Instead, their time was spent on dry-land training and getting into shape before returning to Toronto and workouts at Arena Gardens on Mutual Street. A newspaper report noted, "The players were up bright and early ... Corporal Coyne attended to that. He had them out at 7:15 going through a series of physical 'jerks' that to the former soldiers of the team were reminiscent of the old army days."
A special dispatch to The Globe provided further details on the Leafs activity in Port Elgin. "Awakening to find a drizzling rain awaiting them today, the Maple Leafs had a half-hour's physical drill on the veranda of the Lake View Inn." Once the weather cleared, "... the team was put through a series of formations for the benefit of Canadian Press photograhers."
And the Leafs weren't finished. "Following this, a two-mile hike, with occasional stops for more drill[s], was ordered by the instructor." Also included in the training camp program was tennis, golf and baseball.
The Leafs finally laced up their skates on November 3, 1928, at Arena Gardens.
Edited September 24, 2018 12:27pm.
I wonder how they chose Port Elgin as the site.
ReplyDeleteThe newspaper accounts didn't address this good question.
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