When we thought about going to tournaments and the where’s and the who’s we began to think about who would be solid competition for the Elite teams and how can we make things different for these guys.  With only one loss between the two teams, we thought they needed something beyond just another tournament. How could we make it interesting, very competitive and fun?  Then bang the light came on, an alumni tournament!  Bringing back the alumni would provide some great talent and great kids.  So the call went out to the alumni and we were very please with the response, especially considering the short notice we gave you guys.

First we want to express our gratitude to all you guys for taking time from you break to come in and see us.  We realize that at this special time of the year, you guys would like to spend time with your family and friends over your break, and for all of you to come in and spend time with us made us feel very special.  It was great to see each and every one of you!

When we thought about putting this together we knew that you guys would come here with every intention of showing the young guys some real competition, and you did not let them down handing them their first loss of the season (snapping a tie game with just 5 seconds left in the game). The younger guys did get even, however, winning the rematch (later in day) in overtime.The competition was incredible.

Everyone came to play and boy did it show.  The alumni, showed their usual stuff, and some of their newer stuff as well. The Elite teams where right there with them, trading goal for goal, pass for pass and staying right with the alumni sending three of the games during the day into overtime.  The Elite teams definitely were there to play, to show the alumni that they too have the right stuff to wear the elite green and black uniform that their predecessors had worked so hard for to gain respect in previous tournaments.

This day was not about winning or losing, or making great passes or goals.  Today it was about old friends and new friends coming together to enjoy the game.  To catch up on what we have experienced over the past year. Our old colors, our new colors, where we have been and where we are going.  The smiles of friendship in black and green. We are the Raptors Elite, we are a team that does not break up at the end of our tenure, and more importantly; we are friends.