Marlies celebrate Calder Cup win with tribute to Rodion Amirov
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 20, 2026, 11:00 AM
Last updated Jun 20, 2026
The Toronto Marlies completed a 4-1 series victory by defeating the Chicago Wolves 4-3 in Game 5 at the Coca-Cola Coliseum on June 20. This marks the Marlies’ second Calder Cup championship, following their previous win in 2018. Amid the celebrations, general manager Ryan Hardy honored former team member Rodion Amirov by wearing his No. 72 jersey, a move that resonated deeply with players, particularly goaltender Artur Akhtyamov, who recognized the significance of keeping Amirov's memory alive. Amirov, who was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2022, passed away in 2023. The Marlies and Maple Leafs organization have consistently commemorated him with his jersey displayed in their locker rooms.
- •Marlies win Calder Cup, defeating Wolves 4-3 in Game 5.
- •Ryan Hardy wore Amirov's No. 72 jersey during the celebration.
- •Artur Akhtyamov was named Calder Cup MVP for the playoffs.
- •Amirov passed away in 2023 after battling a brain tumor.
- •Amirov's jersey is displayed in the Marlies' locker room.
- 1:30 AMYahoo Sports — Toronto Marlies Honour The Late Rodion Amirov During Calder Cup Celebration
- 11:00 AMYahoo Sports — Marlies Pay Tribute To Maple Leafs Draft Pick Rodion Amirov Following Emotional Calder Cup Victory
"In the midst of their second Calder Cup celebration, Marlies GM Ryan Hardy surprised everyone by wearing Rodion Amirov’s No. 72 jersey, turning triumph into a deeply personal tribute.
"Amidst the roar of victory, general manager Ryan Hardy and MVP Artur Akhtyamov paid an emotional tribute to their fallen teammate, ensuring Rodion Amirov’s spirit shared the trophy.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 22, 2026, 1:30 AMToronto Marlies Honour The Late Rodion Amirov During Calder Cup Celebration
Amidst the roar of victory, general manager Ryan Hardy and MVP Artur Akhtyamov paid an emotional tribute to their fallen teammate, ensuring Rodion Amirov’s spirit shared the trophy.
- Yahoo SportsJun 20, 2026, 11:00 AMMarlies Pay Tribute To Maple Leafs Draft Pick Rodion Amirov Following Emotional Calder Cup Victory
In the midst of their second Calder Cup celebration, Marlies GM Ryan Hardy surprised everyone by wearing Rodion Amirov’s No. 72 jersey, turning triumph into a deeply personal tribute.
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