While I am sure the focus of many Toronto-and-the-surrounding-area residents has been the extreme heat as of late, it was much to my delight when a hockey related story made the news.

The Leafs (of the Toronto Maple variety) signed a new captain.

Dion Phaneuf was officially named the 18th captain of the team in June.

A young, hard working defenseman hailing from Edmonton, he has played alongside one of the best during his NHL career (Iginla).
Toronto desperately needed someone’s sweater to stitch the ‘C’ onto, and Coach Wilson’s choice is both promising and inspiring. Since Mats Sundin’s departure in 2008, the team has had a ‘lost at sea’ aura with no defined leadership and not near enough heart.

Phaneuf is a real (excuse the term!) team player, already said to be a huge motivating factor in the dressing room and on ice. He has passion for the game, talent on the rink and a fan’s adoration for the Blue and White.

Since entering the league Phaneuf leads all NHL defencemen in goals (76), power-play goals (48), game-winning goals (21) and shots (1,233).

Here’s hoping he can stand the love-hate relationship the Leaf fans have for the team. (None of us are very good at standing by our men in this respect, for better or worse is not the consensus around here!)

Here’s also hoping that he can assist in getting every player working together and showcasing talent instead of faltering.

The immense pressure by the fans will be his biggest potential stumbling block, but with his record and mindset he shows great promise in getting things in order for Toronto.

So as we hoist the cold beverages to our faces to help combat heat, any Leafs fan can tell you there’s only one thing on everyone’s mind – when will we get the chance to hoist The Cup again?

After a lovely Olympic interlude (and the opportunity to let the Leafs poor season fade into the background) where Canada were hockey’s best, I think Greater Ontario is ready to enjoy the summer and keep this little glimmer of hope for the start of the season…