Keefe out as coach

Front office says new voice is needed’ after another early playoff exit

- KEVIN MCGRAN

The Maple Leafs waited to fire Sheldon Keefe until after his Tuesday induction into the Brampton Sports Hall of Fame.

Sheldon Keefe took the high road out of town.

The now former coach of the Maple Leafs posted a selfie video on Thursday — calm water in the background, blue sky above — to address Leafs Nation after he was relieved of his duties by the team.

“Time has come to say goodbye,” Keefe said. “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.”

Keefe thanked those who gave him a chance to coach the team he grew up loving, while again taking responsibility for the post-season losing and expressing his belief the team will win the Stanley Cup.

“Players and support staff will drive the team to success,” he said. “I believe it will win. Leafs Nation, you deserve the Stanley Cup. Your passion at home and on the road is unmatched. It’s an incredible honour to coach the Maple Leafs.”

Keefe seemed calm and at ease as he addressed Leafs fans.

“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 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.”