TORONTO — Within the Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment ecosystem, Real Sports and Bar always connotes a celebration. Whether it’s Auston Matthews taking over the Maple Leafs’ captaincy, or senior advisor of hockey operations Mats Sundin returning home to the organization, there’s always a reason to champion what lies ahead. After the Toronto Marlies captured the Calder Cup for the second time in franchise history, it’s only fitting that the cavernous sports bar was host to a Monday morning party.

MLSE CEO Keith Pelley presided over Monday’s events (drawing some boos from the fans gathered on the upper level of Real Sports) while Maple Leafs general manager John Chayka took the podium to congratulate the players, while thanking Ryan Hardy for his vision with the Marlies. It was a day that belonged to the Marlies, and an emotional Hardy delivered a 20-minute speech, while players downed mimosas on stage for some rousing toasts. Marlies defenceman Marshall Rifai was the lone notable absence, as he’s getting married this weekend.

“Toronto is a funny town, a fickle town, but it’s a great town, and it’s a place where hockey matters,” Hardy said, after delivering shoutouts to the players, coaching staff, and media relations coordinator Kate Bascom.

It was a truly spectacular run for the Marlies, who finished fourth in the AHL’s North Division with 82 points. Toronto was aided by Easton Cowan and Ben Danford during the playoff run, while Artur Akhtyamov emerged as one of the hottest goaltending prospects in the sport, winning Calder Cup MVP. Toronto’s rise from fringe playoff team to champions certainly wasn’t lost on Hardy, who oversaw the team’s structure.

“This hockey team was a group of underdogs, guys who were consistently told no but refused to let the little boy inside of them die,” Hardy said to conclude his address. “This hockey team was delusionally optimistic. Sick, perfectly dumb, fuelled by an unconditional brotherly love, and they just refuse to die. And you guys are champions forever. We’ll all walk together forever!”

Monday’s event was a celebration of not only the players, but their families. Several Marlies brought their children and partners to Real Sports, while Hardy and head coach John Gruden made a point of emphasis that it was a entire community that brought home the Calder Cup. Gruden was in a decidedly lighter mood and chirped Michael Pezzetta for wearing a “Woodbrigde Tuxedo” before delivering his remarks in earnest. The 56-year-old relayed that the Marlies became closer during a road trip to Wilkes-Barre, PA, where the entire team spent time together barbecuing on the grill.

“At the end of the day where there’s a first line and a fourth line, a guy getting injured coming in, everyone pulled the rope. And when you do everything together, it’s amazing what you can accomplish,” Gruden said.

“And again, I want to thank everybody for that. And one last cheer for the fans again, because what you did being here, especially for the end of the night, thank you so much. We appreciate it. Thank you, everybody.”

It was a full-circle moment for many players, and for Marlies captain Logan Shaw, this was the culmination of his career. On a team full of leaders, Shaw has been lauded for his command of the room, his advice to younger players and his selfless approach to the game. Shaw spoke about being empowered by the organization, and being fully trusted by the coaching staff.

“They gave us control of the dressing room and held us accountable when they needed to,” Shaw said, while his adoring teammates looked onwards.

Gruden and Hardy both held scrums with the media after the formal portion wrapped up, but it was Sim who stole the show. Sim crashed Shaw’s media availability and asked him about the Nova Scotia connections on the team.

“Maritimes Mafia! It’s special,” Shaw said to Sim, with their arms around each other. “We come from a place with a lot of good people, and you’re one of them. You work hard, and especially the way the young guys follow you. Same with (Jacob) Quillan. Same with Danford. These guys follow you guys.”

On the way out, it appears Akhtyamov is getting used to the trappings of stardom. Several Marlies fans have lined up for an impromptu autograph session and Akhtyamov is more than happy to oblige. It was a party on Monday, a well-deserved occasion for the Marlies, with several players in line to play larger roles for the Maple Leafs in the near-future.

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