Assist to Michael Augello grabbing this shot. Wayne Gretzky, Johnny Bower, John Bucyk, Dave Keon, Red Kelly, Glenn Hall and Gary Bettman. #nhltop100 #centennialclassic — at BMO Field.
NHL’s Birthday Party a Centennial Classic – The NHL isn’t done celebrating its centennial. Even after 100 years, the league still looks good for its age and it continues to progress. The first big bash was the Centennial Classic that took place on New Year’s Day at BMO Field in Toronto, Ontario. There was a game and a Fan Arena where Upper Deck and other companies set up shop. The weather was brisk but it was perfect for the two-day event.
Upper Deck gave fans the opportunity to create their own trading cards. Upper Deck and Tim Horton’s had a Trading Card Zone. There were interactive areas where fans could shoot out targets, like the pros in the All-Star game and there were other fun areas.
“We were blown away by the amount of excitement around the activations we had going on at the Centennial and Winter Classic games. We met with thousands of fans and worked our hardest to convert them to collectors by allowing them to get their very own trading cards made and by sharing promotional packs that included guides on how to collect,” said Chris Carlin, Upper Deck Sr. Marketing and Social Media Manager. “There is a lot of buzz around the Centennial Classic Toronto Maple Leafs set we produced for hobby shops in Ontario so we are excited to see fan’s reactions as those start to hit. To have both games end in such an exciting fashion certainly signaled the start to a great new year for the NHL and hockey collectibles!”
Even retired players commented on the festivities:
“I got here around 9:30 am and took a look around. I had a chance to walk outside where all the activities were happening and they did a great job,” said Doug Gilmour, longtime Toronto Maple Leaf and Hockey Hall of Famer.
The day before the big game there was an Alumni Game between the Red Wings and the Maple Leafs. This is where we saw players becoming collectors. So many of them passed around sticks and everything that wasn’t nailed down was being autographed.
In the locker room, the current Maple Leafs were sitting next to some of their idols. One such player was Mitch Marner, who was seen sitting next to Gilmour.
Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner of the Toronto Maple Leafs
“Obviously, he’s a guy I grew up wanting to play like,” said Marner. “It’s pretty cool to sit beside him and get to talk to him a little bit. He means a lot to this city as a lot of guys in this room did.”
“This was very cool with the alumni. I don’t think any of us expected this,” said current Leafs defenseman, Morgan Rielly.
The Maple Leafs won the big game. The best players on display were arguably rookies. Detroit’s Anthony Mantha had a goal and three points. Leafs rookie and serious Calder candidate, Auston Matthews had two goals including the game-winner. Another Leafs forward, Connor Brown, got a nice goal of his own and he’s a local product. This game had everything for hockey fans and especially collectors. This year’s Calder class is maybe the best overall class in the last decade.
Maple Leafs Coach, Mike Babcock
Leafs coach, Mike Babcock enjoyed the legends in attendance. They were named some of the NHL’s Top 100 of all-time. A list that continues to be revealed.
“I did a little reading in advance. It’s spectacular, 100 years. But Red Kelly is there today, four Cups as a D man, four Cups as a centerman and two different organizations. I think he was a member of parliament, too. Stuff like that is spectacular, absolutely spectacular. So you go through the whole thing. The other night we were playing in Florida and Bobby Orr was there and the star Leaf guys around this weekend, to talk to them. We always talk about the history of the game. I think it’s special when you’re in a game and it has the great history that ours does that you embrace it a little bit, and obviously having these guys around is special.”
The NHL will continue to pull out all stops this year. The next big event is the NHL All-Star Game which is being held in Anaheim this year. Last year was all about former NHL’er, John Scott. This year it will be about celebrating the NHL – the greatest hockey league on earth.
NHL’s Birthday Party a Centennial Classic – Sights and Sounds
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- BMO Field
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- Fan Arena
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- BMO Field
Media Day – Members of the NHL’s Top 100
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