Toronto: Hockey and Kilt Skating: a happy mix

For its fourth annual kilt skate, Toronto decided to try something different: a partnership with the American Hockey League’s Toronto Marlies at their arena on the afternoon of their match-up with the Rochester Americans. The Marlies are an affiliate of the NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs; the Americans support the Buffalo Sabres. On game day, the Toronto fans were out in force — and ready for a good time, kilted an a’ that.

The hockey fans were joined by others who took to the rink without any Marlies regalia, but certainly showcasing their proud Scottish heritage.

An occasion for family and friends to get together.

They were joined by The Wedding Piper and dancers from the Guthrie School of Dance., and the event was covered by Toronto’s Chinese television station.

The skating part of the day finished, the hockey fans stayed to watch the dancing.

The event was organized by the Clans and Scottish Societies of Canada — CASSOC — an organization of Scottish organizations.

With a full-sized NHL-style hockey rink at their disposal, the skaters had lots of room to move around.

Bring all the tartaned and kilted skaters together at centre ice and the numbers are impressive.

Oh, and the hockey game? The Marlies trounced the Americans 4-0. Go Toronto!