Dude, this made me tear up
The connection between family and the leafs is so powerful
I'm sure he's still watching with you from his cloud-couch
While it is many decades ago, I still remember as a toddler wanting to watch Hockey Night in Canada. I assume because I probably picked up on how important it was to the old man. I was extremely young and that was the one time I was allowed to stay late was watching those games. The old guy was pretty passionate about it. After leaving home we always called each other after the games to discuss how it went. I remember some of my friends finding that odd that we constantly touched base to review the games. I recently moved houses and had to go through some boxes and found every single letter he wrote me when I was in the military. Didn't even remember but I had saved them all, a lot of it is hockey discussions and game clippings which when I get time I intend to pour through. I also remember in 93, I happened to be stationed in Toronto for some Air Force training. Back then Leafs/Habs only happened twice per year, with one home game each. As luck would have it it was while I was there. I knew the Gardens was closing soon so said heck with that, I am paying whatever the cost as I will never see this game (Leafs/Habs) in this building ever again. During first intermission I called the old man knowing he'd be watching it on Hockey Night in Canada and said "Guess where I am?", knowing that would tickle him. Gave him the ticket stub as a keepsake and after he passed and went through his things, found it in his momentos.
It really is weird but after all these decades of waiting for another one, I fear without him rather than the sheer joy, it's going to be a lot of disappointment. But that will pass and I am sure I will pour two glasses of scotch and make a toast.
It really is a family connection and I am very glad for your video and song choice. As I mentioned, one of my all time favourite songs and IS my favourite movie.