The Toronto Maple Leafs have a long and storied history, but one constant complaint has dogged the team for years: a lack of crowd noise at Scotiabank Arena. Often referred to as a “corporate crowd,” the Leafs faithful have been criticized for their relative silence compared to other passionate NHL fanbases.
This issue has come to a head again recently, with star center Auston Matthews calling out the crowd for their lack of energy after a fight between teammate Ryan Reaves and Mathieu Olivier.
“You love to see that,” Matthews said of the fight after his team’s 5-1 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets. “I would’ve liked a little more energy from the crowd after that. I thought it was a little quiet tonight, especially after two guys like that go at it.”
Matthews’ comments highlight a growing frustration among players and fans alike. The Scotiabank Arena atmosphere is a far cry from the electric energy of arenas like the Bell Centre in Montreal or the United Center in Chicago.
Is there a solution to the quiet Toronto Maple Leafs crowd?
There’s no easy answer. Some believe that the corporate culture surrounding the Leafs has bled into the fanbase, with a focus on luxury suites and high-dollar tickets creating a less passionate atmosphere. Others point to the demographics of Toronto, a large city with a more transient population than some other hockey hotbeds.
My take
Personally, I believe there are a few things that could be done to improve the atmosphere at Scotiabank Arena. First, the Leafs organization could make a concerted effort to reach out to young fans and families, offering affordable tickets and creating a more welcoming environment. Second, they could implement policies that encourage standing ovations and other forms of crowd participation.
Ultimately, though, the onus is on the fans themselves. If they want to see their team succeed, they need to create a more intimidating and electric atmosphere at Scotiabank Arena.
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