"When things aren't going well, a lot of us are so critical of ourselves already that then when you start hearing it from things like media, people around town, the people that you aren't as connected to, oftentimes you try and brush it off. But it's hard because you're human, and eventually it gets to you and it starts to wear on you."
"I think a lot of the guys who were really big competitors wear that on their shoulders and wear the weight of the city on their shoulders a lot because of how important the sport is there."
Bobby McMann, now with the Seattle Kraken, discussed the challenges of playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs in an interview with The Athletic. McMann explained that performing in Toronto becomes increasingly difficult during losing periods, as players face criticism from media and the public while already being self-critical. He acknowledged that NHL players are placed on pedestals and that external pressure eventually affects them emotionally. McMann emphasized understanding the magnitude of hockey in Toronto and how competitive players absorb the weight of the city's expectations. However, the article notes that when successful, Toronto offers an unparalleled playing environment, with legendary players like Darcy Tucker and Mats Sundin remaining beloved figures in the community.
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