The Hockey News

When Toronto residents Sean and Erin-Marie Boulton were married this past Saturday, they had all that really matters: each other, and their families. But thanks to the American League’s Toronto Marlies, the couple also received a wonderful wedding present – the gift of hockey.

The Boultons originally were slated to tie the knot in September of 2015, but family health concerns caused them to move their wedding date up to May 24 of this year. The change in plans drained their financial resources and meant the diehard hockey fans and Marlies season ticket holders not only wouldn’t be able to renew their tickets for next season, but also prevented them from enjoying Toronto’s current AHL playoff run. However, their friends began making inquiries with Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment management members – and after the wedding ceremony ended Saturday, one of the gifts awaiting them at the reception was a leather box with a blue ribbon around it.

Boulton tells the rest of the story in a touching blog post of his own:

“As we undid the ribbon and opened the box...we saw the two Marlies' season ticket holder scarves, and a note from the team that said...

Dear Sean and Erin,



Congratulations on your big day! On behalf of the entire Toronto Marlies organization, we want to wish you much happiness and all the best in your life together.



We also wanted to take the time to say thank you for your constant support of the team over the last few years. The Marlies have been fortunate enough to enjoy a lot of success on the ice over the years, and that is in no small part due to the enthusiasm and support from great fans such as yourself. When we heard about your wedding, we thought for sure we needed to give you guys a gift to mark the special occasion.



So we want to see you back next year. Please accept this letter as an indication that your season seats have been fully renewed for the 2014-15 Marlies regular season. Your commemorative season ticket book will be mailed to you following the release of the AHL regular season schedule.



Congratulations again!



All the best,



The Toronto Marlies (And Duke the Dog)"

That’s right, the Marlies paid for the Boulton’s season tickets for 2014-15. A tremendous gesture, and one the entire Marlies/Leafs organization can take pride in.

(photo courtesy of Kristin Foster)