When midnight strikes tonight, we will be entering into 2020. A new year with new hopes, new goals and new aspirations. However, this year will be different. We’re not just entering into a new year, a new decade. When I think about the last ten years, a few thoughts and moments pop into mind. First thought, like most of you I’m sure, is where did the time go? Time really flies.

As we enter into this new decade, I thought I would share some significant moments that truly stood out to me as an entrepreneur in Toronto and as a Toronto sports fanatic. Here is my list of my top 10 significant moments throughout the past decade.

1. The Golden Goal - February 28th, 2010

This moment was special. It’s one of the moments where you’ll always remember where you were when it happened. Regardless if you’re a sports fan, if you’re Canadian, odds are you remember this goal. The goal was scored by Sidney Crosby and sealed the deal for Canada, securing the gold medal with a win over the rival Americans. This moment was made even more special due to the fact that it happened on Canadian soil at the Canada Hockey Place in Vancouver, British Columbia. The puck is currently displayed at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.

2. The Release of the Original iPad - January 2010

When you think of Apple products, the iPad is one of those products that most people own. There have been so many different versions of the iPad throughout the decade, however, it all started with the original in 2010. The original iPad was introduced in January 2010, and debuted in April 2010. Since the launch of the original, there have been many variations released, including a ‘mini’ version as well as a ‘pro’. I wonder what Apple has in store for the next decade.

3. 2012 Phenomenon - December 21st, 2012

This is one of the moments in history that I think most people just want to forget about. There was a belief that the end of the world would occur in December 2012, and that the doomsday was upon us. To be honest with you, I didn’t think much of this at the time. I wasn’t worried about the “doomsday” that was supposedly upon us, and I certainly didn’t lose any sleep. However, some people genuinely believed the end of the world was upon us. Crazy times!

4. Gangnam Style by PSY - July 15th, 2012

Ahh Gangnam Style. Good times. I remember when this song came out. People went absolutely crazy for it, and I’ll admit, so did I. I didn’t think much of the song at first, and I certainly wouldn’t have believed you if you told me it would be the first video on YouTube to ever reach a billion views. However, the song grew on me each time I listened to it. I would find myself blasting the radio every time it came on, and would almost certainly find myself doing the dance. As of today, Gangnam Style has over three billion views on YouTube, however it is no longer the most viewed video. It has lost the title to the hit “Baby Shark”, which has over four billion views. I wonder if PSY could have ever predicted the songs success.

5. The Bat Flip - October 14th, 2015

Just like the “Golden Goal”, this was another one of those moments where you’ll always remember where you were when it happened. Toronto was in a frenzy with the Blue Jays at the time, as the team had very little success in recent years and it was a breath of fresh air to see them playing meaningful baseball in October. As a diehard Toronto sports fan, this moment was bittersweet for me. Don’t get me wrong, the moment the ball hit off Jose Bautista's bat was one of the best sporting moments I’ve ever experienced. I wish I could relive that moment. The crowd, the way Jose threw the bat… it was simply incredible. I was at Wayne Gretzky's bar in Toronto with a friend and the place absolutely erupted. It was incredible. What made that moment bitter is knowing that I had an opportunity to attend the game with my sister and Swob co-founder, Stephanie. However, she decided to pass on the game and I ended up at Wayne Gretzky's. The Blue Jays went on to win the ALDS and eliminate the Texas Rangers with that game 5 victory. Thanks Steph!

6. Auston Matthews NHL Debut - October 12th, 2016

This moment made the list because I’m a diehard Toronto Maple Leafs fan. Maybe I’m a little biased… I don’t care. This moment was extremely significant for me. If you’re a Leafs fan, then you understand why. This past decade hasn’t exactly been kind to the Toronto Maple Leafs. They were a joke at the start of it. Year after year, it was the same old story. The team had nothing positive going for them. The team still hadn’t replaced fan favourite Mats Sundin, who played his final season with the team in 2008. So, when the Leafs drafted Auston Matthews with the first overall pick in June of 2016, it was significant. The feeling for Leafs fans was that of pure joy and relief. Finally, we had a young star centre to build a contending team around. Then he made his NHL debut... I don’t think anybody could have predicted the result of his NHL debut, not even Auston Matthews. A four goal NHL debut, the first time in modern NHL history that this has been accomplished. All four of Matthews goals that night were scored on Ottawa goalie, Craig Anderson. Craig Anderson has since then joked about the debut, and even had Matthews sign a stick for him, which said “Thanks four making my first game memorable”. Get it? Fun fact, Auston Matthews has yet to score a hattrick since his NHL debut. I’m sure we’ll see a few of them in the next decade.

7. 2016 United States Presidential Election - November 8th, 2016

The United States Presidential election in 2016 was fascinating. It saw Donald Trump running for the Republican party and Hillary Clinton running for the Democratic party, and did things ever get heated between the two candidates. Normally, the debates aren’t something I would ever pay any attention to, however in 2016, it was must-see TV. It was almost like a major sporting event. People would make plans to watch the debates, and it was completely justified. Both candidates had their fair share of low blows towards one another, and regardless of how you feel about the outcome of the election, it sure made for some entertaining times and will certainly go down in history as one of the most polarizing elections in United States history.

8. The Legalization of Marijuana in Canada - October 17th, 2018

When I think about the legalization of marijuana in Canada, I’m reminded of how truly historic the moment was. We lived through the prohibition with marijuana, and to witness its legalization is truly an historic moment. When marijuana became legal across Canada in October of 2018, it was celebrated by many across the country, and was viewed as a massive victory for marijuana activists across Canada.

9. Youngest Billionaire - Kylie Jenner - March 2019

At the young age of 21, Kylie Jenner became the world's youngest billionaire, accomplishing this in March of 2019. This moment is absolutely significant for me. I look at this as inspiration. Kylie has built her own brand, and has accomplished much of her success on her own. Kudos to her for all of the work she has done, and when I think about her being the world’s youngest billionaire, I feel inspired. It should inspire you too!

10. The Shot - May 12th, 2019

Yes, another moment that everyone remembers where they were when this happened. The Toronto Raptors had finished with yet another strong regular season. However, the playoffs were different this time around. There was a true genuine sense of optimism with the team. What was different this time around then in years past you ask? Well, Kawhi Leonard that is. Although Kawhi was in Toronto for just one season, the impact he made in Toronto will last forever. On Sunday May 12th, 2019, the Raptors played game 7 against the Philadelphia 76ers, for a chance to play in the Eastern Conference finals. With the game tied at 90 a piece with less than 4 seconds remaining, Kawhi was given the ball, and with less than 1 second left on the clock, he took a shot. Once the ball was up in the air, everyone was holding back their breath. Bounce, bounce, bounce, bounce and finally… the ball goes in the net and Toronto went absolutely crazy. The Toronto Raptors ended up winning the 2019 NBA Championship for the first time in their 25-year history, and although Kawhi ended up leaving us for the Los Angeles Clippers, he will always be loved in Toronto.

Well, that wraps up the decade. I wish you and your loved ones a very happy new year and all the best in 2020! Cheers to the next decade 🥂 - By Alexander Florio (Tuesday, December 31st, 2019.)