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Toronto Maple Leafs Make A Major Announcement Regarding Their Captain

Published December 14, 2023 at 0:26
BY SAMER

Toronto Maple Leafs Announce Major News Regarding John Tavares

Toronto Maple Leafs captain John Tavares recently reached point number 1000 of his remarkable NHL career in quite some fashion against his former team with just under 6 seconds left to tie the game and send it to overtime. The team has officially confirmed that he will be honored for his achievement on Saturday when they host the Rangers.


Despite some reluctance from Islanders fans at UBS Arena, Tavares is expected to receive a warm welcome from his home fans back at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto.


Here's the remarkable moment:



In post game remarks, here's what John Tavares had to say about the achievement.

«It has been a great ride so far, great journey, you want to celebrate in a win, but I'm very proud of it,» Tavares told reporters after the game. «In certain ways, you are happy it has happened and you can move forward and there will be a time and place to soak it in a little more.»


There's no question it would have been better if the Leafs secured the win but the moment was still special.

«It was a bit surreal,» Tavares said of the play. «Wasn't pretty, so just wanted to make sure that it was correct and I had a good feeling, I had a net-front presence and it went off me. Helped lead to a big point for us. Happy it came in a really good moment for the team. «You see all your teammates come out, it's really special. The uniqueness of doing it where I played the first nine years of my career and it's a big part of who I am, cool to do it here.»


Additionally, having his father in attendance added an extra layer of significance which connects the achievement to his childhood dream of playing in the NHL.

«Everything you go through in your childhood and living a dream playing in the NHL, to have him here was tremendous,» he said. «He wasn't there for a lot of my minor-hockey days (because of work) and just really special for him for a big one like that.»

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Toronto Maple Leafs Make A Major Announcement Regarding Their Captain

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