Although I hail from Hockeytown, USA, my roots belong in the world’s true “Hockeytown,” Toronto, Ontario. My childhood memories distinctly present the blue and white featuring Mats Sundin and Curtis Joseph pulling out unbelievable wins to muster the top seed in the East, along with Hockey Night in Canada where I ritually watched Don Cherry’s racist rants about European players, all the while hiding my head in the pillow because his fluorescent orange suit burned my eyes. But what happened to the days of Toronto hockey?

Don Cherry seemingly blamed it on the large influx of European players the seemed picked up in minor trades and drafts. But I think it was the loss of Curtis Joseph in 2003 that can be blamed for the demise of the team, much like Babe Ruth leaving the Sox for the Yanks. Joseph was a perennial all-star and Vezina Trophy contender, but after a frosty relationship with Coach Pat Quinn, Joseph headed just south of the boarder to Detroit.

The loss of Joseph demoralized the team and showcased the team’s flaws quickly. It was soon noted that the Leafs had no defense and a weak offensive attack with an aging Sundin and an Antropov now quite developed. The team rapidly went from best in the east to worst over the course of two seasons, but their somber supporters continued to troop to their games.

Unlike most cities where failing teams offer no fan support, the Leafs continue to sell out every one of their games. Did you see Pittsburgh selling out two years ago? Or what about the Dead Wings in the 80s? No, but Toronto fans stick with their team until death, and even during death, they continue to visit the grave at is the Air Canada Centre.