“If you like hockey and travel, you’ll love this book.” — Rick Vaive, Leafs captain and three-time 50-goal scorer

The Ultimate Leafs Fan attended every Toronto Maple Leafs contest of the 2018–19 NHL season and in this lively account makes it his mission to figure out what makes fans bleed blue

Through 89 games, from October to April, Mike Wilson, a retired Bay Street trader, traveled to 31 rinks to document stories of Leafs love. Mike took every conceivable mode of transport, stayed in team hotels and on the couches of family and friends, then went into the cheap seats, private suites, the streets, sports bars, hotel lobbies, and many other unique locations where Leafs Nation gets together, to gather tales both hilarious and heart-wrenching. Media personalities, former players, and NHL celebrities gave Wilson their thoughts on what fuels the Leafs passion.

With a foreword from club president Brendan Shanahan and colourful souvenir photos, The Ultimate Road Trip allows fans to vicariously experience the journey of a lifetime, and explores the passion of the sign-waving, fully costumed diehards who fill arenas from Alberta to Anaheim.

Mike Wilson is a life-long collector of Leafs' memorabilia, who has hosted many charity initiatives in The Room. The Ultimate Leafs Fan has been featured in the Toronto Sun, the Toronto Star, and the Globe and Mail, as well a being profiled on ESPN, CBC, and LeafsTV.

Mike Wilson's profile page

Lance Hornby is a veteran sports journalist who has covered the Maple Leafs and the NHL for more than 25 years. The author of two books about the Maple Leaf Gardens, Hornby writes the popular Toronto Sun feature, "This Day in Leaf History."

Lance Hornby's profile page

BRIAN McFARLANE is a media member of the Hockey Hall of Fame and known as one of Canada's foremost hockey historians and writers. For 25 years, he was a commentator on Hockey Night in Canada. He has written more than 50 books on hockey, including The Mitchell Brothers series-a young adult series for hockey mysteries.

Brian McFarlane's profile page

John Derringer's profile page

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Brendan Shanahan retired from the NHL in 2009. Originally drafted by the New Jersey Devils in 1987, Shanahan has played with the St. Louis Blues, Hartford Whalers, Detroit Red Wings, and New York Rangers. He has spent the majority of his career with the Red Wings, with whom he won three Stanley Cup championships. He currently serves as the NHL's Vice President of Hockey and Business Development.

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Brendan Shanahan's profile page

“As someone who played for the Leafs, who spent the season always on the go, home and road, seeing all our fans, I was amazed at Mike Wilson’s journey. If you like hockey and travel, you’ll love this book by ‘The Ultimate Leafs Fan.’” — Rick Vaive, Leafs captain and three-time 50-goal scorer

“‘The Ultimate Leafs Fan’ took to the road with his beloved team and found out it wasn’t all fun and games. There is certainly some work to it!” — Joe Bowen, “Voice of the Leafs”

“I’d love to think Mike just wanted to feel what it was like to be a team broadcaster, but his journey was fuelled by passion alone. I see many Leafs fans on the road in every city, but it seemed fitting to see ‘The Ultimate Leafs Fan’ in all of them, even for one season.” — Jim Ralph, Leafs radio analyst

“While certainly Maple Leaf fans will love this book, hockey fans of any team will enjoy reading about one fan who was able to complete an incredible hockey journey.” — The Guy Who Reviews Sports Books blog

“Getting the personal stories of Toronto fans who help fill all 30 visiting rinks, plus ex-Leaf NHLers, VIPS and bits on each town’s hockey and sports history sites made his seven-month trek worth every stop.” — The Chronicle Herald