Leafs announce 2017 rookie tournament, move it to Toronto

Depending on how you felt about the location of the Toronto Maple Leafs’ annual London rookie tournament, I either have good or bad news for you. The team announced the 2017 edition of the weekend event this morning, and with that, confirmed that they’ll be moving it to Ricoh Coliseum, the downtown Toronto arena that typically hosts the Toronto Marlies.

Prior to this season, the Leafs had played the tournament at Budweiser Gardens in London, Ontario since 2009, hosting it and participating in the events of others in various other cities in the years prior. Last season, the Leafs went 3-0 to win the tournament, with a roster that included three players that played games for the Leafs this year, and fifteen that played for the Marlies.

This year’s tournament will include prospects from the Ottawa Senators and Montreal Canadiens, with games being played on September 8th (Toronto/Montreal), 9th (Montreal/Ottawa), and 10th (Ottawa/Toronto). Tickets will go on sale to Leafs and Marlies season ticket holders tomorrow, and to the general public on Tuesday.