New father and birthday boy Mitch Marner says he’s rested and ready to go for the pc28Maple Leafs in Game 1 tonight (8 p.m., CBC, Sportsnet) against the Florida Panthers following the birth of his son, Miles.
pc28forward’s wife Stephanie gave birth to their first child, a boy.
“The birth of our son, such a special moment,” Marner said. “Just incredible moments. Something that’s hard to explain. As a parent, I think everyone feels it, but it’s something really cool.”
Marner took to the ice at the Scotiabank Arena as part of an abbreviated morning skate as the Maple Leafs prepare for their second-round series.
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“I’m fine,” he said of his energy level. “I just sat there and cheer-leaded. My wife (Stephanie) was an absolute beast through it all. She was so impressive to watch. What a woman’s body can do and how much strength they have, it was incredibly impressive to sit there and watch and be her cheerleader for two days.”
It also happens to be his 28th birthday.
“I’m just going to try and go out there and play hockey and win a hockey game,” Marner said.
Teammate William Nylander turned 29 last week, celebrating with two goals and an assist in the Game 6 clincher against Ottawa.
“It’s his birthday, so he’s in a good mood,” coach Craig Berube said of Marner, smiling. “He’s good. He’s ready to go.
“I expect the same game he always plays. He’s in a good spot. A lot of good things are happening in his life. He’s ready to go for the second round.”
Kevin McGran is a Star sports reporter based in Toronto. Follow
him on Bluesky @kevinmcgran
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