Fans flock to Gravenhurst arena for the Toronto Maple Leafs training camp
Hundreds of fans in Gravenhurst got up close and personal with some of their favourite NHL players Thursday as the Toronto Maple Leafs arrived for day two of their training camp in cottage country.
The hockey team was greeted by fans wearing their blue and white outside the arena, waiting for a chance to greet the players.
Student Jake Reynolds said he was thrilled to see hockey superstars Austin Matthews and John Tavares in person.
"It was great. I was kind of nervous, though, like, I was shaking when I gave them the marker. I didn't know if he was actually going to sign it," Reynolds said.
Roughly 400 Gravenhurst students took a break from class Thursday afternoon to visit the Centennial Centre to watch the team practice.
Fans of all ages relished in the opportunity to get a rare glimpse of their favourite NHL team in their backyard.
"These are their idols and heroes and to see them up close and personal, it couldn't be better for the young people," said Ian Pyper.
For the players and coaches, the two-day getaway to Muskoka was just what they needed before getting set for the start of the season.
"It's been awesome. The atmosphere has been electric. You know, the people of Gravenhurst have shown up and shown us great hospitality," said Toronto Maple Leafs forward Wayne Simmons.
"We really enjoy our time here, especially this year, with the community getting out and seeing the kids. They have more of a presence in the building. It was a terrific trip for us," added Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe.
Thursday marked the final day for the Leafs in Muskoka. They head back to Toronto for a practice Friday morning, and then it's off to Detroit.
The team is scheduled to play a preseason game in Detroit against the Red Wings Friday at 7:30 p.m.
The Leafs kick off the regular season Wednesday against the Montreal Canadiens.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Canada recognizes housing as a human right. Few provinces have followed suit
As more Canadians find themselves struggling to afford or find housing, the country's smallest province is the only one that can point to legislation recognizing housing as a human right.
'Violation': CSIS had officer investigated after she reported a superior raped her
A CSIS officer's allegations that she was raped repeatedly by a superior in agency vehicles set off a harassment inquiry, but also triggered an investigation into her that concluded the alleged attacks were a “misuse” of agency vehicles by the woman.
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
Pro-plastic lobbyist presence at UN talks is 'troubling,' say advocates
Environmentalist groups are sounding the alarm about a steep increase in the number of pro-plastic lobbyists at the UN pollution talks taking place this week.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.