WATCH ABOVE: The Toronto Maple Leafs will open their training camp at the BMO Centre in Bedford, and fans are buzzing with excitement. Global’s Ray Bradshaw reports.
BEDFORD, NS – Fans of the Toronto Maple Leafs in Halifax haven’t had much to cheer about lately, but that’s about to change. The Leafs will open their training camp in Bedford at the BMO Centre next month and fans are buzzing with excitement.
It’s been nine years since the Toronto Maple Leafs have been to Halifax when they played a pre-season game against the Ottawa Senators. Most of the fans in the Scotiabank Centre were cheering for the Leafs that night. Now they’re returning to the area and holding 3-days of training camp at the BMO Centre in Bedford.
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“They called us probably about two and half months ago, asked if we had ice available as well as if we were interested in having them come to the facility,” said Bill Cruickshank, the General Manager of the BMO Centre. “We said, oh yeah for sure. We would love to have the Leafs come and do their training camp here.”
The news was sweet music to Brian Forbes, who works at the BMO Centre. His office is covered with team memorabilia. He’s been a die-hard Leafs fan for 60 years, despite the team not winning the Stanley Cup since 1967.
“I grew up liking the Toronto Maple Leafs and that’s the way I’m going to stay,” said Forbes, the Food and Beverage Manager at the BMO Centre.
“I’m really looking forward to it. I think it’s good for the community. It’s great for the kids to look up to these fellows.”
Young players are just as excited as Forbes. “It’s pretty cool that an NHL team is coming out to Nova Scotia for part of the tryout camp,” said Duncan Smith.
His friend Sean Morrison added, “Yeah that’s awesome. I’m pretty excited. I like a lot of Leafs players and I’m pretty excited to see them come out.
“It’s a great opportunity to see some of the best players in the world.”
Cruickshank says the team likes the fact coaches can see the two ice surfaces they’ll use from the same viewing point.
The BMO Centre accomodates only about 700 fans. The first practice is on Friday, September 18th at 9:30 and Cruickshank expects the fans to start lining up about 6:00 in the morning.
Smith said “We’ll have to try our best to get some tickets and come on out.”
The Executive Director of Hockey Nova Scotia is a Montreal Canadiens fan, but likes having the Leafs train in Bedford. “It just re-invigorates everybody and puts hockey in a positive light,” said Cossar.
The BMO Centre is hoping for a lasting relationship with the Maple Leafs, who are bringing 70 players and another 70 administration staff. “We hope they come year, after year, after year,” said Cruickshank.
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