Maple Leafs prefer to see passion, not punches, at development camp

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What’s a Maple Leaf development camp without physical fireworks?

Whether a thunderous check – there are still reverberations at the Ford Centre from Nolan Dillingham laying out Roni Hirvonen in 2023, or Ben Danford getting accidentally concussed on a hit last year – it’s often hard for the kids to hold back with so much brass looking on.

In Thursday’s opening on-ice session, a battle drill went to another level between new Kitchener Rangers draft pick Matthew Hlacar and Medicine Hat Tiger grad Rhett Parsons. After an exchange of cross-checks, the 6-foot-3 players engaged in a serious fight.

“You don’t see that in Sweden,” said wide-eyed witness Tinus Luc Koblar, a 2025 pick, after the haymakers flew.

Hayley Wickenheiser, assistant general manager, player development, was quick to say that proving one’s prowess with their dukes isn’t the purpose of this five-day camp, even if the Leafs have made toughening up for playoffs a priority.

“We don’t want guys fighting here,” she said. “We’ve talked about it that we want them to compete, but no one needs to get hurt.

“With those two, that’s part of their game, it’s what they do, and the opportunity came up. We talked to both of them and they were fine with it.

“You don’t want to see it, but the game is full of emotion. You’re happy to see them play with passion and want to make an impact. But it’s a fine line to walk and I’m sure we won’t see it again.”

The calmed-down combatants made amends later.

“Two guys going hard,” Hlacar said. “Tempers flared and it happened. I talked to him, we’re fine, it is what it is.”

The older Parsons has rung up three 100-plus penalty minute seasons including his rookie pro year with Toronto’s ECHL farm team in Cincinnati.

“I love the guy, love every teammate here, but stuff like that happens,” said Parsons. “I have total respect for him. My game is to get under other guys’ skin, not hurt anyone. But no hard feelings off the ice. We fist-pumped after.”

The 48 prospects have otherwise bonded this week over golf, meals and meeting many regular Leafs who have been around Ford Centre for summer training, such as Chris Tanev. Nik Antropov is already a long-serving member of the development staff, Jake Muzzin joined the past couple of years and Kyle Clifford is transitioning from his final playing days with the AHL Marlies to work with the newcomers. Recently retired Mark Giordano has also been around.

“They love and look up to the players who played (NHL),” said Wickenheiser. “They’ve been through it, know what it’s like and they bring a lot of wisdom and experience they can still relate to. It’s an impact you can only bring if you were a player.”

A number of guest instructors from the OHL and Europe are also helping this week.

Lhornby@postmedia.com

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