For most of us, there are places we’ve always wanted to visit that directly relate to our passions or beliefs.  Our first journey to these places is more than just traveling, it’s fulfilling a goal or living a dream; a pilgrimage.  In 2006 Wendy and I made our first ever “pilgrimage” when we traveled to Dallas, TX to see the Dallas Stars play.  We still remember that first game, the sights, the sounds, the smells, all of it.

Dane Tilse scores for the Raiders

This weekend Wendy and I make another pilgrimage.  You see, Wendy and I are Canberra Raiders fans and have never been to Canberra Stadium to see them play live.  That is, until this Saturday.  Wendy has been following the Raiders since 1993, and while hockey may now be her #1 favorite sport, has a big spot in her heart of Footy.  Quite understandable when you consider her cousins are Kevin, Kerrod and Steve Walters.

On late Saturday afternoon when we’re sitting in the cold, wearing our Raiders gear cheering the Green Machine on, there will be another battle going on just across town.

Our Blue Tongues will also be in Canberra this weekend with 1 goal on the agenda… 2 wins against the Canberra Knights.  The Tongues are playing well and have their eyes set on one of those final 4 spots on the ladder.  The Knights are all but mathematically eliminated from the AIHL Playoffs, but that doesn’t mean they can’t make a difference.  Tongues fans from years back may remember when the Knights eliminated the the boys in blue from playoff contention.  A season later, they pretty much did it again.  There is history, and rivalry between these 2 clubs, a rivalry that is only intensified by former Blue Tongues Captain, Mark Rummukainen now wearing the C for the Knights.

While we will miss the Saturday Blue Tongues vs Knights game, we will be there Sunday ready to witness the Blue Tongues nail down a victory!

GO RAIDERS! GO TONGUES!