Meet the RedBlacks!

Have you heard?  Henry Burris is a RedBlack!

I was curious as to whether he would appear at the Meet The RedBlacks event last night.  Obviously he had been in town for the announcement of his signing, but for all anyone knew he might have another commitment to honour.  But he was there and emerged from backstage to a standing ovation from the season ticket holders in attendance.

The Ottawa Sun covered the event (step it up, Citizen!) but I want to add to that for those who couldn't attend.  Scroll on down past the picture below, lifted from the team's Instagram account.

For starters, much like at the naming event, Mike Sutherland does a great job with these things.  He's clearly comfortable with a microphone and seems to make the person being interviewed comfortable as well.

League Commissioner Mark Cohon took the stage first to discuss the state of the league and its vision for the future.  That done, players were brought up individually and chatted for a few minutes.  Delroy Clarke was first, followed by Eric Fraser, Simon Le Marquand and Keith Shologan.  Shologan and Sutherland had a particularly entertaining back-and-forth.  The defensive tackle became a fan favourite immediately.

Thomas DeMarco followed, then Burris and Head Coach Rick Campbell. Cohon was brought back for the Q&A segment.  General Manager Marcel Desjardins was in attendance, though not on stage, but he still offered some information from time to time from his seat in the front row.  Team President Jeff Hunt eventually joined the group on stage when questions were ultimately being directed to him in the audience anyway.

A few details were revealed that I'm surprised The Sun didn't bother to report.  To whit:

• Carleton was confirmed as the location for training camp.  Hardly a shock in light of the ownership group's connection to the university.  There'll be a rookie camp at the end of May and "full" camp will begin June 1st.  One day will be spent on the Gatineau side.
• The schedule is ready and will be revealed early next week, in all likelihood. 
• The uniform will be revealed in April.  Mark Cohon seemed particularly impressed by them. 

Following the Q&A, the various team members took to tables in the back of the room to sign autographs, chat with fans, etc.  There were plenty of snacks and drinks available, a small merchandise table was set up and the Grey Cup was brought in for photo opportunities.

Another fine event hosted by the RedBlacks who continue to display the commitment and class that past owners have failed to demonstrate.  Already looking forward to the next one.