Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube keeps spirits high with humor and grit despite recent gym injury

Craig Berube has consistently set a positive example, but this week he tangibly demonstrated this principle. The 60-year-old Maple Leafs head coach showed up at Friday’s morning skate with a noticeable bruise around his eye and a deep cut on his scalp from a gym accident. Despite the injuries, Berube carried himself with the same toughness he expects from his players, showing that being a leader isn’t just about drawing up plays or planning strategy. It’s also about showing up every day under pressure and setting an example for the whole team to follow.Coaching in the NHL is tough, both mentally and physically. Berube believes leaders should face challenges head-on, and his presence at practice, even with a minor injury, showed he is willing to stand with his team. Maple Leafs fans and hockey followers saw a glimpse of the same grit that earned Berube respect during his playing days, now channelled into guiding one of the league’s most talented rosters.During his media availability, Berube blended accountability with his signature humor. “Just had an accident in the gym yesterday. I’m fine,” he said, then joked, “Stupid. It was a bad accident. It’s on me, my fault. I’m fine.” He even laughed about the situation, noting, “The other guy looks way worse. There were three of them.”His easygoing attitude went over well with the team, who seemed to enjoy seeing their coach in a vulnerable moment. “They love it, especially when I told them what happened,” Berube said with a laugh, showing that leadership doesn’t always have to be serious.The injury won’t slow him down. Berube confirmed he’ll be behind the bench Friday night as the Maple Leafs face the Vegas Golden Knights at Scotiabank Arena. By pushing through a personal setback, Berube shows that being tough isn’t just something players do—it’s something leaders have to do too.This week shows that being a leader in hockey isn’t just about plays or strategy. There is the component involving being tough, having a sense of responsibility, and keeping the spirit lifted. Berube sets the example, and his players follow it every game. Once a warrior on the ice, he’s now a coach who leads the same way.