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The Toronto Maple Leafs, known officially as the Toronto Maple Leaf Hockey Club and often called the Leafs, are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto. Originally founded in 1917 as the Toronto Arenas, the team underwent ownership changes, becoming the Toronto St. Patricks in 1919, and eventually, under Conn Smythe's ownership in 1927, the Maple Leafs. As part of the "Original Six" NHL teams, the Maple Leafs have a rich history, winning 13 Stanley Cup championships, though their last victory was in the 1966–67 season, marking the longest championship drought in league history at 55 seasons presently.
Notable players to have been part of the team include Jack Adams, Hap Day, Syl Apps, Doug Gilmour and John Tavares among notable others. Moreover, the team also has fierce rivalries with the Boston Bruins, Detroit Red Wings, Montreal Canadiens and Ottawa Senators with whom they contest the Battle of Ontario.
Who are the Toronto Maple Leafs owned by?
The Toronto Maple Leafs are owned by Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, Ltd., with Larry Tanenbaum serving as the Chairman. The MLSE, or Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Ltd., is a leading sports and commercial real estate company headquartered in Toronto, Canada. It holds major franchises in four prominent professional sports leagues in North America, including the NHL's Toronto Maple Leafs, the NBA's Toronto Raptors, the CFL's Toronto Argonauts, and MLS's Toronto FC. Additionally, MLSE owns various minor league teams and manages key sports facilities like Scotiabank Arena and the OVO Athletic Centre.
Established in 1931 as Maple Leaf Gardens Limited by Conn Smythe, the MLSE has evolved into a powerhouse in the sports industry, expanding its portfolio and influence over the decades. In 2012, a joint venture between Rogers Communications and BCE Inc. acquired majority ownership of the company from the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan, solidifying MLSE's position as a major player in sports and entertainment.
What conference are the Toronto Maple Leafs in?
The Leafs compete in the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League (NHL). The Maple Leafs have a storied history in the NHL, boasting 13 Stanley Cup championships. Their first two Stanley Cups, in 1918 and 1922, were won during the era when the Stanley Cup operated as an interleague competition. Following the establishment of the Cup as the NHL's championship trophy in 1926, the Maple Leafs clinched an additional 11 titles. However, their last Stanley Cup victory occurred in 1967, marking a 55-season drought at present, the longest in NHL history.
Additionally, the Maple Leafs were awarded the Prince of Wales Trophy twice, following the 1946–47 and 1962–63 seasons, when it served as the NHL's regular season championship trophy. The team also boasts a rich connection to the Hockey Hall of Fame, with 76 inductees acknowledging their affiliation with the Maple Leafs. This includes 62 former players and 13 individuals recognized as builders of the sport, such as broadcasters, executives, and head coaches. Furthermore, five Maple Leafs broadcasters have been awarded the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award by the Hockey Hall of Fame. This prestigious award, named after radio broadcaster Foster Hewitt, recognizes outstanding contributions to hockey broadcasting. Among the recipients are Wes McKnight (1986), Bob Cole (2007), Bill Hewitt (2007), and Joe Bowen (2018).
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