Elwood MacDonald, 74
Meet Elwood MacDonald, 73 years young.
Elwood grew up in the small town of Trenton, Pictou County, as the eldest boy in a family of seven children. Life was modest as his father worked as a steelworker while his mother stayed home to care for the family. Sharing a bed with his brothers and bringing molasses sandwiches to school were part of his everyday life. But even in those humble beginnings, one constant joy connected Elwood to a world beyond Trenton: his love for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Elwood likes to joke that he was born into a Leafs jersey. Though his family couldn’t afford organized hockey, his passion for the sport never wavered. He became a lifelong superfan, cheering on his team with unwavering devotion and a fair amount of superstition, especially when it came to overtime games.
At 18, Elwood began working at Trenton Works, a railcar manufacturing company where he dedicated his entire career. Known for his relentless work ethic, he also painted houses and lobster fished on the side to make ends meet. As the primary breadwinner, he weathered layoffs and life’s many challenges with strength and grace, always putting family first.
When his marriage ended and he eventually lost his job, Elwood downsized into a seniors’ apartment where he lives today. The past three years have been especially isolating due to significant vision loss caused by multiple eye surgeries, including a failed cornea transplant. With limited mobility and fading sight, Elwood became increasingly housebound, relying on his daughters for help and spending most days in his apartment.
But everything changed when Elwood learned that his lifelong dream of seeing the Toronto Maple Leafs live was coming true.
Though he had never flown on a large commercial plane or navigated airports, escalators, or Ubers, Elwood faced it all with courage and determination. “I haven’t been outside my apartment very far in three years,” he said, “and look at all I’ve done in one day.”
The moment the game went into overtime, Kelly, his daughter and travel companion was nervous. “He never watches overtime because he says they always lose when he does. He even said, ‘We need to leave!’” she laughed. But this time, he stayed. And the Leafs won. “Maybe you’re actually good luck now!” Kelly teased. Her nephew even texted during the game asking, “Oh no, what’s Papa going to do now?” a testament to how legendary Elwood’s “bad luck” reputation is in their family.
The experience brought more than just joy, it reignited something in Elwood. After years of declining invitations and staying close to home, he began thinking about what else might be possible. Kelly saw the shift too. “My hope is that this trip reminded him that life isn’t over. That he still matters. That he can ask for help. That he deserves joy.” She believes it did. In his message to his sister, Elwood shared how much he enjoyed the experience and how grateful he was that it happened while he still had some vision, just in case the next surgery doesn’t go as hoped. Now, he’s aiming to live to 100, with more adventures along the way.
The ripple effect continued long after the final buzzer. A fellow Leafs fan approached him after the game, recognizing the legend on his shirt: Dave Keon. “Not many would know who that is,” the man said. Community members reached out after Kelly shared their story on Facebook. Elwood even heard from a cousin he’d never met, who, it turns out, shares the same rare eye condition.
Elwood’s story is a beautiful reminder of the power of transformative experiences. It’s about more than a hockey game. It’s about connection, courage, and rediscovering life’s possibilities… no matter your age.
Special Thanks: Supplement King, Peak Performance Products, Chris Thack, Sutton Place Hotel – King Street Toronto, and the MasterCard Lounge/Fan Services at Scotiabank Arena
