In February of 1927, Conn Smythe, who had built the New York Rangers franchise , raised enough money to buy the St. Pats and prevented the team from moving to Philadelphia. Smythe, a military man, immediately had the Toronto franchise name changed from the St. Pats to Maple Leafs, the name of a World War I fighting unit, the Maple Leaf Regiment.  He also switched the uniform colours to blue and white from green and white.

From its humble beginnings in 1927 when the Leaf Nation was born, it has evolved into the huge and boisterous numbers we see today. I have often heard when a new mother or father was asked boy or girl? They would say proudly what the baby was and then say "meet the newest edition to the Leaf Nation"!!

Our Leafs have proudly skated Lord Stanley’s Cup a total of 11 times. They were in 1932, 1942, 1945, 1947, 1948, 1949, 1951, 1962, 1963, 1964, and 1967.

As the Leaf Nation grew in numbers and stature we became the pride of the NHL and the envy of all other teams and their fans.

We boast such famous names and media sweetheats as Foster Hewitt, Bob Cole, Joe Bowan - voice of Leafs TV.

There are so many famous players from our Leafs that became house hold names  over the years..

Here are just a few that come to mind :John Bower, Tim Horton, Davey Keon, Red Kelly and our more modern day heros Darcy Tucker and Tie Domi.

There are way too many of our heros to list here but those are a few of our timeless favorites.

Points to Ponder:

If you are wondering  how to identify a  Leaf Nation Member without going up to them and asking …. Here are a few tips:

If you hear of someone spending weeks to prepare the ultimate joke or or act of total humour to show their supremecy as a hockey fan.......Leaf Nation.

If you see someone walking in a maul or walking across a room with a slight swagger and a gentle smile.......Leaf Nation

If you are out some place and spot a person that seems to have enough good looks for about 4 or 5 people ……Leaf Nation

If you are at a party and someone is having so much fun it seems almost  sinful…. Leaf Nation

If you meet someone and you are drawn to them because of their natural magnetism and positive charma……….Leaf Nation

So basically if you meet somebody very good looking, charismatic and is total fun you will probably be in the presence of a Leaf Nation Member. Enjoy them, they are the best people on earth!!