“Total Disrespect and Horrible Parenting”: 9-Year-Old Outspoken Lad Leaves NHL World Standing Divided

Ice hockey is a sport that produces massive highs and equal lows for teams and fans. A team dominating in the first half could lose in overtime. The sport also invokes emotional and passionate reactions from players and fans. So when the Toronto Maple Leafs trailed 4-3 against the Florida Panthers on Jan 18, many fans were on edge. While the Maple Leafs won the game 5-4 in overtime, a 9-year-old fan called out goalie Matt Murray for his performance.

The website Blade of Steel got hold of tick-tock user Tara Rose Barry’s original video and reported the incident. However, when Facebook page Gloves Off Hockey shared the story on their page, fans took to the post to give their opinion on the 9-year-old calling out Muray.

Matt Murray’s recent performances haven’t won fans over

The Toronto Maple Leafs’ goaltender Matt Murray is currently facing a slump. The Toronto Sun recently wrote about Murry’s lackluster performance. “In seven starts since Christmas, Murray has allowed at least four goals in four of those games,” the news outlet reported. After conceding four goals, the Leafs pulled Murray.

While the Toronto Maple Leafs rallied back to win the game against the Panthers, things didn’t get better for Murray. Substitute goalie Ilya Samsonov blocked all 11 shots on goal, helping his team clinch the victory in overtime. As the Maple Leafs’ players headed into the third period, the 9-year-old saw Murray and said, “you suck.”

NHL fans spoke their minds

Though the NFL community is known for having some passionate fans, the kid’s words have left people divided. “That’s some seriously bad parenting,” wrote one fan. “My kid would have been grounded for that type of behavior. Total disrespect and horrible parenting.” wrote another fan. “Bad parenting… have respect!” wrote a third. Many others echoed the same sentiment with comments like, “Spoiled kid, no etiquette.” and “Great job parents!! how about some Respect?”

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However, others came to the 9-year-old’s defense. “(The) kid ain’t wrong,” wrote one user. “Facts don’t care about your feelings. (The) kid is a Legend,” another fan wrote. “So many here triggered, ‘bad parenting’ shut up! When as a society did we decide you’re not allowed an opinion? Murray is a professional athlete. I’m 99.9% sure he was called worse that night alone.”, commented another.

However, Tara Barry, who originally shot the video, revealed a fact on Twitter. “This is Austin, a huge, huge Leafs fan. He actually also loves the Leafs as you can hear him tell each and every player that he loves them. He also has ADHD and has very little impulse control, but that’s not an excuse as he is getting better control with help.” Barry wrote. 

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What do you make of the incident? Let us know in the comments.