To return home and play for the team you cheered for as a child is something we all dream of. To make it happen on the biggest stage is something a select few accomplish.
Shawn Matthias, one of many new names on the Leafs roster and a Mississauga, Ont., native, had the dream so many kids growing up in the Greater Toronto Area do. Watching players like Doug Gilmour, Mats Sundin and his childhood favourite, Darcy Tucker, wear the Blue and White gave him something to strive for.
Every road hockey session, every early morning practice, every rep in the weight room.