| The London Legion started out life as an open team, inviting players
of all standards to their Tuesday training sessions at the Sobell Sports Centre in
Finsbury Park, a tradition which still continues today, only the training has now expanded
to three days.
The team was formed by Canadian, Ian Ross, and started out without a name as such. The name 'Foreign Legion' was the first recognized name for the team, and was followed by 'London Flex' - the team had a high percentage of foreign players from Canada, America, Finland, Russia, and France to name but a few. Early in 1998, the name was changed for the final time to the London Legion, and had soon notched up an impressive 11 game unbeaten streak. Ian's departure to Cuba in September '98 led to the running of the team being taken over by Darren Bull- an impressive 'recruitment' drive led to a team roster of over 40 players by late October 1999, including many new British players, as well as stretching the international feel of the team. Legion expanded to become 3 teams, an 'A', 'B' and 'C' team and the team started developing a women's team. With the addition of player coach, Dave Loudfoot, the Legion became an E.I.H.A. registered team, but unfortunately fell to their first ever defeat at the hands of the Streatham Chiefs in their very next game. By November 2000, the team has gone from strength to strength now having a roster of more than 100 players of all abilities carrying on the traditions of the team. With the addition of our new team shirts, Legion has found a new lease of life. Imagine what we will be like when we have an away kit as well! As predicted two years ago the womens' team, "The Ali-Catz", have formed, trained and played three games. Having won two and narrowly lost one spirits and enthusiasm are high, and they are eagerly looking forward to future games! As well as game results, the social life of Legion has continued to soar with weekly excursions to what has now become the team "watering hole", O'Neill's in Islington. Friday's will never be the same again thanks to Tina Cariga, London Legion's first official social secretary. In the first wedding of active Legion players, Tina has swapped her Legion duties for bridal plans, and Nikki Abrahams has taken over the role of Social Secretary. On our first foreign tour in Prague last October, we learned never to schedule a night out with 30p beer before a 9am game. Our next tour is in Viginia in February 2000, where we hope to reunite with departed goalie Nathan Mannix and defensewoman Kristine Mannix. In March 2000, Ian returned from Cuba, and Darren temporarily defected to the Westminster Statesmen. Martin Issac became our GM, and we recruited Rhoda Bracewell from Manchester to be our Treasurer. We participated in the inaugural season of the Alexanda Palace Summer League, finishing third. In Novmeber 2000, Ian found himself too busy to keep up with such a large team, and he resigned as coach. Darren returned and is looking forward to leading the team on their first North American tour to Virginia. Our Virginia trip was a success, while not our best games ever, we had a great time and will have blackmail photos on everyone for many year to come! In September 2001, we emberked on a brave journey to Finland where we provided target practise for a few local teams. Everyone had an absolute blast despite the scoreline and we are eagerly anticipating a return journey. The Legion continues to train 3 times a week, with one session taking place at their 'home rink' of Alexandra Palace and the other two at the Sobell centre, and the squad numbers continue to rise. The overall sense of enjoying hockey remains with the team, as well as the hard work and discipline that is required when it comes to competitive matches. |