The Collection

Those early times sent Mike Wilson on his way to accumulating the collection which was referred to by ESPN and others as The Ultimate Leafs Fan, with over 2,000 pieces. The key ingredient to any piece Mike Wilson collects is that it has to have a story. If there is no story, then what’s the point of having it? Anything attached to the Leafs is of interest to the Ultimate Leafs Fan. It’s the moment in history that most fascinates Mike Wilson. What was Toronto like at the time, how people lived, the music of the day, what daily items cost, these things all factor into his thoughts when the Ultimate Leafs Fan sees a new item.

Mike is often asked if he had a preferred piece. The Ultimate Leafs Fan loved it all. From the Salada coins to the 1936 Frank Finnigan game used jersey. Every piece had a story and Mike Wilson can tell you where and how he acquired each item. That’s the real inner peace a collector feels.

The hundreds of people who visited the Ultimate Leafs Fan and his collection, were usually overwhelmed at the size and magnitude of the collection. From the kids to the three billionaires who’ve spent time in the room, the reaction is the same. They all have a story to tell that relates to something they spotted that resonates a past memory. Watching Bill Barilko’s sister Anne reading a letter written by her brother asking the Leafs for a tryout so he could play with his brother Alex had tears streaming down her face. There was Red Kelly and Darryl Sittler, recounting a lasting memory they have that was resurrected as a result of what they saw around the room.

Every player who came to see the Ultimate Leaf Fan and the room has a story himself. We have to remember that they were kids too. They also had their heroes growing up. The enjoyment for Mike Wilson is people sharing their thoughts racing through their minds viewing the room.