Maple Leafs honor victims of Toronto attack prior to Game 6
The Toronto Maple Leafs paid their respects to the victims of the horrific Toronto attack ahead of Monday’s Game 6 against the Boston Bruins at the Air Canada Centre.
Ten people are dead and 15 are injured after the driver of a van plowed into multiple pedestrians in Toronto on Monday afternoon.
Defenseman Ron Hainsey had a powerful message for the people of Toronto during a pre-game interview with Kyle Bukauskas of Sportsnet:
"We're going to play our heart out for this city."
Ron Hainsey has a special message for the City of Toronto after today's tragic event. pic.twitter.com/CvglPly4Zy
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) April 23, 2018
The Maple Leafs held a moment of silence ahead of their clash with the Bruins. Singer Martina Ortiz-Luis let the audience take over during the anthems:
Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment issued a release announcing additional security measures at ACC hours after a van struck multiple people on a stretch of Yonge Street between Finch Avenue and Sheppard Avenue.
The Boston Bruins also released a statement on Twitter:
“Our thoughts are with all of those affected by today’s tragedy. We stand with the City of Toronto during this difficult time”
Forward Patrice Bergeron offered his support prior to Game 6:
“I can guarantee you, the city of Boston is behind the city of Toronto right now,” he said. “Unfortunately, Boston’s been through it in 2013 and same thing with my teammates. So my thoughts and prayers go out to everyone affected by this.”
The city of Boston came together in 2013 after two bombs were detonated near the finish line of the annual Boston Marathon.