Craig Berube overhauls the Maple Leafs' standards, leaving Sheldon Keefe's style behind
Photo credit: Postmedia files
Craig Berube sent a very clear message to the Toronto Maple Leafs during their training camp: Sheldon Keefe is no longer enforcing the law, and neither are his previous policies.
The Toronto Maple Leafs made a number of changes this summer, one of which was Sheldon Keefe's firing as head coach. Sheldon Keefe was thought to be too easygoing to guide this Maple Leafs team to a Stanley Cup. As a result, Craig Berube was hired as head coach, bringing in a more seasoned and tough guy.
Finally, after several months, the Toronto Maple Leafs have taken to the ice. For the first time, players can now observe Craig Berube's methods in action.
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Craig Berube was anticipated to introduce significant changes to the Leafs' team dynamics. With training camp now underway, he has implemented a subtler yet impactful change that has intensified the atmosphere in Toronto. Sheldon Keefe was known for playing 50 Cent's music during the Leafs' training sessions. However, Sportsnet contributor Luke Fox reports that Berube has eliminated music from training camp, leaving only the sounds of practice echoing through the arena.
"The opening of Toronto Maple Leafs training camp was the day the music died.
One could spot a couple PTOs and a PP, a 2C and an F3.
But no DJ.
Under the former coaching regime, the Maple Leafs' bag skates and line rushes were usually set to music, with a staffer designated to cue up some vintage 50 Cent to help keep pulses pounding and tempos high in the practice facility.
Under Craig Berube, however, the only "music" is that of pucks off glass, shrill neck whistles and bodies slamming into boards.
The new bench boss in town is direct and no frills, and he's demanding his charges play that way."
One could spot a couple PTOs and a PP, a 2C and an F3.
But no DJ.
Under the former coaching regime, the Maple Leafs' bag skates and line rushes were usually set to music, with a staffer designated to cue up some vintage 50 Cent to help keep pulses pounding and tempos high in the practice facility.
Under Craig Berube, however, the only "music" is that of pucks off glass, shrill neck whistles and bodies slamming into boards.
The new bench boss in town is direct and no frills, and he's demanding his charges play that way."
Maple Leafs players praise Craig Berube for ramping up the intensity
Today was in my top two - and it probably wasn't two, said Reaves, who is entering Season 15 of his career. "It was a good day, though. It sends a message to the team right away of what our identity is going to be, and I think guys enjoyed that battle"
Ryan Reaves went on to say that even elite players like Mitch Marner, William Nylander, and Auston Matthews might find it easier to handle playing against teams that put up a lot of pressure.
Max Pacioretty, a newcomer in training camp on a player tryout, also commented on the intensity. He acknowledged that this iteration of the Maple Leafs appears eager to win and continuously elevate their level of competition.
He's setting the tone right there from Day 1, said PTO Max Pacioretty winger. This is a team that wants to come out of the gates and show they have a whole new compete level.
Craig Berube's new policies has ushered in a more serious approach to training, addressing what many see as the team's most significant weakness. Players can no longer depend on past methods.
With Sheldon Keefe's more relaxed rules now discarded, the Maple Leafs are poised to adopt the disciplined demeanor their fans have been craving for decades. If the Maple Leafs are to be taken seriously and have any chance of winning the Stanley Cup, they need to embrace these changes and Berube's championship mentality.
| POLL | ||
22 SEPTEMBRE | 129 ANSWERS Craig Berube overhauls the Maple Leafs' standards, leaving Sheldon Keefe's style behind Can Craig Berube win a Stanley Cup with the Toronto Maple Leafs? | ||
| Yes | 58 | 45 % |
| No | 71 | 55 % |
| List of polls | ||
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