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Everyone, even Baun, loves a Leafs parade
The gritty defenceman who helped the Maple Leafs win the Stanley Cup four times in the 1960s -- once on a fractured ankle -- declined to take part in the club's most recent victory parade in 1967. But he was prominent yesterday.
"I didn't make that last one because I was mad at (coach) Punch (Imlach)," Baun said. "Punch and I were having some problems and I went fishing with my children.
"This was rather fun, and I hope the young guys get the idea of what's going to happen if they win the Cup. I think this will give them an emotional boost."
Eddie Shack, who was on all four 1960s winners, waved to the crowds of 50,000 to 60,000 most of the way.
"This was good," The Entertainer said. "When's the next time I'm going to be in a parade? I'll be in something black probably."
QUINN
When it comes to victory parades, Leafs coach Pat Quinn is a frequent flier.
"I've been in a Memorial Cup parade, the American Hockey League, the Central Hockey League and the Western Hockey League," he said yesterday after the Leafs motorcade arrived at the Air Canada Centre. "But I'm going to hang around until I get it right with a Cup parade here.
"Today was outstanding with all the people out to watch us. It's one of the reasons I wanted to come back here, to the centre of the hockey world. You realize that's what Toronto is, whether you're a Leafs fan or not."
BRIEFLY:
Though Roots Canada supplied spiffy new leather jackets with Leafs logos to all players and alumni in yesterday's parade, some such as Lanny McDonald braved the cold wearing a 1970s-era team sweater ... Air Canada Centre officials say parking shouldn't be a hassle tomorrow, with thousands of above-ground spaces spread over four lots in the immediate vicinity of the building and around Queen's Quay ... Mid-week Leafs and Raptors home games will be even better for traffic flow, with at least 50% of fans expected to arrive by GO trains or subway, compared to 25% taking public transit to the Gardens ... One of Premier Mike Harris' first impressions of the Air Canada Centre: "It looks like a good place for a political convention" ... Some minor hockey players in the Toronto area got a huge thrill yesterday when they were asked to carry banners in the parade. Teams represented included the Leaside Flames, Malton IceBears, Toronto Marlboros, Markham Waxers, the TimBits and the Swansea Girls Hockey League.
CP