While the Maple Leafs and Raptors continue to struggle to raise banners in Toronto, the Air Canada Centre is choosing to fill the space with a group who has never shot a puck or a basket professionally — but only because they’re too busy “Livin on a Prayer.”
According to the Toronto Star, Bon Jovi will receive their own banner inside the stadium, marking the first time a musician will be recognized rather than a sports star in an arena. The banner will be unveiled on Nov. 2 when Bon Jovi is in town for a two-night show.
Although the rafters are currently occupied with the memories of the Maple Leafs’ 13 Stanley Cup championships and retired numbers of hockey legends, there’s some valuable space available as it has been a while for the Leafs, and the Raptors have yet to win. Toronto’s 45-year drought between championships is currently the longest in the NHL, and when hockey teams in Canada don’t win, they’re forced to stare at banners of rock bands from New Jersey.
“We’ve left plenty of room up there for Stanley Cup banners. This doesn’t take away from the Leafs,” said Tim Leiweke, president and CEO of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment.
Bon Jovi is just keeping your spot warm for you, Leafs.
Photo via Twitter/@PGevansiegle
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