Mike Kostka takes long road to Maple Leafs By STEVE SIMMONS, QMI Agency

Mike Kostka (left) battles for the puck during a game with the AHL Marlies. His hard work and patience has finally paid off, as he debuted on home ice with the Maple Leafs on Monday night against the Buffalo Sabres. (Dave Thomas/QMI Agency) Fans let NHL and players off too easy Leafs coach: Respect needs to be earned Sabres stymie Leafs in home opener Recap: Leafs host Sabres in home opener Leafs' Gardiner says he's ready to return

TORONTO - The kid who came from nowhere to the brights lights and pomp of opening night has been an afterthought almost all of his hockey life.

An afterthought to everyone but himself.

When Mike Kostka played his bantam hockey in Ajax he wasn’t exactly considered the next anything. He was 5-foot-6, 130 pounds and with size 13 feet.