Young First Nations hockey player carries Leafs’ flag

Madison Maness had the possibility to do one thing not many individuals get to do.

The 12-year-old lady from Aamjiwnaang First Nation in Sarnia carried out the Toronto Maple Leafs’ flag Wednesday night time earlier than their playoff recreation towards the Boston Bruins in Toronto.

Madison’s mom Stephanie stated her daughter has been enjoying hockey for so long as she’s been strolling. She participates in a First Nations hockey event in Toronto, enjoying for the First Nation the place she is from, Aamjiwanaang.

Via that event, she was scouted as a flag provider for a Toronto Maple Leafs playoff hockey recreation.

“She was somewhat hesitant, she was somewhat nervous at first, however I used to be like, ‘This is a chance that we’re not going to move up,’” stated Stephanie.

Upon arrival on the Scotiabank Enviornment Wednesday night time, Madison stated she was nervous, “My coronary heart was beating actually quick,” stated the sixth grader, who was in a position to recover from her jitters by recreation time.

12-year-old Madison Maness was the flag provider at Toronto Maple Leafs’ playoff recreation towards the Boston Bruins at Scotiabank Enviornment on April 25, 2024. (Pictures courtesy of Jamie and Stephanie Maness)

“Skating out was actually enjoyable. The ice was so easy and so huge. The group, I didn’t even know they have been there, like, I used to be like so targeted on skating round that I used to be not nervous in any respect, and that was my favorite half,” defined Madison.

She was in a position to high-five the gamers and watch the sport together with her household. One thing they are saying they’ll always remember.

“The entire group has been actually supportive, they’ve been bragging and cheering Maddie on, and that’s been actually superior,” stated Stephanie.

The Boston Bruins took recreation three by a 4-2 win over the Leafs.

 12-year-old Madison Maness was the flag provider at Toronto Maple Leafs’ playoff recreation towards the Boston Bruins at Scotiabank Enviornment on April 25, 2024. (Pictures courtesy of Jamie and Stephanie Maness)