Theoretically, I could be like every other blog there is regarding the Leafs right now, and talk about free agency, but other than this first paragraph my reasoning, I won’t. Straight up, the topic has been right now is akin to beating a dead horse, except the horse has already decayed and is now just bone. The last thing I want to do is defend the concept of signing Ilya Kovalchuk for the four hundreth time, or ponder why we’re hearing rumors of more grinders and defencemen. Its just too aggravating. So what do I think this June 30th blog should be about? Something that’s actually beneficial to the world’s sanity, that’s happening tommorrow at 3PM in Toronto (which statistics would lean towards being the city that you live in).
Richard Loat, along with trusty sidekick Vic Lo, have created a concept that I haven’t quite decided my opinion on yet – specifically, whether its absolutely genius, or the single most genius thing I’ve ever heard in my life. Point is, its pretty good. Five Hole For Food, their idea, is a cross-Canada tour, wherein they play road hockey games in nine major cities: Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Winnipeg, Regina, Calgary, Edmonton, Victoria, and Vancouver, over the course of 11 days (gaps in between Toronto and Winnipeg, and Edmonton to Victoria, due to distance, one would think). This in itself is rather cool, but its the additional twist that makes it really awesome.
As part of this tour, they’re trying to both raise money and obtain food for food banks in all of these cities. Basically, if you want to be involved in the game, you have to donate some form of food that’s acceptable for food banks to be involved. In many of the other cities, various prizes are being given out, but I don’t think this is the case here (I’ll edit this if I’m wrong, don’t worry). In Toronto, donations are going to Second Harvest, an absolutely fantastic group that specializes in obtaining any excess fresh food, and delivering it to various social service programs across the GTA. Every other city has a food bank or similar service that is being helped, and if you want to check the list if you’re from one of the other cities, it can be found here.
Now, onto the fun stuff, because as fantastic as helping the less fortunate is, we need that curve to make it interesting and unique, to encourage you to donate (hopefully more often, and not just for the first time).
The actual event will be sponsored by Molson, Marketwire, Redbull, Rogers, Monster Energy Drink, and Boston Pizza. Several of these companies will be at the game with various things related to them, which may include samples and swag. On the note of Boston Pizza, that’s where our post game meetup/celebration/whatever you want to call it will be. Which one, I’m not 100% certain on, but I’m pretty sure it’ll be the one at the Dufferin Mall. If not, one would assume the Yonge and Eglinton location.
On top of Richard (who’s a Canucks blogger, by the way – accuse him of tampering with the ball every time he scores, if he’s not shut down entirely, of course) and Vic, and the sponsors, the game will also have Duke The Dog dropping in for the Toronto Marlies. For those who don’t pay any attention to the team whatsoever other than tracking prospects, Duke is the Mascot of the Team, as one would think). If that wasn’t enough and you’re impressed by internet people, you have the hosts for the game – the ever-so-fantastic Steve “Dangle” Glynn, Clayton “Chansler” Hansler, and…myself (yeah, that underwhelming, sorry for telling the truth there). If you need an explanation of who I am, then you’re obviously a first time reader here. I run this site, MarliesHQ, and post a lot around the Leafs interwebs, but that’s about it. Additionally, I’m pretty sure most people who frequent LeafsHQ know Steve and Clayton. If you don’t, Steve posts videos on youtube - some in his bedroom, some for Nike, some interviewing prospects, but all undoubtedly awesome he also is the host of The Steve Dangle Show on Fusion Radio (the coincidental rise to the top of a show bearing his name leaves me questioning a conspiracy), and as of recently, works with Leafs TV. Clayton does a bazillion things as well, including co-running MarliesHQ with me, being the head of the fantastic Hockey Quarterly, and heading his Meet Me At The Marlies set of events and videos.
Enough about the cause, the people involved, and all of that, odds are if you haven’t stopped reading, you’re going to show up. But want to know how.
The game is tommorrow at 3:00PM. We’re having it at Withrow Park – which is located at 725 Logan Avenue. If you’re coming via TTC, it’s best found on the Bloor-Danforth line, between Broadview and Chester stations (if you’re a 79 year old man, I suggest getting off at Broadview). Make sure to bring any equipment you plan on using, something to donate, and a red or white shirt/jersey/whatever to simplify team making. If you feel like showing up earlier, I probably will be there fairly early myself. Hopefully, see you there!
For more info on Five Hole For Food (including info on the other cities), check out their website at http://fiveholeforfood.com/ or read the press release they put out a few days ago.
