Letter for the Raptors

Letter for the Raptors

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

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 Raptors 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 NBA season, the Nets and Cavs game, everyone wanted the Nets to win. This way we would face Washington 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 Brooklyn as our first round choice, many people counted you out of making noise. This is because the Nets have a ton of playoff "experience". We proved that their experience meant nothing however as we came very close to winning this series. 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. You were the better team out there and the Nets know that, I just hope you know that as well. As far as Raptors Nation is concerned, you beat the Brooklyn Nets, you just couldn't beat the referees. 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.

Buycks, you didn't play in the playoffs, but in the limited amount of time you played in the regular season, you helped contribute to the team's success. I only see you getting better from here.

De Colo, you played a very short time in the playoffs, but when you did, you got an important rebound. In the regular season, with a more regular role, you chipped in perfectly. Like Buycks, with more opportunity, I can only see you flourishing.

DeRozan, all I can say about you is that you're an absolute beast. There's a clear reason why you were named an all-star this year. You led the team in points per game in the playoffs, including some huge game changing shots. You keep bringing your A game and the sky is the limit for you. You're a future hall of gamer and you should be a large part of the Raptors future going forward. Keep up the great work!

Lowry, you were an absolute monster in the playoffs. You were the definition of the word clutch. You knocked down so many threes during the playoffs. So much so that I had to create a new nickname for you. I now refer to you as Kyle LowThree. The fact that you were passed over for the all star game is an absolute shame. Everyone knows that you should've been named to that team and you proved it in the regular season and especially in the playoffs. If you keep bringing it every night, there is no reason that you won't be inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame at some point in your career. The sky is the limit for you. You will be a large part of the Toronto Raptors future. Keep up the great work!

Fields, during the playoffs, you were a defensive monster. When you were on the court, you gave us a valid chance to win every time. It's one thing to make baskets, but it's even bigger to stop the opposition from making baskets. Keep up the great work on the defensive end. With more opportunity, I fully expect you to make the most of it.

Hansbrough, you were given a limited amount of playing time in the playoffs. You however made the most of it. You drew some big fouls and knocked down some huge free throws. With more opportunity, I'm sure you will relish in the scenarios.

Hayes, I got to see one of your best games in the playoffs live. I was in the building for game 5 and I was honestly impressed with what I saw. Your rebounding is impeccable, and the free throws you nailed were humongous. Keep up the great work!

Johnson, you were a monster during the playoff run. Game 7 you set personal bests and would've done much more had you not fouled out (and you don't have to acknowledge that you agree, but Raptors Nation knows it was bullshit). You did a great job and you know your position and your responsibilities well. You can knock down the huge baskets and make the big defensive plays to set the pace of the game. Keep up the great work! Raptors Nation is lucky to have you.

Novak, you were given a limited role during the playoffs. When you were called upon however you did an admirable job. You never looked out of place and were never a liability on the court. Keep up the solid play and you will do great things in your career.

Patterson, you were humongous during the playoffs. After missing the free throws, you stepped your game up completely. I noticed you didn't miss any more free throws after that. You also knocked down some humongous difficult shots. Keep doing what you do, and I'm sure we'll see your game elevate even further.

Ross, you were absolutely humongous in the playoffs. I don't think people realize that you're only 23 years old. That's because you play like you've been in the league for a very long time. You knocked down some humongous shots and you weren't afraid to get right into the paint to make the big drives. Keep up the great work and I can only see your game getting better with experience.

Salmons, you provided the veteran leadership that the Raptors don't have too much of. When you came on to the court, Raptors Nation was guaranteed that something big was going to happen.

Stone, you didn't play in the playoffs, but in the limited amount of time you played in the regular season, you helped contribute to the team's success. I only see you getting better from here.

Valenciunas, you were an absolute monster in the playoffs. You were more often than not posting double doubles. The fact that you are only 21 yet playing amongst some of the best is absolutely incredible. You never look out of place and you have a nose for the paint. You aren't afraid to get in tight and make some humongous baskets. You use your size to your advantage and show your value in the offensive and defensive ends of the game. Given that you're still very young, and very good at what you do, I can only see you getting much better from here. You will be a large part of the Toronto Raptors future and will be a large contribution to their success.

Vasquez, you were an absolute work horse. Every time you came onto the court, you gave it your all and it really showed out there. It was also guaranteed to be an exciting time wherever you were on the court. When you came off the bench to fill in for Lowry, you never missed a beat. Your positive attitude was inspiring to see on the court. I only see you getting better from here and elevating your game. Keep smiling because Raptors Nation loves it.

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. Keep your heads up! Remember, you won the Atlantic division which isn't an easy task so be proud of yourselves. 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. Raptors Nation loves you guys. Thanks for the memories!

Lets Go Raptors!

Sincerely,

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

P.S. I may be Ab The Leaf Fan, but I'm also a Raptors fan.

2013/2014 Season Ending Letter for the Maple Leafs

Before you begin reading, I'd like to apologize for the use of the word "we". I know I am not a part of the team, but it feels like I am. That is the connection that Leafs Nation has with the Maple Leafs.

If you're reading this, it means that the playoff dream has come to an end. Chin up, I know it hurts, we just can't let the bad times define us. Every team has their hardships, we just have to work through them, and build off of them. We had a good run, we just fell apart when it mattered most. All we can do now is look towards the future, and rather than look at the failures, we can look at the bright spots.

I'm not sure what happened to you guys lately, but you aren't being yourselves right now. You're not performing at the level that we all know you're capable of. As a loyal Leaf fan, it pains me to see you guys like this. I'm truly disappointed.

I understand there are other factors such as the bad schedule, and the horrendous officiating, but those are out of our hands. What is in our hands however is our level of play, which just hasn't been good, and you are much better than this, and we all know it.

We can't keep making excuses and pointing the fingers elsewhere, we have to look within ourselves and point the fingers at ourselves. This is not meant for one particular person, this is meant for all of you. We win as a team, we lose as a team.

I wish I had some explanation for what happened to you between last season and this season, but you aren't the same team you were then. It's as if you've lost your identity. Was it game 7? Did it completely shatter your confidence?

The one thing that the collapse did to everyone is make them think the team is a lot further from playoff contention than they actually are. All we need is just to tighten up our team defensive play, and then we are a playoff calibre team.

A lot of you had great seasons, and I for one cannot be more proud. I know we say this every year, but I truly do see better times just beyond the horizon. Next season is OUR season. We just have to do all we can to make it ours. I can assure you that you will always have the fans' support (especially mine), even though most of them may not be as supportive now.

Some of you may not be here next season, whether it be management's decision or yours, I wish you the best of luck wherever you end up. I already know that you will be a great addition to any team, and Leafs Nation will miss you.

I want to give each of you a word of encouragement.

Kessel, if you look in the dictionary for the word "Superstar", you'll find your picture. We got to see you elevate your game this season, and believe me, we loved every minute of it. You truly are a dynamic player and I only see you elevating your game even further. I'm looking forward to every minute of it. I'm so happy that you're going to be around for 8 more years. Be proud, and keep up the good work.

Van Riemsdyk, I think you gave everyone a pleasant surprise and showed them why you were selected 2nd overall in the draft. Your play was admirable and you really put your heart into every shift and it showed out there. You had a career year and I can definitely seeing you eclipse your numbers next season. Like Kessel, I can only see you elevating your play even further and being even more dynamic than you already are. Keep up the good work.

Kadri, you proved to everyone that you can perform in any situation, whether it be a limited role or a role where you are more depended on. You proved to be a reliable, versatile player and I see more opportunity for growth, which I'm sure you will take full advantage of. You had a career year, and with more opportunities next year, I see you shattering the personal records you set this season. I for one am looking forward to seeing every minute of it.

Bozak, I want to say sorry and thank you. Sorry that I unfairly criticized you and said that you were not an impact player and not worthy of playing on the first line. Thank you for proving me as well as other Leaf fans wrong. Since you came back from your injury just before the Winter Classic, you have shown game in and game out your true value to this team. Your defensive face offs were critical to our success. The added scoring punch you brought was the cherry on top. Thank you for bringing it every game, and I look forward to seeing you continue to bring it.

Raymond, I cannot believe that you had to take a professional tryout to be on our team. I think you proved to 30 NHL teams that you are a worthy NHLer. Your season was incredible, and I'm sure if you keep it up, no one will ever make you try out for their team again. I look forward to seeing you tear it up in the NHL for many years to come.

Lupul, I think you'll always the MVP of the Leafs. Most Valuable Palindrome. You were playing injured and I think it showed everyone just how much heart you have. I believe you truly enjoy playing for the name on the front of your jersey and not the name on the back. I know you'll get back to your dynamic ways and will be one heck of an offensive weapon on our team. Keep giving it your all, and I'm sure you will be a huge part of this team's future success.

Franson, you did well on the blue line this season, especially on the power play. More times than not, your point shot led to a goal, whether it be your goal or an assist for someone else. You are an integral part of this team's success going forward, and I hope to see you anchoring our blue line for many years to come.

Phaneuf, I want you to read this entire paragraph, no matter how much it seems I'm criticizing you. You are the Captain of the Maple Leafs, and as a result, you take a large part of the blame for the team's failures. I think Burke acted hastily when he named you Captain and I don't think you can handle the pressure that comes with being Captain. When you are the Captain of the Maple Leafs, you have to be a leader on and off the ice, which unfortunately, you're neither. I do however commend you for your work with the Hospital for Sick Children, and I have a great deal of respect for what you do for those kids. Unless it's an emergency, you should always make yourself available to speak to the media (no matter how dumb they are). I do think the criticism you get is unfair though, you weren't ready to be Captain and you take a humongous load of the work. That being said, I think being a +3 with the amount of minutes you get amongst our opposition's top talent says a lot. You just need to clean up your game a little and find your roots. Don't be afraid to dish out a big hit or drop the gloves when times look bleak, those things can completely swing the momentum of the game. You have 7 years to prove everyone (including myself) wrong. I can't wait to see you do just that, and I know with a bit more work, you can do it.

Gardiner, your skating is incredible. You look like a natural out there on the ice. People may forget that you haven't been in the NHL that long because you play like you've been around for many seasons. Your offensive prowess and uptempo play have the power to completely change the outcome of the game. You look solid in both ends of the ice and you still have time to develop your game and get even better.

Rielly, I still can't believe you were a rookie this season. There were times where you looked like one of our best defensive weapons. Your rushes to erase 2 on 1s or take away a breakaway were impeccable. I only see your defensive game getting better from here, and I'm sure you will be around for a long time for us to enjoy seeing. Keep up the great work!

Kulemin, every shift, you gave it your all and it really showed out there. The defensive aspect of your game is what makes you valuable. You're responsible in your own end and don't make mistakes too often. You may be one of the better 2 way players in the NHL and I for one am glad that you're on the Maple Leafs. Keep doing the little things that make you awesome, and I'm sure you will be effective for many years to come.

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.

Ranger, you struggled a bit this season, and I think it was return jitters. You came back to the NHL after an absence and it took you a while to find your groove. When you found that groove, you were a defensive monster. Now that the return jitters seem to be gone, I expect you to be a force on the blue line. Keep up the great work in the defensive end.

Bolland, unfortunately due to the horrific injury, we didn't get to see enough of your play. When you were in the lineup however, you were a catalyst. You were the perfect addition to the Maple Leafs. You had the grind game going and had some offensive flare as well. I hope the leg fully recovers this summer and you come back next season to tear it up. You will continue to be a catalyst in the NHL and will continue to add what you can to the team, and Leafs Nation will be appreciative of it.

Clarkson, I think with being given a large contract and coming to your favourite team growing up, the nerves got the better of you. The 10 game suspension to start the season didn't help either. With that said, I completely expect you to shake it off and be the impact player you were with New Jersey. You have the tools to be a valuable player. There is nowhere for you to go from here, but up.

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. Your face off skills were very useful especially on the penalty kill. If you keep up the good work, I don't see any reason why we won't have the best penalty kill in the NHL, we already have the best penalty killer.

Bodie, you are the perfect bottom 6 NHL player. You do it all, you'll throw out the big hit, you'll grind in the dirty areas, and chip in offensively with goals that tend to shift the momentum of the game. Keep bringing that sandpaper like grit to the team, and you'll continue to be a valuable member of the Maple Leafs.

Smith, while you were only given a limited opportunity during the season, you made the most of it. You showed plenty of heart and grit and filled in admirably without missing a beat in the bottom 6. With more opportunity, I see you flourishing as a role player.

Gleason, you were without a doubt, one of the best acquisitions this season. You are a defensive monster and you have impressed me with your defensive skill and toughness. I'm hoping some of that offensive game will rub off on some of the other players anchoring the blue line. You sacrifice your body shift in and shift out, and that is something that you just don't see enough. Here's hoping for some more great years out of you. Keep up the great work in your own end.

Ashton, while you were only given a limited opportunity, you made the most of it. Whenever you were on the ice, we noticed. You were always banging bodies or banging faces with your fist. That toughness is something that this team needs going forward. Keep it up, and I see plenty more opportunities opening for you.

Orr, you've proven time and time again that you are not afraid to drop the gloves with anyone. You may not believe it, but your toughness was a vital part of our team's success last season. I expect that toughness and jaw smashing to continue. Keep up the good fight.

McLaren, you weren't given much time this season, but like Orr, your toughness is vital to the team's successes both now and in the future. Keep up the good fight, and soon enough that fight won't be to change momentum of a game, it'll be to change momentum of a playoff series.

Bernier, I have to hand it to you, you came in here as an unproven commodity and you proved to the entire NHL that you are a #1 goaltender. It's a shame that you had some injury troubles, as I would've loved to see what you could've done with more time. Rest up this summer, let your body heal and come back in September better than ever.

Reimer, you have one of the biggest fan bases of loyal fans. Your play dropped a bit this season and I truly believe it was a confidence issue. You have to come to training camp prepared to take your job back. I as well as many others know you can and know that you have what it task to be a truly great NHL goaltender. I'm sorry that your wife was attacked on twitter. She definitely did not deserve any bit of it, and the fans who took part in it are not real fans. The real fans have both yours and April's backs no matter what. I'm looking forward to see you compete for your job back in September. Keep that smile on your face, Leafs Nation will be seeing a lot of it next season.

All of you, it has been one heck of a ride that we have all enjoyed being a part of. 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

Love Letter For An Unknown Girl

The way you make me feel is a feeling that I've never known before and to tell you the truth, it scares me. You make me wanna be the best me that I can be. That's because I know deep down that you deserve the best, and currently that isn't me. I made a list of all the things that I need to do with my life before I can consider myself to be good enough for you because I wanna be the man that you deserve. There's a few things about me that I can't change. These things are permanently a part of me. They make me who I am today. I just hope that you can see past my flaws the way that I see past yours. Whenever you're around, all the stress surrounding me just disappears, and if it doesn't, I know that I can tell you about it and you'd be more than happy to help me and give me your opinion, which by the way I greatly appreciate. I feel like I can tell you anything and everything. Whenever you're around, I can only be happy, it's impossible to be grumpy or sad or anything, because when you're here, there's no such thing as a frown. It's impossible for me to feel boredom ever, because when I'm with you, even if were sitting there doing nothing, I am having the time of my life. When you aren't around, I think about you and how amazing you are and my thoughts of you keep me entertained enough to get me through the day. I love when I see my phone light up and it's a text message from you, I always try to keep our conversations going but sometimes I just let them end, just so you don't get annoyed. You're a very beautiful girl on the inside and the outside and I love how you don't agree with that because it tells me that you aren't full of yourself. You're also very sweet and naturally good hearted, I believe you would do anything you possibly could to help anybody with anything. You're absolutly amazing with kids and when I see you playing with them, it makes my heart smile. There's still a lot that you don't know about me and I'm sure that there is a lot that I don't know about you. As we both know, sometimes we think we have a person all figured out and then they end up being someone we never really knew at all. If you would allow me to, I would dedicate most of my time trying to figure you out. I guess to sum it all up, I'm crazy about you.

Another Letter For The Maple Leafs

I'm not sure what happened to you guys lately, but you aren't being yourselves right now. You're not performing at the level that we all know you're capable of. As a loyal Leaf fan, it pains me to see you guys like this. I'm truly disappointed.

I understand there are other factors such as the bad schedule, and the horrendous officiating, but those are out of our hands. What is in our hands however is our level of play, which just hasn't been good, and you are much better than this, and we all know it. 

We can't keep making excuses and pointing the fingers elsewhere, we have to look within ourselves and point the fingers at ourselves. This is not meant for one particular person, this is meant for all of you. We win as a team, we lose as a team.

I wish I had some explanation for what happened to you between last season and this season, but you aren't the same team you were then. It's as if you've lost your identity. Was it game 7? Did it completely shatter your confidence? 

You can't let the past determine your future. If anything, we should let past failures drive us to future success. That future is now.

We may have fallen out of a playoff spot, but I KNOW that we have what it takes to get back in that top 8 and stay there. We just have to be better as a unit.

You guys have the best fans in all of sports. You could be in last place and still sell out every night and honestly the fans deserve better than this. 

With the games we have left, I want to see nothing but your best. I'll accept no less, and neither should you.

If there is anything that I can do as a fan to help get this ship going in the right direction, please let me know. You'll always have my support whether you're on or off the ice. That much I'll promise to you. I need a promise from you however, that whatever it is that is causing this slump, you'll figure it out amongst yourselves and correct it. Lets get back to playing some good ole fashioned hockey. Go Leafs Go!

Sincerely,

Abdalla Freihat (@AbTheLeafFan)

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.