Wanderings – Some sympathy for the Leaf fans

Aka the author makes good on a bet.

I have a new-found appreciation – er, make that sympathy – for fans for the Toronto Maple Leafs. This week, I paid the piper – and wore one of their dreaded blue-and-white jerseys.

“Are you feeling well? was a common question asked. “I lost a bet,” I responded, and I had. The yearly season-series bet between myself and a friend resulted this year in my having to wear a misbegotten Austin Matthews, Toronto Maple Leafs jersey. My team, the Buffalo Sabres, lost again, so too did I.

My co-workers and family were kind to me, seemingly happy that I did not try to get out of having to wear the jersey. There were some friendly barbs, nothing I couldn’t handle. Then I walked down the street to get the lunch!

One passer-by asked if I had seen how the team choked yesterday? “Go Leafs Go,” I responded. “Did you lose your way to funny farm Blancher?” another asked. The best was being asked if I was “high or something?” “Go Leafs Go,” I not-so-happily responded again.

I am amazed at how much vitriol Leaf Fans endure. Cheering for the Sabres, I’m happy when someone from around here recognizes my team.

In the short time I’ve had to wear this hollowed, er hallowed, jersey, I’ve experienced a lifetime-worth of Leaf jokes and jabs. I almost feel sympathetic for those loyal Leaf fans who proudly wear the jerseys of Doug Gilmour, Frank Mahovlich, Johnny Bower, and Tim Horton – almost.

Leaf fans are a breed of their own, and thanks to a lost bet I briefly got to experience the life of one. My debt is paid, the bet is over. Better luck for next year, which I heard is also a well known phrase in Leafs circles. Go Panthers!

This column was originally published in the May 10 print edition of The Morrisburg Leader.