The Philadelphia Hotel Caper

TORONTO (Dec. 14) — Of all the stories I’ve told from my 17 seasons covering the Toronto Maple Leafs on radio at The FAN–590, this one stands alone. So claims my 28–year–old son, Shane, a lifelong follower of the Blue… Read More

My Time With The Big Irishman

TORONTO (Dec. 9) — It has been more than 10 years since Hall–of–Fame coach Pat Quinn died (Nov. 23, 2014) of a liver ailment. Quinn coached and managed the Maple Leafs from 1998–99 to 2005–06, which coincided with my years… Read More

The Marner Condundrum Escalates

TORONTO (Dec. 5) — As of this writing, which began just before noon today, a couple of facts were undeniable: a) the Toronto Maple Leafs sat atop the Atlantic Division with the stingiest defensive club in the Eastern Conference… and… Read More

Would Marner Waive For The Apple?

TORONTO (Nov. 30) — Let me start, today, by repeating the impetus for my last blog: If the Maple Leafs allow Mitch Marner to don another National Hockey League jersey, it will be the largest blunder in franchise history. Bigger… Read More

Would Management Show Some Gall?

TORONTO (Nov. 27) — It’s often been said that teams in the National Hockey League determine what they have, and what they need, by the American Thanksgiving. Or… by tomorrow. At which time the Toronto Maple Leafs could sit atop… Read More

Is Anyone Going To Say It?

TORONTO (Nov. 25) — Surely, there’s a candidate amid local hockey scribes to tell the denizens of Leafs Nation the boldface truth: their favorite team is a better team without Auston Matthews. If I were the wagering sort, my dough… Read More

It Was Berube’s Finest Moment

TORONTO (Nov. 23) — Hold one hand close to your face and read the following sentence through the gap between your fingers. It’s a chilling prospect for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Yet, undeniable at the quarter–mark of the National Hockey… Read More

Argos Came Back From The Dead

TORONTO (Nov. 18) — The team upon which I threw in the towel near the end of September tossed it right back at me — full of the blood, sweat and snot required to overcome crippling adversity and win the… Read More

We Live In A Pathetic Newspaper Era

TORONTO (Nov. 16) — Any person beyond the age of 40 would have to agree that newspaper coverage of sports is dying. Slowly and excruciatingly. Which sadly jibes with the pattern, today, of instant information and reaction; ushered in —… Read More

I’ve been wrong about Dinwiddie

TORONTO (Nov. 11) — There are occasions in the past four years when the Toronto Argonauts have prevailed in spite of Ryan Dinwiddie. He’s frustrated me. I’ve let it be known in this space. Without reservation. On Saturday, however, the… Read More

The Leafs Are Great — Today

TORONTO (Nov. 7) — I am forever baffled over the propensity, in this sports market, to draw conclusions from one day to the next. Starting with the first shift of the National Hockey League season. And, continuing for the usual… Read More

Bizarre Football Day At The CNE

TORONTO (Nov. 3) — This was a typical day in the life of the Canadian Football League. Particularly, in the life of the 2024 Toronto Argonauts, who are still standing despite a season full of peculiar game plans and play… Read More

The Leafs Look Bored — Already

TORONTO (Oct. 26) — That was quite a badge of honor the Maple Leafs anointed their new bench boss on Thursday. “Oh, right, you used to coach this team. Damn. Wish it mattered.” Or, words to that effect which materialized… Read More

Watch, Admire… and Remember

TORONTO (Oct. 22) — Too bad, for the Maple Leafs and their fans, we aren’t six months down the road. Were this Apr. 22, 2025, I suspect our city would be on its collective ear. Reason is simple: the Leafs… Read More

My Father And Sports

TORONTO (Oct. 14) — Having lost my father, Irv, ten days ago, I’ve been in a reflective mood. Which isn’t unusual for me. Dad was, foremost, a kind, gentle man with remarkable generosity and unwavering business ethics. A role model… Read More

Maybe The Veteran Stuff Will Help

TORONTO (Oct. 10) — Your father dies… and they drop the puck. Yes, life goes on. As it should. The 2024–25 season for the Toronto Maple Leafs began somewhat ominously on Wednesday night with a 1–0 loss at Montreal. Thereby… Read More

When Your Hero Is No More

TORONTO (Oct. 5) — This morning, for the first time in nearly 66 years, I woke up without a father. I wondered if some wave of latent emotion might wash over me. Instead, I felt the same inner–peace and comfort… Read More

Bobcat, Wilbur and the Trial Balloon

TORONTO (Oct. 2) — A supper–hour radio show that tested the water for a ballsy format change launched here in town 35 years ago: Oct. 2, 1989. Created by Allan Davis, John Rea and Larry Green. Hosted by Bob McCown.… Read More