For Maple Leafs fans, no player has made such an impact both on and off the ice as Curtis Joseph. Through his superb play in the crease and his endless charity work, he very quickly became a favourite son of Toronto.
Acquired by the Leafs heading into the 1998-99 season, Joseph was brought to Toronto to backstop the Leafs into the playoffs and once again become a cup contender. Posting a record of 138-97-27-1 between ‘98-99 and 2001-02, Curtis Joseph became a household name because of his quick glove hand and ability to always find the puck.
After the 2000-01 NHL season, Joseph became the first and only Maple Leaf to win the King Clancy Memorial Trophy for his leadership on and off the ice and for being the league’s most recognizable humanitarian for his work with Cujo’s Kids Charitable Fund and Cujo’s Crease Satellite Anaesthesia Room. Through his Foundations, Cujo provided SickKids with a special box in the Air Canada Centre for Leaf home games and numerous activities and visits from Maple Leaf players to Toronto SickKids Hospital.
Through his work, more charitable acts and programs have been put into place by not only the Maple Leafs, but by all of Maple Leafs Sports & Entertainment LTD. His legacy will forever be lived through the people of Toronto and his work is an accomplishment equal to the two conference finals he brought the Leafs to during his short time in Toronto. No other Leaf has made a difference in the community quite like the man nicknamed “Cujo”.
For more information on what the Maple Leafs are doing in the community and how you can help, visit http://www.mlseteamupfoundation.org/events.
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