Apparently we struck a nerve here. Talk of changing the Raptors name to the Huskies happened to be the most read story on TSN.ca on the day the suggestion of swapping names was put forth.
The support was overwhelming, with the vast majority agreeing with the thought that the name change from the Raptors to Huskies was the way to go.
Within hours Huskie-nation or the 'Dawg-pound' was energized.
Bram, one of those hard working dudes that you see behind the scenes on SportsCentre every night informed me of a petition that was started...http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/torontohuskies2010/
A twitter site was created... http://twitter.com/torontohuskies
Warren, a frustrated Raptors season ticket holder forwarded me a link to this facebook site requesting the Raptors be renamed the Huskies…
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=119966334688735&v=wall
I went to Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment and informed them of what was happening and asked them if they'd consider the name change. Here's what Tom Anselmi, MLSE's Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer had to say on the matter…
"We're pleased that a lot of our fans like the Huskies third jersey. It's a great traditonal brand that has ties to Toronto's strong basketball roots. That said, there have been no discussions about changing the Raptors name permanently. It has been our name since inception and we know our fans love it and identify with it."
Fair enough. We can take it for what its worth OR we can let MLSE know its time to make the dinosaur extinct. Make your voice be heard. Sign the petition. Join the facebook group. It all helps. Remember, the Raptors are Canada's only pro hoops team so this encompasses all of Canada. Forward the petition to your friends and make your voices loud.
The numbers will make them think twice.
Go Huskies? Yes we can!
You can follow James at www.twitter.com/jamescybulski