Sheldon Keefe releases his first statement since being fired

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Julien Trekker
May 9, 2024 (2:26 PM)

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Sheldon Keefe released his first statement since being fired from the Toronto Maple Leafs' head coach position.

Hockey is a tough business, and it's a results-based business. Perhaps no job in hockey has less security than that of the head coaches. In the last two years, almost all NHL teams have replaced their coach, often used as scapegoats for teams' struggles.

That's what happened with Sheldon Keefe and the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The organization confirmed that they were firing Sheldon Keefe on Thursday morning:

A few hours later, coach Keefe released a heartfelt video on social media.

Here's what he said in the touching video:

"Leafs nation. Time has come to say goodbye. Writing down a note and sending it out didn't seem like enough. And I do plan on taking a little break from media. So here I am.

I'm forever grateful for the opportunity to coach the Toronto Maple Leafs. It's a dream come true for a boy from Brampton.

I want to thank Kyle Dubas, Lou Lamoriello, Brad Treliving, Brandon Pridham, Brendan Shanahan, Larry Tanenbaum and the MLSE board for giving me this opportunity to work with the Marlies and Leafs. I didn't get it done in the playoffs. I didn't help push our team over the line and deliver.

I accept responsibility for that. No excuses. That's the job. I didn't get it done. It's the reality of the business and I accept it. To the players. I appreciate all your efforts, your talents and your work ethic made me look good on a lot of nights. Anyone who suited up for blue and white, I appreciate you.

To the support staff of the Maple Leafs, you're tremendous people and you're elite at what you do. Players and support staff will drive the team to success. I believe it will win. Leafs nation. You deserve your Stanley Cup. Your passion at, uh, home and on the road is unmatched. It's an incredible honor to coach the Maple Leafs, to try to deliver for you.

To the media that I had to deal with you every single day. Sometimes twice a day, three times a day. I appreciate your process. I respected the fact that you're honest and fair and had a job to do. I hope you appreciated the fact that I helped you do it. I don't know what comes next, but I know I'll be ready for it. In the meantime, I'll enjoy giving my family the time that they deserve.

Love you all and be well. Bye."

We wish him the best for his well-deserved vacations.
More to come.