from Dave Feschuk of the Toronto Star,

... around his dressing room stall he stores a humbler collection — specifically a stack of sweat-soaked baseball caps for wear during on-camera media interviews. Occasionally he chooses a cap bearing the logo of his team. Most of the time he opts for one emblazoned with that of a longtime sponsor, Red Bull, the so-called energy drink.

The man who wears the C said in a recent interview that he’s had an endorsement deal with the brand for about eight years. The Leafs’ former CEO figures that’s about long enough.

“For the captain to be wearing that hat — I’m disappointed. You can quote me on that,” said Richard Peddie, who was the top executive at the company that owns the Maple Leafs until his 2012 retirement. “I would look for better from a captain. A captain sets the tone in so many ways, especially in hockey, especially on the Leafs.”

Peddie said Phaneuf should show respect “for the people who pay (him)” by wearing a Maple Leafs cap when he’s speaking for the team.

read on