On the evening of June 5^th,  the 2001 Toronto Marlboros congregated once again at Centennial Ski Chalet to not only to welcome and meet the new families to the "Marlboro Family" but to also size the players for their upcoming Major Peewee season.

The evening was terrific! As a family/team, we experienced great weather, wonderful food, and a very optimistic outlook on the season ahead. Thank you to all the families that contributed so generously to this evening. The atmosphere was one of unity, camaraderie, and a true meeting of the minds, in terms of our mutual expectations for the players, and their development in the upcoming season. The most telling aspect of this highly successful get together, was the obvious bonding that took place between the players, as a team, and the the parents, as a tremendous support group!

As usual, many families bought a “stash” of Marlboro paraphernalia that we will undoubtedly see throughout the year. Pride in the jersey and name is loud and clear.

Head Coach Louie Gialedakis introduced four new families to the Marlboro parents and the team immediately embraced their new teammates.  The new teammates were made to feel like they had been a part of the team for years. The players had a blast.

Of great importance, Coach Louie Gialedakis spoke to the players and their parents about the upcoming season and the high-level expectations of being on a winning team. "Fitness was key!" To stress this point, Coach Gialedakis brought Jim Reeves of Athletes Zone in to address the players and their families, to help gain a deeper understanding of the commitment to fitness excellence, and all the great work that is involved in maintaining elite-athlete fitness statue.

Jim gave the players their individual test results from the Team Assessment and spoke to the players about them. He reinforced Coach Gialedakis’ words to the players by stressing the importance of their fitness during the off season.

There was talk of fundraising, the upcoming August training camp as well as simply catching up with one another after several weeks apart.

The entire Marlboro organization took part in this social affair to share hockey stories, summer plans and a common denominator; excitement over the upcoming hockey season.