The Toronto Maple Leafs are a very polarizing team, to say the least. You either love ‘em, or you hate ‘em. It’s been like that since the beginning, and it will likely carry on that way for eternity.
Saying that, just because you’ve crafted your identity as a hockey fan to hate the Leafs, that doesn’t mean you have to hate every part of the Leafs. There may be no greater example of that than Jason Spezza.
Spezza was at one point one of the premier offensive threats in the NHL. As Father Time has done his thing, Spezza’s role has evolved into more of a veteran leadership position. That doesn’t mean he’s totally forgot how to put the biscuit in the basket, though.
On Thursday, a 37-year-old Spezza managed to find the back of the net not once, not twice, but three times. The veteran could be seen beaming from the bench after his Hat-Trick, so you know it meant a lot to him.
Following the game, Spezza was clearly elated. He explained that one of the best parts of the whole thing was seeing his teammates so happy for him.
It's hard not to like a guy like Spezza, and anyone that’s ever met him before can testify that he’s one of the nicest guys around. In terms of the lack of hats, Spezza settled for a bit of a locker room shower instead.
Even non Leafs fans can agree that a moment like this for a guy like Spezza is a positive in the world.
(H/T Kristen Shilton)
