The reason why the Maple Leafs are playing at 2 pm January 3

The reason why the Maple Leafs are playing at 2 pm today

The Toronto Maple Leafs are hitting Scotiabank Arena a little earlier than usual on January 3.

The Leafs are gearing up to host its Next Generation Game against the Minnesota Wild with a special afternoon puck drop time at 2 pm.

The game marks a celebration for Leafs fans of all ages with a strong focus on youth and the future of hockey, both on and off the ice, according to the team.

“The Toronto Maple Leafs are proud to host the Next Generation Game to celebrate the youth in our community and encourage the next generation of fans to reach their hockey dreams,” said Brendan Shanahan, President and Alternate Governor of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The Toronto Maple Leafs will host thousands of young fans at the game, including groups from MLSE LaunchPad, The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), NHL & NHLPA Future Goals Program, and Scotiabank sponsored minor hockey teams.

The team is encouraging all fans attending the game to bring a youth or new fan with them to help share their passion for the Blue and White.

And for those heading to the game, with it ending around 4:30-5 pm, the area around the Scotiabank Arena, Union Station, and the TTC will likely be busy with fan traffic just as rush hour is beginning.

Metrolinx told Daily Hive that they have worked alongside Toronto Police Services, Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, the TTC and the City of Toronto to develop a transportation management plan for the event.

Bay Street southbound from Front Street at approximately 4:30 pm. It will remain closed for about an hour to accommodate foot traffic.

Additional transit safety and station staff will be on duty to help direct and manage the crowd, and all of Union Station’s doors will remain unobstructed.

And finally, Go Leafs!

Game on!

It’s going to be a wild afternoon when the kids take over for the Next Gen Game.

Tune in for a special 2:00 PM puck drop on @ScotiaHockey Game Day as the Leafs host Minnesota on @Sportsnet. #LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/3Ttuw9yvO1

— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) January 3, 2019

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