'It's indescribable': University of Toronto student suits up for Toronto Maple Leafs
By day, he's a university student and the goalie for the University of Toronto's men's hockey team. By night, or at least for one night, he was a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
"I keep remembering little details every once in a while," Alex Bishop told CTV News Toronto. "Saying, oh, that was really cool, or that was really cool - but I think it'll definitely take a couple of days."
The morning after his NHL debut, Bishop admitted it still hadn't sunk in.
"It's not really something that you sit at home and think, 'oh, maybe I'll get to sit on an NHL bench tonight.' It just doesn't go through your head."
Bishop first heard of the potential opportunity on Friday morning through a message from his coach. The Leafs' Petr Mrázek was out with a groin injury, and the team's salary cap limitations prevented them from calling up a back-up goalie until Sunday.
Saturday morning he was on the ice, practicing with the team he's grown up idolizing.
"It was surreal for sure," Bishop said, adding that the players "were all very, very nice- like super welcoming."
As for taking shots from the professionals he usually watches on television, Bishop said it wasn't as daunting as one would think.
"As soon as you get on the ice, it's just hockey -- just different players and different shooters. I tried to just look at it that way but at the same time, try to soak it all in and say, I'm here, this is really cool."
But he admitted it was a different story when it came time to walk out onto the ice at Scotiabank Arena on Saturday night as the Leafs faced the Ottawa Senators.
"Even just walking to the bench, there's fans on your left, fans on your right, the cameras are flashing, the horns are going crazy. It's something you've seen on TV, and even if you're at the game, you hear it, but to be experiencing it first hand, it's indescribable."
Bishop spent the game sitting at the end of the bench, never taking the ice. But he says that's just fine with him.
"I just don't think it really could have worked out better. I was able to be there the whole game and didn't have to go in, so, best-case scenario."
Bishop says he enjoyed everything about the night, including the chance to experience the things most fans never get to see.
"Just kind of being around the team and seeing just a little bit of what goes on behind the scenes on game day -- what they do to prepare, and then obviously having a courtside seat to an NHL game is definitely not something to complain about."
It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for a life-long fan of the team, something passed down to him from his father. Bishop says the Leafs got tickets for his mom, dad, and sister to watch the game. They were also given Leaf jerseys with his name and number on the back.
Barring another series of unfortunate events for the Leafs, the former Quebec Major Junior Hockey League player will suit up again for the U of T Varsity Blues.
"We're a real, strong team," Bishop said, "I think we have a good chance to go a decent way this year, so I'm hoping we can do that."
As for what's next for Bishop: midterms. He has one on Tuesday and another on Thursday, though he admits he usually crams for midterms, so his brief NHL career didn't interrupt his studying too much.
It will be a busy week for Bishop and one he says he'll likely never forget.
"It really isn't lost on me that this is like.. an opportunity that not many people get. So I was very fortunate in being able to do this."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.