Leafs new centre Dave Bolland returned home today to Mimico, Etobicoke, with the Stanley Cup in tow.  For Bolland, who scored the clinching goal for the Blackhawks last season, this is the second time he’s been fortunate enough to win hockey’s biggest prize.

Here’s some photos from the day’s events:

1) HOSPITAL VISIT

Bolland started off by visiting a local hospital in London, Ontario, where he now lives.  This proves what a class act he is, but he still should have given the kid above a wide berth.  Yes, I appreciate that he might be ill, but it doesn’t change the fact he’s wearing Canadiens gear!

2) FANS OUT IN FORCE

Next, it was up the 401 to Toronto for the parade, starting at the corner of Royal York Road and Mimico Avenue, before travelling east, towards Lakeshore Blvd.  As you can see, Mimico did itself proud, with a terrific turnout.  (Yep, that’s right, I just wrote the word terrific.  That might actually be a first.)

3) BLACKHAWKS FANS

Unfortunately, the crowd included an unsavoury contingent of Blackhawks fans.  Geez, didn’t you guys get enough out of the parade in Chicago?!?!

4) BOLLAND ARRIVES

Here’s Bolland arriving with the Stanley Cup.  Judging by the look on the cops faces, I’m not entirely convinced they volunteered to help out with the parade.  Cheer up guys!  There’s every chance the crowd will become unruly, giving you an excellent excuse to use some unnecessary police brutality.

5) THE PARADE

As Bolland hoists the cup in the air for the fans, note the children to the left, who aren’t quite sure what to do or how to act.  To be fair, at their age, they’re only just wrapping their heads around the Leafs actually having a playoff team, never mind any of this Stanley Cup business.

6) ROB FORD

Oh come on!  You’re killing me here!  There’s soooo much I could say right now, but I have to remember the Mayor is trying to help the Argonauts get a new stadium.

7) TORONTO ROCK CHEERLEADERS

AHA! So this is why Ford turned up.  Surely no one can hold that against him, apart from the Toronto Star of course. Extra points go to Bolland for managing to look extra pervy in this photo.  (Like I’d be any different!)

8 ) HOISTING THE CUP

Okay, I think we’ve seen enough photos for one day.  I’m sorry, I know Bolland’s likely just excited after seeing the Rock cheerleaders, but he’s getting carried away now and hamming it up too much.  (Yes, that’s right. I may be the one with the chip on my shoulder, but you’re all going to suffer.)

This is the first time a Leafs players has paraded around town with the Stanley Cup since 1967, albeit not under the desired circumstances.  Suffice it to say, Leafs fans will be hoping this scene is repeated next summer.  Unless Bolland is traded again.

If you have any tips or information about any of Toronto’s sports teams, please email me at Englishpaul@hotmail.co.uk

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