The launch party

Last night was a very exciting night for the Raiders...our trip has officially been launched through a kick off party for all.

We were honoured to have our MP Mark Holland join us and deliver some inspiring words. I know I was proud to be a member of not only the team, but also our community at large. Mr. Holland delivered the message that, not only are our young men representing the Raiders Organization, but also Ajax/Pickering and our Country. When you sit back and let those words sink in, the boys are representing our Country...how cool is that? I believe our gang really understood how fortunate they are when Mr. Holland remembered his hockey days and the fact that they travelled as far as northern United States. When you think how many miles we have put on over the last few years, it is pretty astonishing how much of North America we have seen (okay .. the arenas we have seen in North America!!) We would like to thank Mr. Holland for his generous donations of pins and flags to help us bring a little bit of Canada to our new friends in Europe. We hope you wear your Raiders band with pride and know we will all do our best to represent our fine country. And yes, Adrian, you can score as many goals as you like!

Also joining us were Jack English, Paul Burnett and Bill Redmond from the Raiders organization. Thanks to you for your advice, helpful tips and hints to make our adventure that much better. We will do our best to represent the Raiders family in a way in which you will be proud - even if we don't agree with the referees calls!

And now...the highlight of the night...the unveiling of our new jerseys to wear with pride in Europe. I think the latest opinion poll had the home and away jerseys tied in popularity. Modeled by two extremely handsome young men, our jerseys proudly display the maple leaf, the Raiders logo, flags of those countries in which we will be playing and our sponsors. The jerseys were the final piece of a complete ensemble provided to the boys including new coats, track suits, touques, back packs, mock necks, water bottles, sweat bands and hoodies. I would be remiss if I didn't take a moment to thank our sponsors for outfitting the team. Quite simply…they look AWESOME!!! Based on the reaction of the boys, they will likely be wearing the same clothes for the entire length of the trip…hope they are on the top level of the bus! Unfortunately we were all so excited, we have no pics of the official models so you will have to wait to see the gear in pictures along the way.

Okay...had some pressure to show off the jerseys..here is mitch showing his off.

Next update will be once we are on our way… Merry Christmas to all.