The Gardiner Cup

This week, the Marlies pre-season begins. It will be an exciting time for both players and fans as it will be the first time that the boys play across the pond in Edinburgh, Scotland as part of the Gardiner Cup. For those who don’t know, the tournament is being labeled as “Hockey’s Homecoming”, the prize at the end of the trip (other than a trip to one of the most beautiful countries in the world), is the chance to hoist a cup named after HHOFer (the only one from Scotland), Chuck Gardiner.

This tournament is an important one for the Marlies and for the entire Leafs organization, since a win in Edinburgh helps to reinforce what Brian Burke and Ron Wilson are trying to instill in players; a winning attitude. For the Leafs to ever consider winning a Stanley Cup, they need both a passion for the game AND the jersey.

A clear indication of this focus on the team has come with what can only be described as an incredible pre-season of our new and improved Leafs, with some Marlies like Tlusty and Mitchell making a big impact.

Now there may be some that say “Toronto is a Leafs town and NOT a hockey town”, and in the past, that has been the case. The same is not true today. The MLSE organization recognizes that to win means a major cultural change in the organization and it is definitely going to be exciting to watch the Leafs become more like they were when there were 6 teams in the league….with a strong team with a deep farm system that is concentrated on the Marlies as the central development hub.

Hang on tight Marlies fans, this is going to be one fantastic season and if the Leafs pre-season is an indicator of what is to come, it is going to be one heck of a great ride!

AYE MARLIES AYE!!

You can email Chris with comments and questions about the blog, Duke’s Dog Pound Supporters Club, or the Marlies anytime to dukesdogpound@yahoo.ca.