Toronto Prepares For 5th Annual “Agonizing Over Game 7” Fest
By Gabriel Venneri
Toronto - The city of Toronto has announced it will be bringing back its wildly popular tradition of agonizing over their hockey team, the Maple Leafs, having to play in another game 7. The tradition is in its 5th year, after the inaugural event back in 2018 was such a smash hit among citizens. Fans have come to look forward to the festival at the beginning of every season. There was some worry during the 2020 season that the pandemic would derail plans to languish over a game 7 but luckily they were gifted a special best of 5 series which continued the beloved tradition.
“Agonize Over The Leafs Playing A Game 7” Fest has had some wonderful headliners over the years including the Boston Bruins, who were so well received they did 2 years back to back, and more recently the Montreal Canadiens who thrilled Leaf fans by erasing what everyone thought was a sure thing 3-1 series lead. This year the festival was able to land its biggest name yet with the back-to-back Stanley Cup champs the Tampa Bay Lightning.
“Our budget has grown thanks to the success of the last 4 years, so we were able to get a really big name. We know fans are going to be happy. It just isn’t spring in Toronto without the excruciating pain of watching the Leafs in the playoffs,” said Cynthia Devine, MLSE interim president.
“I love it! It’s the most consistent thing in my life, I look forward to it every year. I was worried it wasn’t going to happen last year but bam! Those Leafs never let me down in their ability to blow a sure thing. They always find new ways to stretch my anxiety in ways I never even thought possible. It’s always something different!” said one excited Leaf fan.
Wondering what the big surprise the Leafs have in store for game 7 this year? Organizers aren’t revealing much but say they’re confident that both new and old fans will be satisfied in watching a classic Leafs story unfold in a modern way.
Gabriel Venneri is a contributing writer at The Toronto Harold. You can find him on Instagram at @gabevenn