Jamal Mayers - tough as nails, heart of gold.
Posted 11:12 AM ET | Comments 8
Recently I had the opportunity to spend some time with one of the newer Leafs, Jamal Mayers. I admittedly knew little about him before he was acquired by the Leafs and I was eager to get his thoughts on his new role with the club. Strolling around Toronto on a warm summer's day and getting thoughts from an NHL veteran was an enlightening experience for me, and Jamal had lots to say.
We stop at a fine Jamaican roti place, order some food, walk around and talk hockey, life and everything in between. We went unnoticed around the streets of Toronto, given that Jamal's face isn't recognizable to most Leaf fans it was understandable. This will change VERY SHORTLY. To say I was impressed with this man is an understatement. I believe Leaf fans will be very pleased to have him on the team.
I ask Jamal what his thoughts are on this upcoming season, what can Leaf fans expect from him? He tells me he plays an "honest" game, always brings his best effort and never takes a shift off. The Toronto native is looking forward to giving everything he can to play for his team. He grew up a Leafs fan and has never been more excited to an upcoming season than this year.
He'll bring leadership and much needed toughness to the club. That much is understood. What isn't known are the intangibles he brings to the forefront. He'll be heard in the locker-room. Other players will be accountable to Jamal if they decide to take a shift off. He WANTS the Leafs to be the best team they can possibly be and damn anyone who gets in the way of that goal.
While we're strolling and chatting we see an elderly women waiting to cross the road. Cars won't seem to stop for her and she seems frustrated. Jamal immediately says "look at this poop!" and runs off to help her across the road. He flags down cars to stop and makes sure she gets across the street safely. This guy cares. I'm amazed that someone would take the time to do that and he tells me we're all in this together. "How you treat others says alot about who you are"
This is the quality type of player that Cliff Fletcher has brought on board. I can't tell you how many goals and assists he'll contribute, or how many opposing players will be quaking in fear as Jamal patroles the ice, but I do know that the Leafs are a far better club today for having this man's services. I've become a Jamal Mayers fan, I'm certain he'll win over many more Leaf fans as the season progresses.
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11 Season to look forward to !
16 Leafs pre-season look
22 Jamal Mayers - tough as nails, heart of gold.
24 Colaiacovo breakout season?
27 Stajan: A Class Act
16 Leafs pre-season look
22 Jamal Mayers - tough as nails, heart of gold.
24 Colaiacovo breakout season?
27 Stajan: A Class Act
03 Great preseason strides
10 A great night
14 One step up, two steps back
26 A Finger up
30 Character win.
10 A great night
14 One step up, two steps back
26 A Finger up
30 Character win.
He'll win over many Leafs fans for sure. He's got speed, grit and heart. Unfortunately - when it comes to shooting the puck - He couldn't hit water off the Queen Mary. That will drive you nuts. He has the speed to create opportunities and can't finish them.
I agree, he wil be a fan fav but I'm afraid he will be dealt at the deadline so his stay will be short lived!! Hope I'm wrong!
i was sad to see him leave the blues, but at least he went to a respectable team. I hope he has a good year, he will create chances because of his speed and size. will he finish them, probably not. will he even shoot it close to the goal? its a 50/50. He is a great faceoff guy to have on the team also
you guys have a class act guy and we all love him in st.louis and always will. he will win over toronto fans with his ear to ear grin and a heart for the game like no other. i wish him the best of luck in toronto and many cups in his career
Well, he certainly never takes a shift off. That much is a given. And he will definitely stick up for his teammates. He's not the toughest guy out there, but he does his best.His skill set is lacking. Unless he's used on a first or second line role, you shouldn't expect more than 10 goals out of him. But he's a strong asset on the PK (defensively, that is. He's not a shorthanded threat).Personally, he seems to be a great community and locker room guy. Which I always found surprising because I've spoken to him, in person, on several occasions and he always seemed aloof and kind of an a$$hat. But maybe I just caught him on bad days.
Jammer was a fan favorite here in STL because of those things, and the Leafs are lucky to have him in their organization!! He isn't the most skilled guy on the ice, but he gives 110% every single shift. Good luck Jammer!!! This Blues fan will be rooting for you!(until you play the Blues, that is)
i'll miss his heart, not his hands
so will you be having a second date?