Toronto Maple Leafs sign 11-year-old to one-day contract
Nearing the end of a nightmare season to forget, the Toronto Maple Leafs do something memorable.
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The Toronto Maple Leafs haven’t accomplished much on the ice in 2014-15, but gave at least one fan a reason to celebrate.
In a touching gesture, the Maple Leafs signed 11-year-old Garrett Gamble to a one-day contract on Saturday. Gamble suffers from Morquio Syndrome, a disease that hinders the development of bone, cartilage and connective tissue.
Rather than just invite Gamble to game, Toronto had a ceremony for his contract signing, gave him his own locker and jersey, and will have him drop the puck Saturday night against the Ottawa Senators. Players like Tyler Bozak, Dion Phaneuf and Phil Kessell were on hand to meet Gamble.
Some photos of Saturday’s events from the Maple Leafs Twitter account:
.@SportChek Player Alert: The #Leafs have signed Garrett Gamble. #TMLtalk
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) March 28, 2015
MORE: http://t.co/gzfwVUqe86 pic.twitter.com/fiE3icLI1s
Garrett's stall was laid out for him before practice today and was perfect for a family photo at the skate. #TMLtalk pic.twitter.com/l5azCbh5pO
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) March 28, 2015
Toronto has had an awful season, complete with locker room dysfunction and media circus. The Maple Leafs sit at 27-42-6 with, putting them in the awkward spot of being eliminated from playoff contention with a low chance of winning the Connor McDavid sweepstakes in April’s draft lottery.
That has caused many fans in Toronto to become livid with the franchise. However, thanks to Saturday’s kind gesture, Gamble will always have a moment to remember from the Maple Leafs.
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