the players.Supporters filed into the venue through gate seven wi

TORONTO -- The Toronto Maple Leafs are hoping to reap the reward of having the NHLs worst team last season.Auston Matthews is the prize.Toronto took advantage of its awful season by drafting the highly skilled player with the No. 1 pick overall, the franchises first selection at the top of the NHL draft since 1985.Matthews, who just turned 19, will have a chance to make an instant impact.The Maple Leafs won just 29 games last season, their fewest since 1970 when they played six fewer games, and won only one more game the previous season.Mike Babcock, meanwhile, proved coaching can only do so much.Toronto gave him a $50 million, eight-year deal a year ago, hoping the Stanley Cup and Olympic gold-winning coach could make a difference.Last year, he did not as the Maple Leafs finished last in the league.This season, Babcock is expecting much better results.Were way better, Babcock said in an interview with The Associated Press while leading Canada to a World Cup of Hockey title. We got kids, but we got skill. Its a way different program than a year ago. We now have a team.Were like a fast-climbing stock. You want to buy. Last year, you didnt want to buy.Here are some things to watch as Toronto prepares to play at Ottawa on Oct. 12 in the NHLs first regular season game:FRANCHISE PLAYERTorontos hopes of reviving its beloved hockey franchise rest with Matthews, its first No. 1 pick overall since selecting Wendel Clark a little more than three decades ago.Matthews showed the world his talent as a key player for the North Americas 23-and-younger team, scoring once against Sweden and Russia and having an assist against Finland. He also very much belonged on the ice in his preseason debut against Montreal after playing in the World Cup.I felt really good, Matthews said.The 6-foot-3, 216-pound center looked good, too, flashing his rare blend of size, speed and skill. He was born in California and lived in Arizona before going to Switzerland last year to prepare to play in the NHL. Matthews had 24 goals and 22 assists in 36 games for the Zurich Lions.Lots of skill, Babcock said after coaching Matthews for the first time in a game. Hell figure it out.IMPORTANT INVESTMENTBabcock bristled at the notion Toronto didnt make a splash in the summer to improve their team, pointing to picks the team gave up to acquire Frederik Andersen from Anaheim.We traded a first and a second to get a goalie who could win games, he said.The Maple Leafs also dealt goalie Jonathan Bernier as part of the deal.Andersen signed a five-year, $25 million contract with the Maple Leafs, cashing in on his 77-26-12 record over three seasons while competing for playing time with the Ducks.ON THE MENDJames van Riemsdyk got a chance to get into game shape during the World Cup, playing three games and having one assist for the U.S.The 27-year-old forward played in just 40 games last year before his season ended due to a broken left foot.Its huge to have him healthy, Babcock said. We think hes a high-end player. The more skill we have around him, the better off well be.I think JVR is going to have the best year of his career.So far, the 2013-14 season was his best when he had 30 goals and 31 assists.GETTING AN ASSISTBabcock was busy with Canadas World Cup team, giving assistant coaches Jim Hiller, D.J. Smith and Andrew Brewer a chance to lead the team during training camp and early in the preseason.It was a great to give those guys an opportunity to run the program, Babcock said. They probably enjoyed it.TURNING 100The Maple Leafs are planning a season of celebrations to commemorate their centennial. The highlight may be when Toronto hosts the Detroit Red Wings at BMO Field, home of the Canadian Football Leagues Argonauts, in the leagues annual outdoor game on New Years Day.---Follow Larry Lage at www.twitter.com/larrylage and follow his work at www.bigstory.ap.org/content/larry-lage Cheap Rockets Jerseys China . Sgt. 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A supporter rally to protest North Melbournes decision to axe Brent Harvey didnt eventuate on Saturday night.A Facebook page called Save Boomer Harvey was set up after Wednesdays announcement the club would not offer Harvey, Drew Petrie, Michael Firrito and Nick Dal Santo contracts for next season.About 2000 people registered to attend the event, which was to occur at gate seven at Etihad Stadium before the Roos clash against Greater Western Sydney.However, an organiser called it off hours before it was due to start, citing the wishes of the players.Supporters filed into the venue through gate seven without incident and stadium management werent aware of any protests taking place.Harvey and Firrito took to social media on Thursday amid a supporter backlash to assure fans they still loved the club despite their disappointment at the decision.Petrie spoke to reporters on Friday and voiced his displeasure at the supporter aanger directed at coach Brad Scott and the planned protest action.ddddddddddddThe only part Id like to change is the unfair way that Brads been treated in the last three days, Petrie said.The way the medias reported this decision and the backlash from small pockets of North Melbourne people has been poor and Im really disappointed that thats the case.Ive heard a few whispers about bits and pieces that might go on (on Saturday night).That would be the minority - 99 per cent of North fans are rippers. We had a great turnout at training and those small pockets can hang their heads in shame if they decide to behave like (that).An online petition calling on North to reverse their decision and award Harvey a one-year contract extension had gathered just more than 4200 signatures by Saturday evening. ' ' '