Kew Beach Junior Public School shows its support for the Leafs in advance of playoff game
By JOSHUA McGINNIS
Students at Kew Beach Junior Public School in the Beach gathered yesterday afternoon in a lively show of support for the Toronto Maple Leafs ahead of Game 5 of the second-round NHL playoff series against the Florida Panthers.
The school hosted a spirited pep rally on Wednesday, May 14, afternoon, giving students a chance to celebrate their team before the school day ended.
The event saw the school’s gym filled with excited students, many of them proudly sporting blue and white jerseys, waving handmade signs and posters, and chanting in support of the Leafs as they prepared for the pivotal game in their playoff run.
Jill Karens, principal of Kew Beach Junior Public School, said the idea for the rally came together quickly as hockey fever gripped the city. With the Maple Leafs fighting to keep their playoff hopes alive, staff and students alike wanted to do something special to mark the occasion.
“We have a lot of Leaf fans, and this is a crucial game today,” said Karens in an interview with Beach Metro Community News on Wednesday afternoon.
“Being back in Toronto, we want to bring this game home, so we put together this little pep rally and send the Leafs all the luck for winning in Toronto tonight.”
According to Karens, more than 300 students took part in the event from Kindergarten to Grade 6, filling the school’s gymnasium with cheers and energy.
Karens also noted that the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) had been contacting schools to see if any were getting into the playoff spirit and showcasing their fandom.
“The TDSB was asking around for schools that were big Leafs fans,” she said.
Though the rally brought plenty of school spirit and community pride, it wasn’t enough to help the Leafs notch a win. Toronto fell to the Panthers 6-1 on Wednesday night at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, putting Florida ahead 3-2 in the best-of-seven series.
Still, students and fans remain hopeful as the two teams are set to meet again for Game 6 on Friday, May 16, in Florida. Game 7 in the series, if necessary, will be played on Sunday, May 18 in Toronto.
Beach Metro Community News’s reporter/photographer Joshua McGinnis was at Wednesday’s rally at the school and took the photos below of the enthusiastic students showing their support for the Leafs.
