Letter For The Maple Leafs

Letter for the Toronto Maple Leafs

I wanted to write a letter to the Maple Leafs players and personnel to express my gratitude for the pride that they have left me and the rest of Leafs Nation with. I also want to give them positive thoughts as I'm sure they're all as upset as Leafs Nation is right now. 140 characters isn't enough for me to work with.

Firstly, I've seen a few of you take to twitter and express your disappointment in the loss last night. I want you all to know that you have absolutely nothing to be disappointed about. You've brought more than just a city together, as Leaf Nation spreads all across the globe. You've brought optimism for the future as you showed us all what you're capable of. This team and it's players have a very bright future. Every last one of you brought your A game in the playoffs and that was all we could ask for. 

In the very last game of the NHL season, the Bruins and Senators game, everyone wanted the Bruins to win. This way we would face Montreal in the first round. I knew that it didn't matter who won that game, because we have what it takes to beat either of those teams. When we had Boston as our first round choice, many people counted you out of making noise. When the series was 3-1 Boston, everyone thought for sure that it was over. No one thought we would get to game 7. The fact that you were able to get there is incredible, you showed tons of heart and character and we are all very proud of you. Before this series, when was the last time you saw Chara knocked down by a hit? I don't remember many if any occasions and we managed to do it multiple times. I have to say multiple because I can't even count how many times we knocked him down. We showed Boston that we can play their game and actually out hit the "Big Bad Bruins". You were the better team out there and the Bruins know that, I just hope you know that as well. I know you're all disappointed and have this unnerving feeling. I want you to remember this feeling. Remember it and build off of it. You never want to feel this way again, you now know that ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN. You should even put those words up in your locker room. Also, anything can happen doesn't have to be a bad thing, it just means that a game can be won or lost at any given time before the final horn. 

Bozak, you proved that you have a place on this team. Your defensive face offs were critical to our success. The added scoring punch you brought was the cherry on top. Let that hair grow longer this summer and let it give you superhuman aerodynamic skating speed.

Colborne, while you had a limited role with the Leafs, you did not miss a beat. You filled in admirably for Bozak in the post season and made some noise every time you were on the ice.

Franson, you were solid in the defensive end. You even went beyond expectations and chipped in 3 goals this series. You were a beast on the PP, and that accurate shot of yours will be a great weapon going forward.

Fraser, the pictures of your X-rays are brutal. Before that incident however, you proved to be a very reliable defensemen. You didn't hesitate whenever you had the puck, and you never looked lost in your own zone.

Frattin, you were amazing. Every time you were on the ice, it was guaranteed to be an exciting shift. You played with tons of speed and effort. I hope you don't blame yourself for that missed breakaway opportunity. If you do, you're the only one who does. You did Leafs Nation proud, keep your head up.

Gardiner, had I not been a fan of the Leafs, I would not know that this was your first NHL playoff experience and that you're only a sophomore player. You play like a seasoned veteran out there. Every game you just kept getting better and better and I know the trend is going to keep continuing. 

Grabovski, I don't know anyone that can take such a beating, pop right back up and still have a ton of fight in them. Even UFC fighters can't say they have the heart and determination that you have. Every time you were on the ice, you gave us one heck of an excitement factor. Your creativity is incredible, and I know for sure that next year will be your year.

Gunnarsson, you were quietly one of the most reliable defensemen on the ice. No one noticed you out there, because that's how serviceable you are. You didn't make any mistakes out there, and if you did, they weren't noticed. You had a great effort and Leafs Nation appreciates the solid defensive play. 

Hamilton, while you were only given a limited opportunity during the playoff run, you made the most of it. You showed plenty of heart and grit and I see why you're the captain of our Toronto Marlies.

Kadri, I was so glad to see you break out this season. I knew it was coming and you impressed everyone. I only see you getting better from here. Your offensive skills are impeccable, and those hits of yours are just dirty (I mean that in a good way). Whether it's Nifty Mittens, Nazty Nazem or The Dream, you'll always be a star. Don't worry, we'll all chill out because we know you got this.

Kessel, you were an offensive juggernaut throughout the season and in the playoffs. I was glad to see your defensive game take shape this season, you truly are a gifted player and I for one am proud to have you on the Maple Leafs and on the back of my jersey. You have definitely silenced any critics you had going into the season. Be proud, and keep up the good work. 

Komarov, you truly are the definition of a "super pest". Every time you were on the ice, you brought the heat to our opposition and delivered some punishing body checks. You got into our opponents heads and got them frustrated, an of course brought the entertainment every shift.

Kostka, while you were only dressed for one playoff game, you showed a lot of heart. Staying in the game while having a broken finger was very warrior like. 

Kulemin, every shift you gave it your all and it really showed out there. While you weren't able to get any goals in the playoffs, you created numerous chances every time. I'm certain that next year will be one of your best.

Liles, you brought it every single game. Whenever you had the puck, you knew where to put it and what to do with it. When you didn't have the puck, you knew what to do to make sure it didn't end up in the back of our net.

Lupul, every time you were on the ice, you made something happen. Despite the many injuries, you came back stronger every single time. I think this playoff disappointment was just another proverbial injury, and I fully expect you to bounce back stronger than ever. You are the definition of a superstar and I know that this is only just the beginning.

MacArthur, you really brought it in the offseason. You provided that nice secondary scoring punch which came in handy during our post season run.

McClement, without you, our penalty kill would be among the worst in the league. You sacrificed your body to make the big play and keep that puck as far from our net as possible.

McLaren, while you didn't get much time in the post season, you were a vital part to our team's success. You brought that extra added toughness that allowed the more offensive players to flourish in their roles.

O'Byrne, you were solid in the defensive end. You played your part well and gave it your all every time you were on the ice.

Orr, you were an absolute monster. You showed Chara and everyone else that David and Goliath is more than just a story. In this story, you were Goliath and you annihilated David or should I say Zdeno.

Phaneuf, I know you're receiving a large part of unfair criticism. You're asked to go up against every team's best opposition and shut them down. All while logging large minutes. The fact that you owned up to your mistakes just tells us that you know what you need to do to learn from them. You're doing a great job and Leafs Nation is proud to have you as our captain.

Van Riemsdyk, you came in this season and you really brought it. In the playoffs, you were one of our big guns and we were so glad to have you locked and loaded. You were one of the pleasant surprises of the season, and I for one am proud to have you on our roster.

Scrivens, you did an outstanding job filling in for Reimer when he was out at the beginning of the season. Without you filling his shoes admirably, the playoffs are not even a discussion.

Reimer, I left you for last because without you, there is no playoffs. You're the biggest reason for the turn around this season. I am so glad to have you as our number one goalie. You proved all your doubters wrong and made yourself worthy of being in the same sentence as Cujo and Belfour. If this play keeps up, I definitely see you being in the hockey hall of fame one day. That will just be one of your many achievements and believe me, there will be lots of them. You have made Leafs Nation proud.

All of you, it has been one heck of a ride that we have all enjoyed being a part of. You have absolutely nothing to be ashamed of. You have made us all proud. You are a part of our lives and we feel what you feel. When you win, we're happy. When you lose, we're as devastated as you. I for one look forward to the next season and plan to be along every step of the way inviting you into my living room every game day like the family that I see you as. Leafs Nation loves you guys. Thanks for the memories!

Go Leafs Go!

Sincerely,

Abdalla Freihat (@AbTheLeafFan) proud member of Leafs Nation.