28 The Toll of Toxic Fandom – Mateo Deguzman
md21ps
Mateo Deguzman
Student Number: 7295827
COMM – 3P19
November 14, 2023
The Toll of Toxic Fandom: How Athletes Were Affected Following the Leafs 2023 Playoff Elimination
Hockey is part of the core of Canadian culture, within most Canadian’s hearts they have a love for the game of hockey. Whether they grew up playing the sport or just watching with family and friends every Canadian has connected with the sport and some point and time in their life. The Toronto Maple Leafs stand as an iconic original six hockey team that has been a symbol for triumphs and tribulations. From countless unexpected first round exits to finally getting over that hump and finally advancing past the first round for the first time since 2002 this hockey team has brought out so many feelings whether good or bad from fans around the world, creating a loyal fan base that sticks with the team through thick and thin. However, when looking beneath the surface of all this unwavering support lies a toxic fandom that has engulfed not only the Leafs but Toronto sports in general. Like any other sports team the City’s teams strive for success each and every year, however when the team does not perform up to fans and the media’s standards a toxic fandom starts which turns into this storm of chaos that surrounds the team. The origins of this toxic fandom usually stems from excessive criticism, irrational expectations, unreasonable demands, and a sense of entitlement. This paper aims to analyze the complex web of toxic fandom within Toronto Maple Leaf fandom following their 2023 playoff loss, and how it impacted the athletes, the fan base and community, and sports fans in general. When looking at this issue it is evident that there is a true passion for success amongst all fans for these teams but when these expectations are not met that’s when an unchecked toxic fanbase starts to threaten the culture that was built around the love and passion for the game.
To fully understand the roots of this toxic fandom that is created, it is essential to look back and retrace the city’s deep rooted connection with the Toronto Maple Leafs. So many different generations of fans have witnessed this team’s highs and lows which has cultivated an emotional connection with not only the team but within the community as well. However, having this attachment and dedication to a team brings more to the table than what meets the eye. When passionate fans are met with underwhelming results and unfulfilled expectations the fandom starts to turn toxic. Since the Leafs have not won a championship since 1964 (one of the longest droughts in NHL history), the city is yearning for a championship to return to Toronto and since the Leafs are an original six team that has a rich heritage behind them success is not hoped for it is expected by the fans. Since the development and uprise of social media platforms it has been easier than ever for fans and media members to expre