‘It’s A Special Day’: Mitch Marner, Maple Leafs Recognize Moms For Mother’s Day Ahead Of Game 4 Against Panthers

With an important Game 4 on Sunday night against the Florida Panthers, the Toronto Maple Leafs hit the ice for a morning skate in Sunrise. While the focus remains on the game, members of the club took a moment to reflect and give thanks, recognizing the special occasion of Mother’s Day.

Among the many Maple Leafs paying tribute to their moms on the day, star winger Mitch Marner had even more reason to appreciate the moment. His wife gave birth to their first child, a son named Miles, just last week. Sunday marked her first Mother’s Day, a milestone Marner described as “a cool day” to share as a new father.

“I reached out to my wife and my mom, and my wife’s mom,” Marner said. “It’s a special day for myself and my wife. It’s her first Mother’s Day, it’s something really cool. Can’t wait to get home tomorrow, see the little guy, and celebrate with them for Mother’s Day. It’s a cool day to share with my wife and both moms.”

The 28-year-old has already shown his new purpose of playing on the ice. After Game 2, he spoke about playing for his newborn son and growing family. The letter ‘M’ for Miles now appears on his stick.

Though the Leafs are on the road for Games 3 and 4, players found ways to recognize the women who helped make it all possible. Some mentioned they’ve called home, sent messages, or sent flowers, and all expressed gratitude for the sacrifices their mothers made throughout their hockey journeys.

“Yeah, she got flowers. A couple of days ago, she got them. A little earlier celebration for her,” said forward William Nylander after practice.

“(She’s) amazing. She was dealing with four other kids at the same time while my dad was playing, so it’s incredible what she did by herself when my dad was on the road. Owe it all to her and the hours she spent lugging the family around. Getting me and my brother to practices and taking my sisters along with us. It’s been amazing,” he added. 

It’s no secret that the sacrifices required to pursue a professional hockey career from a young age are immense. Veteran defenseman Chris Tanev, whose brother Brandon also plays in the NHL for the Winnipeg Jets, reflected on the challenges their mother faced raising two future NHLers while balancing everything else going on in their lives.

When asked if he’s reached out to his mom Sunday morning, he replied, “I have. I have to,” he said with a laugh.

“Growing up, I think every kid who’s been in hockey can attest to your mom driving you to the rink at 6 a.m. and working extremely hard at her job and still coming home and taking my brothers and I to hockey. Taking care of us, making sure we have good things to eat, our laundry is done, and the house is clean. It’s not an easy job, and obviously, I can't thank her enough for what she’s done,” he added. 

After dropping Game 3 on the road, the Leafs still hold a 2-1 lead in the second-round series. With a chance to secure a split in Florida and take a commanding 3-1 series advantage heading back to Toronto, the Leafs are focused on the task at hand.

“We’re just going out there and playing hockey like we do,” Marner explained. “We’ve got a lot of confidence in this group. We know when we’re playing our best hockey, it’s a hard thing to beat. That’s what we’re focusing on, try to go out there tonight and do that.”