Toronto Maple Leafs mixing up goal songs

TORONTO – The Maple Leafs didn’t change their goal song for five full seasons.

They’ve had two in two games to start the 2023-24 campaign — and there are more to come.

Toronto used a portion of Steve Aoki’s 2012 remix of Kid Cudi’s “Pursuit of Happiness” in Wednesday’s home opener, with the track briefly taking over from Hall & Oates’ 1980s tune “You Make My Dreams (Come True).”

But that dance jam was shelved by the time the Leafs hit the ice Saturday. A spokesman said Monday the team is aware there are concerns about a portion Kid Cudi’s original song — which was not used in Wednesday’s goal celebration snippet — including the Cleveland-born rapper’s line “Driving drunk, I’m doin’ my thang.”

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The Leafs said they’re looking for a song that will energize both players and fans, adding a different track was set to be in rotation for Monday’s visit from the Chicago Blackhawks.

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Toronto is also expected to mix up genres for goal songs throughout the season, including games with specific themes or ones featuring Original Six opponents.

Leafs winger Mitch Marner was a fan of the Kid Cudi remix used inside Scotiabank Arena during a wild 6-5 shootout victory Wednesday over the Montreal Canadiens.

“Hell of a song,” he said after the game.

The goal tune for Saturday’s 7-4 victory over the Minnesota Wild was switched to “Dup Dup” by Germany’s Mickie Krause.

The use of “You Make My Dreams (Come True)” was a polarizing topic among sections of a rabid fan base, with many calling for a more contemporary celebration track, and others appreciating the nostalgia of Hall & Oates.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 16, 2023.