New father and birthday boy Mitch Marner says he’s rested and ready to go for the 海角社区官网Maple Leafs in Game 1 tonight (8 p.m., CBC, Sportsnet)聽against the Florida Panthers following the birth of his son, Miles.
海角社区官网forward’s wife Stephanie gave birth to their first child, a boy.
鈥淭he birth of our son, such a special moment,鈥 Marner said. 鈥淛ust incredible moments. Something that’s hard to explain. As a parent, I think everyone feels it, but it’s something really cool.鈥
Marner took to the ice at the Scotiabank Arena as part of an abbreviated morning skate as the Maple Leafs prepare for their second-round series.
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鈥淚’m fine,鈥 he said of his energy level. 鈥淚 just sat there and cheer-leaded. My wife (Stephanie) was an absolute beast through it all. She was so impressive to watch. What a woman’s body can do and how much strength they have, it was incredibly impressive to sit there and watch and be her cheerleader for two days.鈥
It also happens to be his 28th birthday.
鈥淚’m just going to try and go out there and play hockey and win a hockey game,鈥 Marner said.
Teammate William Nylander turned 29 last week, celebrating with two goals and an assist in the Game 6 clincher against Ottawa.
鈥淚t’s his birthday, so he’s in a good mood,鈥 coach Craig Berube said of Marner, smiling. 鈥淗e’s good. He’s ready to go.
鈥淚 expect the same game he always plays. He’s in a good spot. A lot of good things are happening in his life. He’s ready to go for the second round.鈥
Kevin McGran is a Star sports reporter based in Toronto. Follow
him on Bluesky聽@kevinmcgran
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