Calgary -> Toronto, (Thank you for everything Wranglers!)

[SlapshotLegion 867]

TORONTO - Raimo Tuominen is flying into Toronto after one of the hardest decisions in his life. He made the choice to leave Calgary. After spending all of his career under Wranglers’ colours, he will be donning blue with the Legion. Coming into training camp today, he is excited yet a bit saddened about his departure.

 

“I mean, yeah, I made the choice. I signed the contract. Doesn’t make it any easier saying goodbye to a team I came to love and play for. The city, the fans, management, my teammates, all of them have been such a big part of my success and shaped me into the player and person I am now.”

 

So then why the choice?

 

“In all honesty, I just felt like the writing was on the wall. The Wranglers have young guys coming up and are forming a new core. I could’ve totally been a part of that for my last season but part of me felt like we needed to move on. I can’t speak for the Wranglers organization. Maybe they think differently, maybe I acted too quickly, but I think it’s a far-cry to say that my departure will do any damage to them. They’re building something good over there.”

 

And the choice to go to Toronto?

 

“They reached out as soon as they possibly could. I know there were other GMs who reached out and I am honoured they did but they were quick to lay out that our shared goal is to win a cup. They have a great squad with stars in the making as well. I couldn’t be more excited to play with a team and the Legion had me sold right away. I could’ve sat on and hoped for a couple more offers but there was something about the Legion that made me super excited. I hope to play my part well and be a part of something special.”