Fredericton — Peter Leonard, a 27-year-old recreational hockey player, had a big game last night. He put 2 pucks past the opposing team’s goaltender and scored even bigger afterward by accepting a 1-year deal with the struggling Toronto Maple Leafs. “It was the sort of thing that you dream of as a child,” said a glowing Leonard. “I knew there was a scout in crowd, so I was putting a little more effort in compared to a usual night, I guess.”
Leonard’s team — the Jim Gilbert’s Wheels and Deals Telus Mobility Papa John’s Pizza 105.3 The Fox DQ Fredericton Senior Canadians — won the contest by a score of 4-2, and Leonard was named the game’s first star. “It was a great game for us, and we were able to get the W.”
According to Leonard’s coach Davie Dixon, “Petey was on fire! Diggin’ in the corners and really grindin’ out there. He’s been our MVP all season long.”
Leafs scout Kyle Herman was in town visiting family when he decided to check out the game. “My flight wasn’t leaving until the next day, so I figured I’d come and have a good time. I didn’t realize I was going to be able to find help for our team,” he said excitedly. “We’re really sucking right now, and maybe this guy is just what we need to get us going. We need help, that’s for sure.”
Leonard’s addition comes hot off the heels of a 9-2 blowout suffered by the Maple Leafs at the hands of the Nashville Predators on Tuesday night.
Leonard will be playing on Toronto’s top line alongside Phil Kessel and Joffry Lupol in tomorrow night’s game. The Manatee will be following this local stars career with great interest.