Toronto Maple Leafs: Tomas Kaberle lends helping hand during COVID-19

With businesses being impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, former Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Tomas Kaberle is lending a helping hand to his wife’s restaurant.

Imagine ordering takeout from a local restaurant, open the door and there standing with your food is former Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Tomas Kaberle.

The 42-year-old has been lending a hand to help his wife Julia, who owns an Italian restaurant with her sister called Quanto Basta, by making deliveries to customers. Kaberle told CBC’s Carol Off that he has been getting some great reactions from fans in the process.

"“It’s a family-style restaurant. And, you know, at the same time, I like to think of all the customers like a family,” Kaberle told Off during her radio show As It Happens.“It’s kind of fun. If I can make them laugh at this time, whatever it takes.”"

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The restaurant has had to switch to takeout service after the government stopped dine-in service in order to limit groups of people gathering. Kaberle’s wife admitted that she had to get pull his arm a bit to lend a hand but as he did throughout his career, he was more than willing to assist her.

It has been a tough time for many during the pandemic especially restaurants who rely on people coming in and not just ordering a dish but other things like wine and such. As a result, people have been temporarily laid off as a way to cut costs.

Kaberle admits that while he never imagined doing deliveries but he has been happy with the reception he’s received so far.

"“I’ve got repeat customers asking for me, which is just funny,” Kaberle explained to Off. “One of our customers, I made their son laugh and made their day, and stuff like that. So that makes me happy.”"

Unfortunately, fans haven’t been able to get up close for an autograph because of social distancing but this could potentially open up a business opportunity for his wife. It’s not every day a former NHL player delivers food although there are some who have tried to use their popularity to open up their own restaurant.

Kaberle isn’t the only one trying to keep busy during this time as many currently Leafs players have been inviting players to participate in online gaming, announcers are doing commentary for goal calls.

The best one had to be  Auston Matthews, Morgan Rielly, Kasperi Kapanen and Zach Hyman sending a young fan birthday wishes after his birthday party, which was supposed to be at a Leafs game, was cancelled.

How are you spending your time during the COVID-19 pandemic? What do you miss the most? Let us know in the comments below.