When humanity is threatened only the super powered might of the Toronto Maple Leafs can be counted on to save the day. The Leafs have undergone a major overhaul this year. Of all the changes, none has been more impactful than the addition of a squadron based tactical deployment that head coach Mike Babcock and GM Kyle Dubas designed to keep the peace on the mean Toronto streets. Today we follow Horse squad: wingers

The hot sun beats down on Toronto Maple Leaf Kasperi Kapenen. He wipes the sweat from his brow with his free hand, he holds his short sword in the other. The hot sand threatens to burn his bare feet as he slowly circles his foe. Slowly. The word weighs like an anchor on Kasperi, usually his super human speed makes everyone else slow down, but he promised not to use his super powers, so he slowly circles the dusty pit.

Mark Scheifele of the Winnipeg Jets swings his morning star with casual ease. Mark also has a shield, making him all the more difficult to hit. Kasperi could have taken a shield too, but chose speed instead. Even though they are using rubber weapons, they will still sting,and Mark hopes to end this match quickly as he rushes forward with a yell, bringing his morningstar down hard.

Kas spins away and strikes out with his sword. Mark barely gets his shield up in time to catch the sword. He pushes out with his shield and follows with a back handed sweep of his weapon. Kasperi steps back as the rubber head whistles by him. Mark gives him no time. The Jet rushes forward to bash Kas with his shield. Kasperi jumps into the attack, planting his free hand on the top rim of Marks shield. The Leaf uses the shield as a springboard to flip over top of the Jet. Mark turns and swings wildly hoping to catch Kas as he lands. Kas ducks underneath the whistling morning star and punishes Mark with quick hits to his ribs, shoulder, and leg.

The crowd of Mitch Marners that fills the stands surrounding the Toronto Maple Leaf dueling pit goes wild.

“That’s one.” A Mitch says to Dustin Byfuglien, who sits beside him, the lone Jet in the sea of Mitches.

“That’s one.” Dustin agrees. “But the bet’s to three.”

In the pit Mark wraps his weapons chain around Kas’ sword. As Mark comes around with his shield, Kas pulls down as hard as he can with his sword arm and lashes out his his back heel catching Mark in the ear. The Jet spins and falls to the ground. The Mitches cheer becomes a torrent of noise to rattle the stars.

Kas unwraps his weapon and tosses the morning star aside as Mark slowly gets to his feet.

“Take a minute.” Kas says to his shaken foe. A contest is no reason to abandon honour. Mark nods his head in thanks.

After a brief pause Mark gets back to his feet, steely determination locked in his eyes. Cautiously he approaches Kas watching for any sign of attack. Kas only lets him get so close, always maintaining a gap between them. Mark stops. Kas stops. The sun stops, waiting to see who will strike first. Kas rushes forward with a high strike.Mark moves his shield but the strike is a feint. Kas spins his blade to stab at Marks ribs, another feint. Mark moves his shield down in time to see the edge of Kasperi’s sword reaching out for his face.

The Mitches explode with glee as Mark staggers back, dropping his weapons and clutching his aching face.

“That’s three!” Mitch beside Dustin says. “Pay up.”

“Double or nothing.” Dustin demands. “Who’s up next?”

Mitch checks his list before answering. “Marleau versus Wheeler.”

Kas helps Mark out of the arena as the next pair enter. Patrick Marleau is a werewolf, but without his powers the Leaf will have to rely on his boxing skills. Blake is a Wheeler, the last descendant of an ancient clan from the far away land of Oz. Maintaining his human disguise means Blake will also be fighting in a manner he is not super familiar with. It promises to be a long and a brutal affair.

As the first tentative punches are thrown Dustin and the Mitches settle in for the long haul.

“How’s Auston?” Dustin asks.

“What are you talking about?” The Mitches are all staring at Dustin now, the combat below forgotten.

“He got hurt, didn’t he.” Dustin isn’t asking a question. “I was wondering how he’s doing.”

“Auston is fine.” Mitch laughs. “He isn’t hurt. Well maybe his feelings, a little, but otherwise he’s fine just angry. He’s sick of waiting for Wily to get back so he went to talk some sense into him. Oh damn, look at that!” The Mitches all point to the dueling pit where Patrick has gotten the better of Blake, unleashing a devastating combination that brings the Jet to his knees. The Mitch beside Dustin holds out his hand. “Pay up, buddy.”