Toronto Star columnist, Walter Stefaniuk answered this question in his YOU ASKED US column in the May 28, 1999 issue. Maple Leafs as it refers to a organization or sports franchise is considered a proper noun and not bound by normal rules of grammar and spelling.

By Jeff Rollings | Published November 15, 2009 | In the Hills Local Hero: Ken Jewett is the founder of Maple Leaves Forever The maple leaf may be synonymous with all things Canadian, but actually finding a true Native Maple to plant can be a daunting challenge. Ken Jewett, founder of Maple Leaves Forever, is out to change that. Ken… READ MORE »Ken Jewett: The Old Man and the Tree (published in IN THE HILLS Magazine)