In order to stay grounded, Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner has made it a habit to write or draw something on his gear for years.
He started by drawing a smiling face on his gloves to serve as a reminder that the main goal of playing hockey is to have fun. More recently, he drew a Z on his gloves and the top of his sticks, an homage to his dog Zeus.
In remembrance of his newborn baby Miles Daniel Marner and as a reminder of his true purpose, he now has a M on top of his sticks. Marner told reporters Wednesday night, “It’s cool to see it during games and just calm myself and just take a deep breath,” according to SportsNet. “Just relax and try and go out there and do my thing.”
Marner’s child appears to be giving him just the inspiration he needs at the moment. After William Nylander, the 28-year-old forward leads the squad with 10 points (two goals, eight assists) in eight postseason games. In Game 2 against the Florida Panthers on Wednesday, he scored what was likely the biggest playoff goal of his career, giving the Maple Leafs a 2-0 lead in the second-round series.
“Just serenity,” Marner remarked. Since games are always an emotional roller coaster, I make every effort to maintain my composure. There are always things happening that you can’t foresee. For my son, I’m adding the M on my stick and gloves, which have always had the Z on them. Indeed, it’s really a game I’m attempting to play for him.
Naturally, there are other Maple Leafs rising up this postseason besides Marner. Toronto is making its longest playoff run in this era thanks to some of the strongest postseason performances from the majority of its key players. Nonetheless, he deserves great recognition for his effort at such a significant juncture in his life.
“He experienced several positive events in his life. Then, of course, a big goal tonight,” Craig Berube, the head coach, stated. “Mitch is a fantastic athlete. We are all aware of that. An extremely smart player. plays every part of the game for you and does a fantastic job on both sides of the puck. He is capable of making things happen when they matter, though.