‘It’s Corporate, It’s Not Loud’: Ex-NHLer Sounds Off On Maple Leafs’ Lower Bowl Atmosphere At Scotiabank Arena

The Toronto Maple Leafs' lower bowl at Scotiabank Arena has long been criticized for lacking energy and noise, and NHL Network analyst Jason Demers didn’t hold back his thoughts during Friday's NHL Network Now with Kevin Weekes and Kathryn Tappen.

“It’s not the first time it’s been said – I can’t stand the lower bowl of Toronto,” said Demers, who played parts of 13 seasons in the NHL with five different teams. “It’s corporate, it’s not loud. There is no heartbeat there, and this team has been good for years.”

The comments stem from the Leafs’ matchup with the Columbus Blue Jackets on Wednesday night where captain Auston Matthews was quoted after the 5-1 loss saying, "Would've liked a little more energy from the crowd after that. I thought it was a little quiet tonight, especially after two guys like that go at it. It was a great moment for (Reaves). I thought it gave us some energy on the bench."

What Matthews was referring to was Leafs enforcer Ryan Reaves dropping the gloves for the first time this season against Blue Jackets forward Mathieu Olivier in a heavyweight tilt, one of the best the NHL has seen this season. He felt that the fight should have brought the crowd to their feet but instead, it felt flat.

Related: 'It Was A Little Quiet Tonight': Maple Leafs Captain Auston Matthews Wanted More Noise From Fans After Ryan Reaves' Fight In First Period

Even head coach and former NHL enforcer Craig Berube praised the exchange, calling it a “hell of a fight.”

Demers then pointed to another example, recalling an instance last season where former Maple Leafs goaltender Ilya Samsonov delivered a shutout performance only to be met with minimal fan cheering, stating that “nobody gave a crap.”

“Yeah they haven’t performed in the playoffs, but maybe do something. Yell a little bit. It happened last year with Ilya Samsonov,” Demers explained. “He had a huge game, had just come back up (from the Marlies), got a shutout, and he was getting no cheers. Nobody gave a crap.”

The high ticket prices for lower-bowl seats – often purchased by corporate clients – have created what many perceive as a hushed environment.

For years now, there has been a call to action to help find a solution that will bridge the gap between the passion and unity found in the upper bowl and the quiet corporate culture of the lower bowl to create an atmosphere built around one of the most loyal fanbases in professional sports – albeit no feasible result.

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