When humanity is threatened only the super-powered might of the Toronto Maple Leafs can be counted on to save the day. A mysterious evil has begun to whisper promises of an unthinkable danger to the powers of the National Heroes League. Preparations are underway and none are more eager for the battle to begin than the mighty Maple Leafs.

The heavy club lands with a thud on the arena floor, the giant who dropped it takes another few seconds to follow. Six panting Mitch Marners merge back into a singularity while John Tavares and Wily Nylander tend to minor wounds. Freddie Andersen helps Auston Matthews to his feet while Morgan Rielly cleans the gore off of his helm and armour. The roar of the spectators reaches a crescendo before the mechanical click which always precedes the end of a training simulation. Silence slams into the room with the sudden impact of a dropped coffee mug on an unprotected foot.

“Well done guys.” Morgan says. “That felt good, right?”

“We totally wrecked it!” Mitch goes for a high five with Wily.

“It was a training exercise.” John reminds the group.

“And we aced it!” Mitch refuses to let his spirit be dampened.

“You think you couldn’t have done better?” Auston asks. “I could have done better.” The words seems ripped from the young hero, as if to utter them causes him pain. “I could have done a lot better. So many things I could have done differently.”

Auston leaves the training simulator. Wily moves to follow him.

“Leave him be.” Freddie says. “He’s got to go through it. It’ll make him stronger in the end.”

“But he was awesome.” Wily protests.

The Leafs agree but they know there isn’t much they can do. Growing up is hard and painful for everyone. Auston will be fine, how long it takes for him to get to a place where he can learn from his mistakes is up to him.

(Editors Note: I do not believe there is any excuse for Mr. Matthews alleged behaviour. I do not believe he is making excuses for his alleged behaviour. The matter is in court and he will face consequences appropriate his crime if it is determined that he committed one.

None of that has any impact on how impressive Mr. Matthews is as a hockey player. The idea that athletes, or any public figure, are inherently possessed with an angelic nature is ludicrously quaint and dangerously naive. These are people, real actual humans, who are capable of a whole spectrum of beliefs and preferences that may leave you shocked or dismayed.

The question we all need to ask ourselves is ‘What do I value?’

Do you watch sports for moral advice? Do you pray to a higher power for suffering to to befall your enemies? Do you spread the jelly on your toast before the peanut butter?)