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THE EVENT Maple Leafs Hockey. Toronto plays the Ottawa Senators at the Air Canada Centre (40 Bay), Wednesday (October 4), 7:30 pm. $24-$381. 416-872-5000.
WHO: Leafs centre Alexander Steen, wearing number 10.
FAVOURITE NHL PLAYER EVER? “Pavel Bure was a huge favourite, but my father (former Winnipeg Jets great Thomas Steen) is number one.”
BIGGEST DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SWEDISH ELITE LEAGUE AND NHL ? “Over here there are 32 more games in a season, and you fly instead of taking the bus. You’re definitely treated better in the NHL.”
IS IT HARD TO PLAY UNDER THE MEDIA MICROSCOPE? “I love the opportunity to play in front of 20,000 crazy fans every game. Toronto loves hockey, and that’s something that drives you. But if you do have that one bad game, you’re going to hear about it – from everybody.”
The Leafs haven’t won the cup in almost 40 years. Why should we still care? “The younger guys are a year older, we’ve got some real key veteran guys, especially on the blue line, and we’ve got some real good goaltending.”
What’s the mood on the bench without Tie Domi? “My father played with Tie, so I’ve known him for a while. He was a presence everybody felt, in the locker room, on the bench and definitely on the ice.
Favourite bar? “I actually don’t go out that much.”
Favourite restaurant? “Benihana is my favourite place to grab a bite.”
Last CD you purchased? “Stevie Wonder’s Greatest Hits. I’m a big Stevie fan.”
