VIDEO: Emotional Phaneuf gets tribute video, standing ovation in Toronto
Grab some Kleenex.
The Toronto Maple Leafs welcomed former captain Dion Phaneuf back to the Air Canada Centre for the first time since a February trade, and the hosts pulled out all the stops.
Well, more stops than they did for Phil Kessel.
Related: Alter: Phaneuf feeling 'mixed emotions' before facing Maple Leafs in Toronto
Phaneuf got the tribute-video treatment, and a standing ovation, and the show of support left the usually stonefaced defenseman fighting back some serious emotion.
Thank You #Phaneuf - we have classy fans #StandingOvation #LeafsNation @MapleLeafs pic.twitter.com/QGSgoHWrP2
— Life_Is_Short (@Life_Is_Short2) March 6, 2016
Phaneuf was booed immediately Saturday, the puck coming to him off the opening faceoff. He's the enemy in Toronto now. But Maple Leafs supporters gave the man who wore the "C" for 397 games some love, and it was clearly appreciated.
Dion appreciates the support. pic.twitter.com/2nR1GFiZr7
— David Alter (@dalter) March 6, 2016
"That tribute clearly meant something to Dion," tweeted TSN's Mark Masters.