League news + idea for head office.

Brampton United is definately a way better name then the (s)Hitmen but damn I always though that Metro Lions FC was actually a great name for a football club. I'm also disappointed that I never got out to Scarborough to see them play. At least Oakville will be another rival for the Thunder though - especially for the Burly posse of the BHTC. Damned if I know where this alleged "Bronte Stadium" is though.

Nice to see Laval back as well. To bad that there's nothing between them and Oshawa though. Teams in Kingston, Ottawa, and Mtl would really fill in a geographic gap to the east in the CPSL while the west has gotten even more crowded with Oakville now having a team instead of Scarborough. No team in KW/Tri-cities area yet though which must be another objective for the league.

Good idea with the charity match for the season opener rematch. This might get some added visibility for the league for once. I've long thought that the Thunder should play a charity match at the start of the year. Make it an annual event vs. the same team every year (Roma Wolves or the new Oakville team would seem obvious) and put some sort of small trophy on the line (like the Charity Shield in England). This could either be termed a final pre-season exhibition match or if possible could actually be worked into the league program though I would favour the former over the latter. It would be like the Labour Day Classic: an annual "event" that fans look forward to even if they don't normally attend games. The biggest advantage is that the club could use the massive organizational infrastructure of say the United Way to sell/distribute tickets (since they would get all proceeds) and possibly bring some new faces out to see the team at the start of the year. If they make some money on concessions all the better. Great chance this year with no hockey playoffs either.

Other BHTCers... if you like the above idea let me know. I could check out how much it would cost to purchase a basic plate, shield, or cup trophy and have it engraved. Even a large trophy isn't that expensive. My men's club bought one for our own challenge cup with a rival team. Cost could be recouped through donations throughout the year and/or fundraising money. The BHTC Supporters Shield has a nice ring to my ears.

What the CPSL really needs to do though is invest some money in a comprehensive, professional marketing program that promotes the virtues of the league and increases its visibility in all the communities of southern Ontario. A basic slogan could be something like "Local Clubs, Local Players... Local Passion!" Emphasize the smallness of the league and use it as a plus rather than a minus. People around here have long embraced junior hockey because it represents their communities. I honestly believe that the biggest problem that this league faces is that most people who would consider going to games don't even now that it exists. I'm always explaining to people who I meet who the Thunder are yet almost everyone has heard of the Bulldogs. Anyways, enough rambling for one night.

Mike.