Marner, who is married to Stephanie LeChance, was in attendance to watch his brother-in-law Greg LeChance – an infielder for the Thunder Bay Border Cats.
Though hockey may be the sport Toronto Maple Leafs star forward Mitch Marner is most known for, perhaps baseball could become a close second.
On Friday, the 27-year-old was spotted in Thunder Bay cheering on his brother-in-law Greg LaChance – who plays shortstop for the Thunder Bay Border Cats in the Northwoods League. Before the game began, Marner had the opportunity to throw out the first pitch to LaChance, who was serving as a catcher behind the plate.
The two captured a picture to commemorate the experience afterwards.
With his presence being pronounced, a plethora of Leafs fans were scattered across the park in hopes of snapping a photo, obtaining an autograph, or meeting the right winger. It’s safe to say that Marner, who visited Thunder Bay for the first time Friday, was impressed with the overwhelming support he and the Maple Leafs garnered in Northern Ontario.
“It’s never a shock to see all of the Maple Leafs fans around Ontario and across Canada,” Marner said. “We’re so fortunate to have everyone supporting the team and we really appreciate it.”
This isn’t the first time the Toronto native has had the experience to throw out the first pitch either, having done so in 2017 with the Toronto Blue Jays.
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2tILB4Abs8[/embed]
Marner is entering the final year of a six-year, $65.4 million contract with the Leafs that carries a cap hit of $10.9 million and contains a no-movement clause. Ever since the team was eliminated two months ago from the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs, there’s been persistent speculation circulating about the next steps for the forward and his future with the organization. Though it’s uncertain which direction the club will take, Marner is eligible to sign an extension as early as July 1.
Nonetheless, Leafs Nation spans far and wide and was clearly represented to Marner’s approval.
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