![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6955813.1720472884!/httpImage/image.png_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.png)
Students pack Muskoka arena to watch Toronto Maple Leafs training camp
Students in Gravenhurst got to get up close and personal with some of their favourite Toronto Maple Leafs players on Wednesday as the NHL team hit the ice to practice at a local arena.
Excited Muskoka Beechgrove Public School students donned their best white and blue and walked over to the Centennial Centre to watch the Leafs in action.
- Download the CTV News app free to get local news alerts
- Don't miss breaking news - Sign up for the CTV Newsletter
"It's so cool. I love Mitch Marner, and it's awesome. I'm so excited," said student Kaliyah Monaghan.
Many of the students have only idolized the team through a TV screen, making this a dream come true.
"This is my first time ever going to anything like this before," said student Christian Lima.
"It's awesome considering that some of the best players in the NHL are here in our small town, so it's really cool," added student Stewart Thomas.
And it's not just a memorable experience for the kids; it's a fun trip for the Leafs, who explored Muskoka's resorts and golf courses before attending training camp.
"I mean, hanging out with the guys, getting to know the new guys, and having fun together, it's been a great team-building trip," said Toronto Maple Leafs player William Nylander.
Leafs veteran Mark Giordano said he understands how special these memories are for the kids, adding he remembers watching the team practice at Maple Leave Gardens as a youngster.
"You just remember it. I still remember it like it was not too long ago, so it's a cool experience. You get to the speed, and you get to maybe get some autographs and interact with the guys closer than you normally would, so I'm sure it's a really fun day," the Leafs defenceman said.
Beechgrove Public School students show their excitement watching the Toronto Maple Leafs practice in Gravenhurst, Ont., on Wed., Oct. 4, 2023. (CTV News/Ian Duffy)
"A lot of kids out there obviously having a good time, [who] maybe don't get an opportunity to see an NHL team practice, so there was a lot of energy, a lot of high-pitch screaming out there," said Leafs Forward Ryan Reaves.
It was an experience that likely won't be forgotten any time soon.
"I always wanted to do something like this, and finally, for something to happen like this, I feel like my life is complete," Lima said.
The team will head back to Toronto to wrap up the pre-season with two games against the Detroit Red Wings this week.
As the regular season approaches, the players said they hope to have more success on the ice than they did in Muskoka on the golf course.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6955721.1720468041!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
Ex-Quebec junior hockey players jailed for sexual assault of teen at hotel in 2021
Two former Quebec junior hockey players were handed prison sentences Monday for sexually assaulting a minor at a hotel in June 2021 in the aftermath of a Victoriaville Tigres championship celebration.
Bodies of 3 mountaineers recovered near Squamish, B.C.
The bodies of three mountaineers who died on a difficult climb near Squamish, B.C., earlier this year have been recovered, authorities said Monday.
'Nobody said anything': Former student recalls sexual advances by Frank Stronach
A former student and scholarship recipient at the company once helmed by Frank Stronach is speaking out about an “unwelcome but not illegal” sexual interaction involving the billionaire in the 1980s, when he was in his 50s and she was 19 years old.
B.C. buyers who backed out of home purchase ordered to pay more than $350K in damages
Would-be homebuyers who backed out of a deal to purchase a B.C. property in a hot real estate market have been ordered to pay the seller the difference between what they offered and what he was able to sell the home for when the market cooled.
Ticketmaster reports 'data security incident,' customers' personal information may have been stolen
Ticketmaster says it was the victim of a 'data security incident' and the information customers provide to the company may have been compromised.
Parkinson's specialist met with Biden's physician at the White House earlier this year, records show
A top Parkinson’s disease specialist held a meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden’s physician at the White House earlier this year, according to records.
Justin Bieber performs at pre-mega wedding celebration in India
Concerts, catwalks and cruises are how a rich couple in India are celebrating their wedding-to-be.
Alice Munro's daughter sees outpouring of messages after essay on mother's silence to her sexual abuse
Social media saw a flood of messages for Andrea Robin Skinner, daughter of late Canadian author Alice Munro, after an eye-opening personal essay about her sexual abuse by her stepfather published this weekend.
Actor known for roles on 'Bob's Burgers' and 'Arrested Development' pleads guilty over role in Capitol Attack
Jay Johnston, known for his roles on 'Bob's Burgers' and 'Arrested Development,' pleaded guilty Monday over his involvement in the Jan. 6 Capitol Attack.