First of all let me express my gratitude for all the kind comments on my first posting; I wasn't sure that the musings (and sometimes ramblings) of an oldie (yikes! I never thought I'd ever be calling myself that) would be of interest.  N.O. might have "who dat"? as their phrase, but  we  have "Finish the Kitchen". 

In any case, here's another tale to tell; hope you enjoy...

Up in Cujo country (Keswick) there is a nine hole golf course (Orchard Beach) which was designed by Stanley Thompson way back in 1926. It is a semi private club, owned by the members (shareholders) Back in the 50's one of the more prominent member/shareholders was Conn Smythe. As the story goes, Conn would invite guests to his summer home  for weekends...these would have been entertainers who had played MLG: some of these included Bob Hope and Tony Bennett.

As the story goes, Bennett was golfing with Conn and Stafford  and after the round, he gave $20 to the  young caddies to split among them; at that point Stafford  grabbed the $20 away, gave it back to Bennett and then gave the boys $5 to split, saying to Bennett, "our boys aren't used to getting that much".  And that's pretty much how they treated their hockey players as well....no wonder it wouldn't be too much longer before agents/lawyers entered the scene. During this time period as well, the Smythes would send up one of the Leafs for the summer to be the "golf pro"....they paid him something like $25-$30 a week and  they really thought they were doing him a favour by employing him. (Based on his hocky salary, they probably were)  Of course, when training camp opened, the club would have to do without thier pro for the rest of the season.

Yes, the golf couse is still there, they even have a trophy (the Silver Smythe donated by Conn) on display.  A few years ago they started a renovation on the course to return it as much as possible to the original Thompson design and layout and in effect, they "finished their kitchen", much to the enjoyment and appreciation of the current members.

As an "oldie" in the literal sense, but a "newbie" for posting, I thought I would share with those (most of you?) who weren't around back in the "good ole days".....When the Leafs celebrated on Bay St. back in '67, who would have thought that a drought (Stanley wise) would descend upon us? What a time to be a Leaf's fan and even the coming prospect of expansion did not damper our enthusiasm for what we believed would be a dynasty. What a time! (I was 21 then)  Also, it was our Centennial...even though Montreal had Expo, we had the Stanley Cup CHAMPS! and that's what really mattered.

Oh, how time has taken it's toll....now, 43 years (and counting)   I am  feeling  like an endangered species. In the early 60's there was always  newspaper reports about the remaining few survivors of the US Civil War as their numbers dwindled and then, one day,  the last one died.. Why is it that I am starting to feel like one of those vets? 

So, as the years march by (too quickly now it seems) I would like to think that maybe, just maybe we on the right road for returning to glory...oh yes, the road is still long ahead of us but permit me an analogy:  a few years ago, my wife and I renovated our kitchen and we went through a lot of grief as the renovation dragged on and on. During that time I had bloodlust against my contractor. Six months went by and I was arguing with the plumber. Eight months went by and there were still wires hanging down everywhere and then we had trouble with the building inspector. But enventually, the job got done and now we love the kitchen. I bake bread in the kitchen. My wife cooks great meals  in that kitchen. The contractor's now a buddy of mine and I've had beers with him in that kitchen. 

Right now the Leafs are beginning the renovation process:  there's loose wires all over the place but Burkie and the crew have to finish that kitchen otherwise we won't experience any of the joy that will come from having it completed. I would like to think that he has the right blueprint in hand (we've had too many before him who for one reason or another) who were unable to complete the project.   So, "FINISH THE KITCHEN" and GO LEAFS GO!   

This year's edition of the Leafs which promised to be tougher, stronger...etc. etc. are quickly disintegrating into a team  which collectively are showing little passion or interest for the game.

They lack talent, drive, desire...and oh yes, did I mention talent?

 Here is my question: if the Leafs had a dispersal draft, just how many of their players could make other teams? By my estimation, not many. (How many of you could really see Luke Schenn playing D for other teams...they'd have him in the minors getting more experience before elevating him) 

The truth is, very few Leaf players would be good enough to replace players from other teams....while most players from other teams could easily make the Leafs roster....sad, sad, sad..