Est. 2018 · Sudbury/Newmarket, Ontario
Leafs Hockey Knowledge Lives Here
The Big Faceoff is an independent Toronto Maple Leafs media outlet built on one belief: great hockey writing doesn’t need a masthead behind it. Just rigorous analysis, honest takes, and a genuine love for the blue and white.
Who we are
The Big Faceoff was founded by Christopher Hodgson — a sports writer, digital media operator, and lifelong hockey fan based in Ontario. What started as a passion project covering the Toronto Maple Leafs has grown into one of the more active independent Leafs destinations on the web, with over 1,000 published pieces spanning news, analysis, features, and prospect coverage.
Christopher also writes for The Hockey Writers covering the Anaheim Ducks and produces NHL betting content for TopBettingPredictions.com. The Big Faceoff remains his home base — the place where the most in-depth Leafs work lives.
The Big Faceoff has been cited alongside Forbes, NHL.com, CBC, and The Athletic for its hockey coverage — a testament to what independent sports media can achieve.
Swift Hockey press page recognition
What we cover
Our coverage is focused exclusively on the Toronto Maple Leafs organization and the broader NHL conversations that affect them. We don’t chase clicks for the sake of it — every piece is written to add something real to the conversation.
News & rumours
Fast, accurate reporting on trades, transactions, and the latest out of Scotiabank Arena.
Analysis
Data-informed breakdowns of roster construction, line combinations, and strategic decisions.
Prospects
Depth coverage of the Leafs pipeline — who’s developing, who’s ready, and who to watch.
Features
Long-form storytelling on the players, moments, and history that define this franchise.
The person behind the site
Christopher Hodgson
Founder & Editor-in-ChiefChristopher is a sports writer and digital media operator with over eight years covering the Toronto Maple Leafs. He also writes for The Hockey Writers (Anaheim Ducks beat) and produces NHL betting analysis for TopBettingPredictions.com. His work has been recognized alongside major outlets including Forbes, NHL.com, CBC, and The Athletic. The Big Faceoff is where his most in-depth Leafs writing lives.
Our editorial standard
We write like we talk hockey. No filler, no hot takes for the sake of engagement, no recycling wire copy. Our voice sits somewhere between Elliotte Friedman’s sourced, measured reporting and analytical depth that respects the intelligence of the reader — honest, informed, and always rooted in what’s actually happening with this team.
The Big Faceoff is editorially independent. We have no affiliation with MLSE, the Toronto Maple Leafs, or any of their partners. The opinions expressed here are our own.