It’s not easy playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Not everyone can handle the attention that comes from the fans and the media. Auston Matthews, Max Domi, and William Nylander have all shown an ability to enter that spotlight without crumbling. After having a career year, Anthony Stolarz can be added to that list.
Hockey fans can be ruthless – especially those who cheer for an original six team, like the Maple Leafs. Stolarz spoke recently on a podcast and revealed how his social media presence and personality are the secrets to his ability to withstand the pressure.
Anthony Stolarz Personality & Social Media Status Help With Hockey-Crazed Maple Leafs Market
Earlier in August, Stolarz made an appearance on the Toronto Sports Rush podcast. On the EJ Hradek-hosted show, the Maple Leafs netminder discussed his first season with the team.
“I thought it was a good year,” Stolarz told Hradek. “It wasn’t too much for me personally, I’m a pretty easy-going guy.”
Being an NHLer involves a lot of speaking to the media with bright lights blinding your vision. Players are put on the spot to talk about the highs and lows of playing professional hockey. Not everyone is cut out for it. Having an easy-going personality helps a lot.
Additionally, Stolarz talked about his current stance on social media and where he puts his focus.
“I’m not on social media,” Stolarz continued. “So I really don’t see any of the stuff that gets put out. I just try to focus on myself and what I can control.”
The 31-year-old netminder doesn’t see the pressure as a negative. For Stolarz, it drives him to be a better player.
“For me, the biggest thing was just being in Toronto and walking around and seeing how passionate the fans are. They live and breathe Toronto Maple Leafs hockey,” Stolarz revealed to Hradek. “It’s kind of extra motivation for you as a player. To want to go out there and deliver what they’re all craving.”
Maple Leafs Goalie Isn’t the Only One
He isn’t the only goalie to have this kind of calm mentality. Comparatively, Stuart Skinner of the Edmonton Oilers has also faced intense scrutiny. After back-to-back losses in the Stanley Cup Final, the spotlight is heating up for the 26-year-old.
In an interview with Daniel Nugent-Bowman of The Athletic, Skinner revealed something he learned earlier in his playing career.
“I learned pretty quickly that you’ve got to delete everything,” Skinner told Nugent-Bowman. “So I don’t have any apps on my phone.”
“I’ve got my text messages. I’ve got my phone call and Clash Royale. That’s about it.”
Stolarz Believes in Staying the Course
Looking ahead to the coming season, Stolarz will build on a career year. In the 2024-25 season, he achieved career highs in games played (34), wins (21), and shutouts (4). The 6-foot-6 netminder finished the season with a 2.14 goals against average (GAA) and a .926 save percentage (SV%).
For Stolarz, the key to success for the Maple Leafs is simply sticking with the process and moving forward.
“I think another year of having Chief (Craig Berube) and his staff is only going to build us and make us stronger,” added Stolarz.
“I think we have to stay the course.”
Of course, players like Erik Karlsson, Evan Rodrigues, or Bryan Rust could help this group. However, Stolarz has a belief in the team and himself. That belief is strong, regardless of who else is added or subtracted.
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