Toronto Maple Leafs Fans from Around the Globe

The Toronto Maple Leafs have a very passionate fanbase. Their fanbase reaches beyond the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and into the rest of Canada. However, even Canada is not large enough for Leafs Nation. I have had the privilege of interacting with Maple Leafs fans from all around the world. Most of them, I have met in person, and they are amazing.

For this article, I reached out to a few members of what I like to call Leafs Nation International. These fans stay up really late to watch the Leafs play. Some have even traveled thousands of miles to Toronto to see their favourite team play live. I asked each of them the same five questions, and I want to share their passion with the rest of Leafs Nation.

The Leafs Nation International members in this article are Omar Garza (Monterrey, Mexico), Victoria Stewart (Dundee, Scotland), Elliott Hall (Sheffield, UK), Kylie Elphick (Sydney, Australia), and Julian Aubrey (Kidderminster, Worcestershire, England).

Toronto Maple Leafs Questions for International Fans

When did you first discover hockey?

Omar: I first discovered hockey when I was a child, but I really got into it in 2018.

Victoria: I first discovered hockey at my local arena, where the Dundee Stars play. I was 16 and offered a free ticket to a game one Friday night, and I almost didn’t go because I knew nothing about the sport. However, I thought it would be good to get out of my comfort zone and try something new. I fell in love with the speed and physicality of the game immediately, and I’ve been a massive fan ever since.

Elliott: I discovered hockey in 1993.

Kylie: I discovered hockey in 2010 during my first visit to Canada. My friend’s family introduced me to the game. I’ve been hooked ever since.

Julian: The first time I discovered hockey was back in 2008.

Why did you choose the Toronto Maple Leafs as your team?

Omar: I learned about the Toronto Maple Leafs thanks to Geddy Lee (from rock band Rush). I saw a photo of him wearing a Toronto Maple Leafs Jersey. I then remembered that hockey is a very popular sport in Canada, so I decided to get into hockey, and more specifically, the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Victoria: I selected the Toronto Maple Leafs as my team based purely on a gut instinct. I was meant to choose them. Shortly after getting into the sport by watching my local team, I decided to give the NHL a try, as I knew it was the best. I downloaded the NHL app, pulled up the list of teams, and immediately felt drawn to the Toronto Maple Leafs. I decided right there and then that they were supposed to be my team, and I’ve never stopped cheering for them since.

Elliott: I chose the Leafs by default, really. They were part of the first NHL game I saw on TV. I loved watching Wendel Clark, and to watch Clark, I had to watch the Leafs. Then I also noticed Doug Gilmour and became a fan of his, too.

Kylie: I didn’t choose the Leafs; they were chosen for me. My Canadian friends who introduced me to the game told me that the Maple Leafs are their family’s team. I’m family, so therefore the Leafs are my team.

Julian: I was dating a girl from Canada, her family were fans of the Montreal Canadiens, but I liked the Blue and White of the Maple Leafs.

What is your favorite Maple Leafs moment?

Omar: Seeing the Leafs defeating the Canadiens, but I was very happy when they defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning to advance to the second round in the NHL playoffs.

Victoria: I have so many favourite Leafs moments, but my own personal favourite has to be attending the Leafs vs Panthers in Game 7 during the second round last postseason (Despite the end result, of course). Before the first puck drop, I just felt so overwhelmed at being able to be there, and it’s a feeling I’ll never forget.

Elliott: My favourite Leafs moment would have to be my first Leafs game. It was in October of 2000 for the season opener against the Montreal Canadiens.

Kylie: Oh, this is tough. I have so many. John Tavares catching lightning in a bottle to score against the Tampa Bay Lightning and advance the Leafs to the second round. Watching Auston Matthews score four goals in his NHL debut. The first game I ever attended, which was the home opener against the Washington Capitals in 2022.

Julian: I think my favourite memory was watching the Leafs beat the Lightning in round one, after so many missed opportunities with this core. Celebrating with my dog Campbell & Thornton, especially as I lost Thornton that August, unexpectedly. That night, I jumped around the lounge celebrating with them.

Who is your favorite Leafs player?

Omar: Since I’ve only been watching since 2018, I would say my favourite Leafs player is Auston Matthews.

Victoria: My favourite Leafs player is Auston Matthews, and I even have a tattoo of his number 34. He was drafted in 2016, I got into hockey in 2016, it just all aligned, and he’s such a special player to watch.

Elliott: Wendel Clark

Kylie: Our Captain, Auston Matthews

Julian: Morgan Rielly or Nazem Kadri. They both bleed blue and white for our Leafs, even if Kadri is no longer on the team.

If you’ve traveled to Toronto to watch the Leafs, elaborate on your experience.

Omar: Unfortunately, I haven’t, but I would love to travel to Toronto and watch a Toronto Maple Leafs game.

Victoria: I have travelled to see the Leafs play so many times now. It’s one of my favourite things to do, and I can’t wait to keep making the trip over to see them play. It doesn’t matter how many times I’ve been to Scotiabank Arena, I still get goosebumps every time. I’m currently planning a 2026 trip to see some more Leafs games again.

Elliott: I’ve flown in to Toronto from the UK 10 times now, and plan on more visits while my health allows. If I’m not at the game live, you’ll catch me watching the game at the Bottom Line sports bar.

Kylie: I try to make it across to Toronto every season to watch the Maple Leafs play. Being an international fan of the Leafs is tricky. Games are aired in the mornings, and merchandise and memorabilia aren’t readily available or affordable. However, it has paved the way for lifelong friendships, as well as some amazing memories and experiences.

Julian: I’ve been to Toronto a few times now. My next trip over will be in March 2026. I’m also looking forward to seeing my first Maple Leafs road game in Ottawa.

As you can see, the passion for the Maple Leafs extends way outside of Toronto and even outside of Canada. All five of these fans love the Toronto Maple Leafs so much. It’s incredible to hear about their experiences and love for the team.