrounding his long-term future, he can’t even go for a walk in the local park without getting crushed by a mob by over-enthusiastic fans.  (Well, it’s either that or he was pounced on by an excitable Rosie O’Donnell.)

Enjoy the long weekend!

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

You can also follow us on Twitter @bluetoro_ca and like us on Facebook

• By English Paul
• June 28, 2013
• Comment

Despite the headlines made after acquiring Jonathan Bernier from the L.A. Kings, it appears the Leafs are only just getting started.  According to reports, GM Dave Nonis has held talks with the Edmonton Oilers about Sam Gagner.

While these discussions are in the early stages, there’s no denying Gagner is exactly what the Leafs are in need of: an extremely talented young centre.  At 23, the former 6th overall draft pick has a long career ahead of him.

With negotiations between the Leafs and Tyler Bozak not going too well, this makes even more sense, although one potential issue is Gagner’s own salary demands.  He is set to become a restricted free agent on July 5th and is apparently asking for $4.5 million + on his next contract.

This is reportedly how much Bozak is also looking for in his new deal, although Gagner is the better choice if the Leafs are going to pay out that kind of money.  Despite his size (5ft 11, 199 lbs), Gagner is as tough as they come and he’s capable of scoring around 55-60 points in a full season.

The question is, what would the Leafs have to give up in return?  One possibility is Dion Phaneuf, who is heading into the sixth and final year of a $39 million contract.  With the Oilers looking to add a top 2 defenceman with size and experience for next season, the Leafs captain could certainly fill a need.

While people will question the feasibility of such a trade, one key factor could be the Oilers new head coach, Dallas Eakins.  Given his time in Toronto, Eakins relationship with Nonis and the Leafs organisation could prove beneficial for both sides in their attempts to work out any deal.

Photo credit: www.oilersnation.com

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• By T.O.I.N.S.D.R.
• June 24, 2013
• Comment

This week has to go down as one of those modern day rarities for Toronto sports fans.  Between the Blue Jays, Argonauts and Toronto FC, not one of them lost during the last seven days. Not one!

Now admittedly, the Argonauts were only involved in a pre-season game, but who cares?  And even though Toronto FC only played once, when you win just your second regular season game of 2013, it’s worth shouting about.

Anyway, let’s get to the top Toronto athlete sightings of the week:

1) TORONTO FC

And we start off with Toronto FC, seen here at Pearson Airport, preparing to fly to Washington D.C. for their game last weekend.  Steven Caldwell (on the right) looks like he wishes he was anywhere but there, which is pretty bad when you consider he’s only played three games so far for TFC.

Hopefully Toronto FC’s 2-1 win against D.C. United will boost the defender’s spirits.  Besides, do you really want to go back to playing in Birmingham, England?  (It’s a rhetorical question. Trust me, he doesn’t.)

2) ROBERT EARNSHAW

Sticking with Toronto FC, the always cooperative Robert Earnshaw took the time to pose for a photo with a fan, who then tweeted the picture on Twitter.  I don’t know what’s worse: the fan admitting he was glad he didn’t take that day off sick or then posting a photo, meaning he can’t even claim his account was hacked, if his employers ever question him about it.

3) AMIR JOHNSON

Blue Toro favourite Amir Johnson did what any good son would do last Sunday, taking his dad out for Father’s Day.  And even better, they went for ribs!

Mind you, when you consider how big the Raptors player is, those ribs look absolutely massive.  Something tells me Johnson must have struggled to put many away, although I wouldn’t say the same about his dad, judging by the look on his face (amongst other things.)

4) QUINCY ACY & TERRENCE ROSS

The Raptors Quincy Acy and Terrence Ross were spotted enjoying themselves at Wonderland earlier this week.   I was going to say that I don’t recognise their teammate, but then I realised he can’t actually play basketball.  At least you have to assume so, given that he has no star-struck females hanging off his arm.

5) TYLER BOZAK

Some people would say (copyright Bob McCown) Tyler Bozak is randomly casting his fishing rod out to sea, in the hope of hooking himself a lucrative new deal with the Leafs.  However, whereas this approach looks to work with actual fishing, something tells me the centre will need more than random good luck to net himself the big contract he’s looking for in Toronto.

6) TORONTO ARGONAUTS

Now this must be a first: Testosterone-filled professional football players engaged in a game of dominos?!?!  Even though this has to be better than what used to go on at Dallas Cowboys training camps, surely the Argonauts players could go slightly off the rails?

Mind you, as is normally the case in anything to do with professional football, we’ll just blame the kicker.  (Sorry Swayze Waters.)

7) EDWIN ENCARNACION

Given how well Edwin Encarnacion has played these past two seasons, he pretty much gets a free pass as far as I’m concerned.  As such, even though I have absolutely no idea what he’s doing above, I don’t mind.  Maybe the fan in the photo is asking Encarnacion to re-enact how he and the Blue Jays have been strong-arming their way through opponents lately.

8 ) DION PHANEUF

And finally, it’s often said the slightest gestures by professional athletes can have a lasting influence on children.  As such, kudos to Dion Phaneuf for helping to put smiles on the faces of some kids.

Actually, you can already seen the impact the Leafs captain had on the children, as evidenced by this photo of them, which was taking just a couple of hours later:

What’s great, is the way two of the children have already started mimicking Phaneuf on the ice, reinacting those keys moments in games when he loses his balance.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

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

You can also follow us on Twitter @bluetoro_ca and like us on Facebook

• By English Paul
• June 22, 2013
• Comment

Thanks to social media, poor Ben Scrivens can’t go anywhere these days.  There he is, just innocently enjoying himself at a catwalk modelling event, before being busted by his wife, Jennifer Scrivens:

Let’s just hope the Leafs backup goaltender doesn’t get caught out as easily by opposition players next season.

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

You can also follow us on Twitter @bluetoro_ca and like us on Facebook

• By paul.taylor
• June 14, 2013
• Comment