New Maple Leafs Host Hints at Exciting Changes Fans Will Notice This Season
Photo credit: STEVEN ELLIS/DAILY FACEOFF
The Toronto Maple Leafs new team host reveals the way in which the Leafs will connect with fans both old and new.
In his first season as the new team host, former Flames broadcaster and current Leafs host Ryan Leslie has revealed new info on the team's plans for next season.
The new host indicated ways in which old and new fans alike will be targeted to help bring more passion to the fanbase and give a more direct access to the team personally.
According to Leslie, Toronto will have new plans to popularize the Leafs across multiple facets and promote the team further with new ideas.
What Ryan Leslie Teased About Covering the Maple Leafs
Ryan Leslie presented what will be the Toronto Maple Leafs way of connecting with fans next season, focusing on how social media will play a big part in their engagement strategy, as well as ways to excite fans on-the-ice beyond just the game.
Obviously the networks are what they're doing, and that's awesome. And I think what we're going to try and do is pull the curtain back a little bit, wherever it is, on the road, at home, you know, maybe have a nice pregame presentation, hopefully get some, you know, we're so blessed in this city to have incredible alumni, players who buy in, and, you know, just so many people that are in the rink on a constant basis.
.Leslie said that social media will be important in growing the Leafs fanbase and promote growth, with sites like TikTok already used by Toronto and ways of expanding Leafs coverage beyond traditional means, and to a greater non-hockey base.
I think just trying, a real sense of a little bit more access, a little bit more, I don't want to say fun, but I think just trying to show some of these guys some personalities that they have and, you know, use this on all of league platforms and channels.
The Leafs are relying less on traditional sports channels such as TSN & Sportsnet in their promotion of the club, but bringing their own on-the-ground coverage directly to fans rather than from a seperate outlet.
The hope is for the Leafs to also grow their popularity with events commemorating their past and promoting former players in order to excite fans and create buzz.
Why a Fresh Voice Could Change the Fan Experience This Year
The strategy for the Leafs to pivot to a more social ground game is one that multiple sports teams has done to stay in the times, using new platforms to create content.
With a growing fanbase that goes outside what is the traditional hockey fan, Toronto is building a fanbase that includes new faces from new areas, and diversifying their base with strategies meant to grow the Leafs as a brand.
Toronto has worked previously with big name celebrities such as Justin Bieber and Drake, but seem now are focused on a more personal approach to fandom.
For the existing fans, ideas such as alumni nights are ways in which the team can promote its history to existing fans who get a return to their former players they grew up with.
The Leafs are trying to create more personality as a team, and expand themselves outside of the traditional social media means, and part of a greater plan to popularize the Leafs to a new generation of fans.
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