Chris Tanev won’t ever waver as he stands on guard for thee

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A retired East York couple, neighbours of Chris Tanev’s household, contacted us the opposite day with an attention-grabbing remark. 

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“We have now at all times admired Chris’ absolute respect when the nationwide anthems are performed or being sung,” Frank and Mary Hawkins wrote. “He stands tall and nonetheless, he focuses on the Canadian flag and maintains full respect all through. He received’t transfer till the anthems have ended.

“Provided that Remembrance Day is approaching (Monday) and we’ve all began to put on our poppies, we need to spotlight his character and adherence to custom.”

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Tanev definitely has heard O Canada because the principal anthem for greater than 900 video games in Calgary, Vancouver and now at Toronto’s Scotiabank Area. Whereas different NHLers would possibly do something from shifting on their skates to spitting as their very own ritual till the final line of ‘we stand on guard for thee,’ Tanev confirms he’ll not waver till the gang cheers the ending.

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Thank Lou Spiotti Jr. for educating Tanev that reverence. He was athletic director at Rochester Institute of Expertise the place Chris performed defence in 2009-10. 

“That was one in every of his guidelines — stand nonetheless when the anthem is enjoying,” Tanev instructed the Solar this week. “Pay your respects to no matter flag is being honoured.  

“That was type of a non-negotiable rule with Lou and one of many issues I’ve stored from these days. I feel it’s a very good one and one thing that’s (applicable).” 

As a franchise with lengthy ties to the Canadian army — goalie Sammy Herbert of the 1917 Toronto Arenas served in World Warfare One, as did Leafs patriarch Conn Smythe within the first and second world conflicts with Corridor of Famers similar to Howie Meeker and Johnny Bower — the membership companions in lots of ceremonies round Remembrance Day.

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On Wednesday, a number of Leafs and alumni had been to make an annual go to to the Sunnybrook Veterans Centre in North York. 

There can be a pre-game ceremony this weekend throughout visits by the Crimson Wings and Montreal Canadiens and, after Leafs alumni participated in lots of journeys to go to Canadian Forces personnel in Europe and the Center East, a Forces member remains to be acknowledged at every house recreation. 

“It’s nice to see everybody with their poppies,” the 34-year-old Tanev stated. “It a approach to keep in mind the individuals who served for our nation and others. That’s the rationale we’re in a position to do what we do in the present day.

“You’ll be able to’t thank them sufficient. Something we are able to do to honour them is nice.”

The Hawkins would really like Tanev’s instance adopted by different followers at the moment of 12 months, noting he already units a very good office instance for dedication by main the NHL in blocked photographs. 

“We’ve met Chris and Brandon (his youthful brother on the Seattle Kraken) and it’s implausible to have Chris again in Toronto enriching the Leafs. We applaud him and hope others will emulate his regard for all those that have served our stunning nation.  

“Respect, lest we overlook.” 

lhornby@postmedia.com

X: @sunhornby 

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