Is Hockey Coming Back To Maple Leaf Gardens?
Posted September 17, 2009 1:23 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Could hockey be making a comeback at Maple Leaf Gardens?
Back in 2004, many feared the historic structure, now owned by Loblaws, would be turned into a mega-supermarket, but that plan eventually fell through.
“I think Loblaws has found that the program space is pretty awkward and difficult and very expensive,” said city councillor Kyle Rae.
Now Loblaws and Ryerson University have confirmed they’re in talks to turn it into both a supermarket, and student athletic centre.
The Ryerson Rams don’t have a nearby rink to practice on, and students complain that their current facilities are too small.
If hockey is played in the building, under an agreement with Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, there would be restrictions on how large the sporting events could be.
If a deal is reached, financing could involve government money and a special student levy at Ryerson.
“I’m delighted,” beamed John Sewell, Friends of Maple Leaf Gardens. “The fact that ice would continue at Maple Leafs Gardens seems to me just absolutely terrific.”
Maple Leaf Gardens Timeline:
Location: Carlton near Yonge
Built: 1931
Cost: $1.5 million
Property originally owned by :Eaton’s
June 1, 1931: Construction begins
November 12, 1931: Gardens opens just five months after construction started, an incredibly fast turnover.
Nov. 12, 1931: First Leaf game ever played at M.L.G. Leafs vs. Chicago Blackhawks. Leafs lose 2-1. Opening night attendance: 13,542.
April 9, 1932: Leafs win Stanley Cup in first year at their new home, downing the New York Rangers 6-4 in final game.
Feb. 7, 1976: Darryl Sittler sets NHL record with 10 points in a single game, in an 11-4 Leafs win over the Bruins.
Nov. 19, 1931: First wrestling match held.
Sept. 19, 1932: First world title boxing match fought in Gardens, when Panama Al Brown knocked out Emile Pladner in the first round.
March 29, 1966: Historic “Battle of Toronto” pits Muhammad Ali against George Chuvalo. Conn Smythe resigns from MLG board of directors over the boxer’s stance on the Vietnam War, complaining allowing Ali in was a case of putting “cash ahead of class”.
April 2, 1957: First concert ever held by Elvis Presley outside the U.S.
Sept. 7, 1964, August 17, 1965, August 17, 1966: Beatles play Toronto.
December 1982: The Who supposedly play their last concert ever at the Gardens. They’d be back.
1961: Harold Ballard arrives, beginning a tumultuous tenure that only ends with his death in 1990. Steve Stavro assumes control in the 90s, and starts an equally controversial tenure, before selling out to Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment.
February 13, 1999: Final NHL game ever played at the Gardens. It ended as it started back in 1931, with the Leafs losing 6-2 to the Blackhawks.
Spring 2004: Loblaws beats out Home Depot to buy Maple Leaf Gardens.
