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Saturday, February 20, 1999
Stay positive for oldtimers' sake
The decision of high-profile players such as Dave Keon to refuse the invitation to attend the Leafs' departure from the Gardens last week -- and the absence of names such as Teeder Kennedy, Paul Henderson, Cliff Fletcher, Howie Meeker and Rick Vaive -- took some steam out of the ceremony.
Some people thought it was inappropriate to recognize lesser-known Leafs, even though they were within their rights to come as 50-game veterans of the blue and white. Then came complaints from such fringe Leafs as goaltender Peter Ing, who was offended that he wasn't asked.
The problem was that some alumni invited themselves last Saturday. At that point, club president Ken Dryden admitted he should have thrown the doors open to all 50-game members.
Eventually, word filtered out that Henderson had made travel plans, Fletcher's invitation was lost and Vaive was coaching an AHL game. None is expected tonight except Henderson, who made a point of riding in yesterday's parade.
"There were a lot more people out there than I thought there was going to be, and we got a nice reception," the Team Canada '72 hero said. "I thought it was terrific. It was a nice way to finish (the week's festivities) off."
Pat Boutette, president of the Leafs alumni, expects fewer former players tonight than on Saturday, about 100 fewer, and they'll have a lower profile. But Boutette said it was an important week in the revamped organization's development.
"We got a hold of everybody we could have," he said, "but as with Keon, certain things happen."
Keon was miffed because his invitation wasn't addressed personally, a continuation of a perceived slight against him on the part of the Leafs.
"He's welcome any time, and I'm sure we'll see him at a later date," Boutette said.
Lounge
The alumni have been given a lounge, adjacent to a team Hall of Fame, and 10 pairs of tickets for each game to distribute as they see fit. Boutette says they've reached sponsorship deals with Bell Canada and Ford to help fund-raising efforts such as a golf tournament that rang up $35,000 for Sick Kids' Hospital last year.