Tyler Bertuzzi and Max Domi have developed some chemistry both on and off the ice and that was apparent when the Toronto Maple Leafs were traveling home from their most recent road trip.
It was in Denver when Domi took to his social media and posted a video of him singing "Happy Birthday' to Bertuzzi, who had just recorded a hat trick in a victory against the Colorado Avalanche.
That's when a user on X by the name of 'FlowBuds' was inspired to make some new unofficial Leafs merchandise based on the two players. One featured Bert and Ernie from Seasame Street and another showed Beavis and Butt-Head. Both morphed into designs that look like the two Maple Leafs forwards.
After seeing this post, Sportsnet's Shawn McKenzie took it upon himself to show the two images to Domi himself, who had a clear favorite.
"They're both hilarious, whoever made this, 10/10, good job," Domi told Sportsnet. "But I think like the Beavis and Butt-Head one. That's epic *laughs*. So Good.
"It actually looks exactly like Bert, too."
The person who made the image is 35-year-old Joe Ferguson. a marketing manager who splits his time between Toronto and Kingston.
Born in Kingston and growing up in the small town of Marlbank, Ferguson started making Leafs art and selling it on his Etsy store during the 2019-20 season. Although he works in marketing, he has passion for the Maple Leafs that started when he was an 18 and loves graphic design. So he put those together to make some Leafs shirts, tank tops and hoodies.
"I've always said it's been really cool/fulfilling for me because it's a legitimate combination of two of my passions," Ferguson told The Hockey News.
To date, FlowBuds, which is also the name of his online store, has amassed over 1600 sales since its launch. Three of his best-selling shirts feature Nylander wearing sunglasses that say 'Willy Styles' on it, a tribute to a nickname former teammate Joe Thronton gave him in 2021.
Another features Auston Matthews as a flying Mario from the Super Mario Bros. 3 video game.
Ferguson also made a Broje Salming designn where all proceeds went to ALS Canada that have totaled over $6,000 to date.
Ferguson's credit his marketing job that has allowed him to expand his reach and find his audience.
"I like to believe that's helped me market my Twitter account and the designs."
Ferguson has yet to be at a Leafs game but has never seen one at Scotiabank Arena. Having lived in the Ottawa area for 10 years, he did get a chance to see Matthews' four-goal debut on Oct. 12, 2016.
No doubt there are more designs to come.
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