In the whirlwind of emotions that come with supporting a team like the Toronto Maple Leafs, it’s important to remember that some moments in life are far bigger than the game itself. For Mitch Marner, Sunday marked one of those moments as he and his wife, Stephanie, welcomed their baby boy, Miles, into the world.
Marner missed practice to be with his wife during the birth, and on Monday, he shared his experience with reporters after the morning skate.
“It was really exciting. Obviously, it was the birth of our son, so it was a very special moment, an incredible experience,” Marner said. “It’s hard to explain, but as a parent, you feel it. It’s something really cool.”
When asked how he was feeling heading into Game 1 of the second-round series against the Florida Panthers, Marner joked about his energy levels, admitting he was just there to support his wife during the birth.
“I mean, I just sat there and cheered her on,” Marner said, laughing. “My wife was incredible through it all. Watching her strength and what her body could do was truly impressive. I just sat there, supporting her for two days, and it was an amazing experience to be part of. I’m definitely a lucky guy.”
Family is always a top priority for Marner. Reflecting on his mindset while the Leafs were in Ottawa to close out their first-round series, he made it clear where his focus was.
“Family always comes first,” he said. “If something had happened during that series, I would have gone straight to her. I’m lucky it didn’t happen, and my son was smart enough to wait until after the hockey day.”
Now, Marner must quickly turn his attention back to the playoffs, as he and the Leafs prepare for a tough second-round series against the Florida Panthers. One of the players he’ll face is Sam Bennett, who Marner was teammates with only three months ago at the 4 Nations Face-Off. Marner knows exactly what Bennett will bring to the table.
“He’s got speed, a heavy shot, and makes great plays,” Marner said. “But his physicality and willingness to battle around the net for his teammates are really impressive. I saw that first-hand at the 4 Nations. In the second game, his first shift, he fought one of the heaviest guys in the league. He does a lot for his team, and you can expect him to bring it every game. We’ll have to be ready for that intensity.”
