Games for week four of the schedule include:
Thursday, July 23-- Hamilton 8 at Montreal 21 (20,202)
Friday, July 24-- Toronto 19 at Winnipeg 5 (28,466)
Friday, July 24-- Calgary 48 at B. C. 10 (27,191)
Saturday, July 18-- Edmonton 38 at Saskatchewan 33(30,945)
All Games on TSN
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
CFL Players of the Week -- Week Three
Two Lions a Cat and a Stampeder highlight the week three selections of the Players of the Week.
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Video Replay of the players of the week.
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Among the best of the league this week were:
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OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Jarious Jackson- QB -- British Columbia Lions
Unanimous selection
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Dwaine Carpenter -- LB -- Calgary Stampeders
Runner up-- DL-- Malik Jackson -- Calgary Stampeders
SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Nick Setta-- K -- Hamilton Tiger Cats
Runner up-- LB-- Tyler Ebell-- BC Lions, Sean White-- BC Lions
CANADIAN PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Paris Jackson -- SB-- BC Lions
Runner Up-- T-- Jeff Perrett -- Montreal Alouettes
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Video Replay of the players of the week.
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Among the best of the league this week were:
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OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Jarious Jackson- QB -- British Columbia Lions
Unanimous selection
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Dwaine Carpenter -- LB -- Calgary Stampeders
Runner up-- DL-- Malik Jackson -- Calgary Stampeders
SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Nick Setta-- K -- Hamilton Tiger Cats
Runner up-- LB-- Tyler Ebell-- BC Lions, Sean White-- BC Lions
CANADIAN PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Paris Jackson -- SB-- BC Lions
Runner Up-- T-- Jeff Perrett -- Montreal Alouettes
Ready to raise a roof in Regina
Flush with success at the box office and the talk of the province for all these years, the prospect of a little comfort for the faithful seems like a long over due thing.
Monday, officials in Saskatchewan floated the idea that a covered stadium is something that should be further investigated, the project just one segment of a comprehensive review of options, would provide the Saskatchewan Roughriders with what would be a modern and well equipped home and the province with an entertainment and sports venue that could be used year round.
Monday, officials in Saskatchewan floated the idea that a covered stadium is something that should be further investigated, the project just one segment of a comprehensive review of options, would provide the Saskatchewan Roughriders with what would be a modern and well equipped home and the province with an entertainment and sports venue that could be used year round.
It's an idea that seems to make perfect sense, especially considering the climate of the province, one that makes parkas and thermal underwear a must have, sometimes as early as November and long into March.
For the Riders, it would be some long overdue recognition of the importance of the team to the core of Saskatchewan's image, a top notch place from which to showcase the team and add to the community something that only a few select Canadian cities have, a covered stadium for multi use purposes.
Should the folks in Saskatchewan decide to go ahead with the project, estimated to cost around 350 million dollars (not counting land acquisition), they would be but one of three indoor venues in the nation for football, following the Rogers Centre in Toronto and BC Place in Vancouver, there is the Olympic Stadium in Montreal, but it's one of those on occasion homes, usually hosting the last game of the year for the Alouettes and any playoff matches, including it's hosting of the Grey Cup upon it's Montreal arrival.
And if the proponents of the domed Saskatchewan stadium need an extra selling point, it may just be that prospect of hosting more Grey Cups in the future, combining the organizational excellence that Saskatchewan provided a few years back with a climate controlled field of play for the national classic.
With a new stadium on the drawing board in Winnipeg, and a potential new one soon to be examined in Hamilton, putting a domed stadium in Regina would give it a leg up in attracting the Grey Cup on a more regular basis.
Winnipeg's current design does not feature the covered stadium concept, an oversight in the minds of many, it would be quite interesting to watch as their neighbours to the west trump the design with something more practical and more usable on a year round basis.
The old idea that football was made to be played in the elements, does hold much appeal, but come November when the frost is on more than the pumpkins, we think over all even the most die hard Rider fan more than likely would like to come in from the cold.
If they build it, we suspect they'll come!
Regina Leader Post-- Domed stadium to be studied for downtown
Regina Leader Post-- Stadium partnerships key to avoiding political pitfalls
Regina Leader Post-- Downtown stadium favoured -- with the right game plan
Regina Leader Post-- Another step closer to a domed stadium for Regina
Regina Leader Post-- Paying for new stadium for Regina still to be determined
Regina Leader Post-- The option to be explored is a dome in downtown Regina -- It's good to see everyone catching up!
For the Riders, it would be some long overdue recognition of the importance of the team to the core of Saskatchewan's image, a top notch place from which to showcase the team and add to the community something that only a few select Canadian cities have, a covered stadium for multi use purposes.
Should the folks in Saskatchewan decide to go ahead with the project, estimated to cost around 350 million dollars (not counting land acquisition), they would be but one of three indoor venues in the nation for football, following the Rogers Centre in Toronto and BC Place in Vancouver, there is the Olympic Stadium in Montreal, but it's one of those on occasion homes, usually hosting the last game of the year for the Alouettes and any playoff matches, including it's hosting of the Grey Cup upon it's Montreal arrival.
And if the proponents of the domed Saskatchewan stadium need an extra selling point, it may just be that prospect of hosting more Grey Cups in the future, combining the organizational excellence that Saskatchewan provided a few years back with a climate controlled field of play for the national classic.
With a new stadium on the drawing board in Winnipeg, and a potential new one soon to be examined in Hamilton, putting a domed stadium in Regina would give it a leg up in attracting the Grey Cup on a more regular basis.
Winnipeg's current design does not feature the covered stadium concept, an oversight in the minds of many, it would be quite interesting to watch as their neighbours to the west trump the design with something more practical and more usable on a year round basis.
The old idea that football was made to be played in the elements, does hold much appeal, but come November when the frost is on more than the pumpkins, we think over all even the most die hard Rider fan more than likely would like to come in from the cold.
If they build it, we suspect they'll come!
Regina Leader Post-- Domed stadium to be studied for downtown
Regina Leader Post-- Stadium partnerships key to avoiding political pitfalls
Regina Leader Post-- Downtown stadium favoured -- with the right game plan
Regina Leader Post-- Another step closer to a domed stadium for Regina
Regina Leader Post-- Paying for new stadium for Regina still to be determined
Regina Leader Post-- The option to be explored is a dome in downtown Regina -- It's good to see everyone catching up!
Regina Leader Post-- Roughriders chairman Rob Pletch says team hoping for a dome in Regina
Regina Leader Post-- Sask. government will not go into debt to build new stadium in Regina: Cheveldayoff
Regina Leader Post-- Sask. government will not go into debt to build new stadium in Regina: Cheveldayoff
Regina Leader Post-- North Dakota's Fargodome a possible model for new stadium in Regina
Globe and Mail-- Report: Regina needs domed stadium
Thursday, July 16, 2009
The 2009 Season
Week by Week result's of the CFL's 2009 season
Week Five (July 30-Aug 1)
Week Four (July 23-25)
Week Three (July 17-19)
Week Two (July 9-11)
Week One (July 1-3)
Week Five (July 30-Aug 1)
Week Four (July 23-25)
Week Three (July 17-19)
Week Two (July 9-11)
Week One (July 1-3)
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
CFL Players of the Week -- Week Two
Week number two saw some new faces to the Players of the week rankings...
Video Replay of the players of the week.
Among the best of the league this week were:
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Runner up-- QB--Anthony Calvillo - Montreal Alouettes
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Runner up-- LB-- Otis Floyd-- Hamilton Tiger Cats, DT-- Keron Williams-- Montreal Alouettes
SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Runner up-- LB-- Jerrell Freeman-- Saskatchewan Roughriders
CANADIAN PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Runner Up-- S-- Ian Logan -- Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Ryan Thelwell, Calgary Stampeders
Stamps slow out of the gate in defense of their title
The long term contract, it's the dream of many a CFL player, providing with it a little security and a financial benefit to go with it.
Such was the good news for Henry Burris in late June as the Stamps announced that their star quarterback had signed on for another four years in Red and White, a move that met with approval all around from the QB himself, to team management to the fans.
Now if only he could get untracked and make it all come together on the field.
Other CFL stars hoping for a little of the same kind of respect from their teams might be hoping that Burris gets going as well, after all, the concept of a long term contract as a motivational force for success is going to get a second look if the Stamps don't soon return to the winning ways that brought them a Grey Cup last season.
So far this year they've looked anything but of championship stock, dropped passes, fumbles, missed tackles and sloppy play have proved to be uncharacteristic of John Hufnagel's team, the Stamps are in a most unfamiliar place early on, last in the CFL West at 0 and 2 heading into this week's play with Toronto on the schedule for Friday Night Football.
Most alarming for Hufnagel will be the Points against so far, as the defense has surrendered a league leading 82 points over two games, a hard bit of math to conquer if you're seeking a few wins along the way, even in the overly offensive style of play featured in the CFL.
It's clearly too early to be pushing any panic buttons and since they are the Grey Cup Champions one would expect that when the game comes around again in November the Stamps most likely will be expected to be a challenger for a repeat.
But not unless they shake these early season cobwebs out of their heads and get back into a frame of mind that wins are there for the taking. So far the Stamps have played far too tentatively and made too many on field miscues, mental errors that have cost them valuable field and ball possession and allowed their opposition to flourish over two games.
Friday's match up offers up an interesting comparison, the Argos who self destructed at a key point of last week's game against Saskatchewan have had a few days to feel the wrath of their coach and focus on what needs to be done to correct their problems.
They will be rather anxious to show that they are quick studies and that last week was not a trend that will continue.
Likewise, the Stamps are going to be eager to turn around the sloppy start to the year, no one more so than Burris, who one imagines is eager to show management that their faith and long term vision was correct.
Any number of CFL players might be quietly hoping that he's back on his game soon, making their case that a long term deal has benefits for all in the long run.
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Calgary Herald-- Back to Square one
Calgary Herald-- Sluggish start sends veteran to the sidelines
Calgary Sun-- Injuries back to bug Stampeders after ugly loss
Calgary Sun-- Champs pledge turnaround
Week Three (July 16-18)
Games for week three of the schedule include:
Thursday, July 16-- BC 40 at Edmonton 22 (33,661)
Friday, July 17-- Toronto 9 at Calgary 44 (33,109)
Saturday, July 18-- Montreal 43 at Saskatchewan 10 (30,945)
Saturday, July 18-- Winnipeg 13 at Hamilton 25 (24,292)
Thursday, July 16-- BC 40 at Edmonton 22 (33,661)
Friday, July 17-- Toronto 9 at Calgary 44 (33,109)
Saturday, July 18-- Montreal 43 at Saskatchewan 10 (30,945)
Saturday, July 18-- Winnipeg 13 at Hamilton 25 (24,292)
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
CFL Players of the Week-- Week One
The CFL announced its players of the week for the first week of regular season action.
Video replay of the Players of the week.
Among the best of the league this week were:
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Jamal Robertson-- RB -- Toronto Argonauts
Runner up-- Weston Dressler -- SB-- Saskatchewan Roughriders
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Stevie Baggs -- DE -- Saskatchewan Roughriders
Runner up-- - DT -- Adriana Belli- Toronto Argonauts
SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Damon Duvall- K/P- Montreal Alouettes
Runner up-- Titus Ryan -- K -- Calgary Stampeders
CANADIAN PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Adriano Belli-- DT -- Toronto Argonauts
Runners up-- Andrew Nowacki -- WR -- Edmonton Eskimos
Video replay of the Players of the week.
Among the best of the league this week were:
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Jamal Robertson-- RB -- Toronto Argonauts
Runner up-- Weston Dressler -- SB-- Saskatchewan Roughriders
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Stevie Baggs -- DE -- Saskatchewan Roughriders
Runner up-- - DT -- Adriana Belli- Toronto Argonauts
SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Damon Duvall- K/P- Montreal Alouettes
Runner up-- Titus Ryan -- K -- Calgary Stampeders
CANADIAN PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Adriano Belli-- DT -- Toronto Argonauts
Runners up-- Andrew Nowacki -- WR -- Edmonton Eskimos
Week Two (July 9-11)
Action for week two includes:
Thursday, July 9-- Edmonton 16 at Montreal 50 (20,202)
Friday, July 10-- Calgary 18 at Winnipeg 35 (29,533)
Friday, July 10-- Hamilton 31 at BC 28 (30,062)
Saturday, July 11-- Saskatchewan 46 at Toronto 36 (30,005)
All games on TSN
Thursday, July 9-- Edmonton 16 at Montreal 50 (20,202)
Friday, July 10-- Calgary 18 at Winnipeg 35 (29,533)
Friday, July 10-- Hamilton 31 at BC 28 (30,062)
Saturday, July 11-- Saskatchewan 46 at Toronto 36 (30,005)
All games on TSN
Thursday, July 02, 2009
The final Snap -- July 2009
We review the quotables from the CFL for the month of July and archive our findings below.
July 31 "At this point in my career, I want to have fun--regardless of the outcome, I just want to have fun. I want to be a kid again"
July 30 "With the field being so wide, I'm not noticing there's 12 people on the field"
July 29 "It was an easy trade for Hamilton, they got a heck of a deal"
July 28 "He’ll make any offence better"
July 27-- "I still know a lot of guys on the team, so if I get an opportunity to get out there and play I'll just go out there and win for Winnipeg"
July 26-- "But the thing we didn't do that we've done in the past was we didn't panic"
July 25-- "It’s very upsetting, but that’s life. It should be upsetting for everybody"
July 24-- "Hopefully we put this thing to rest one way or the other"
July 23-- "I wanted to be an Eskimo. I love the city of Edmonton and wanted to play here"
July 22-- "We’re still evolving at our quarterback position and still haven’t had a proven performance yet"
July 21-- "I always tell them I don't regret for one minute ever going to Canada."
July 20-- "But he has enough physical stature to play safety like we want him to"
July 19-- "It's whatever it takes to win. We'll make decision on our starter by day one [of practice.] "
July 18-- "I told everybody at the beginning that I was never a vengeful person"
July 17-- "This is no different than week one. I’m ready to go if they need me for 70 plays or overtime"
July 16-- "I’d say I’ve been developing patience in the game of football ever since Pop Warner,"
July 15-- "Right now, we're having a little trouble as a whole on defence,"
July 14-- "Now, all of a sudden, I'm a fashion critic here, too? Do I have to put on a boa or anything"
July 13-- "Personally, it doesn't matter to me if I get zero interceptions if we win a Grey Cup "
July 12-- "We need to get better in a short amount of time"
July 11-- "I never thought in a million years we'd lose to Hamilton"
July 10-- "I'm good with anything Arland wants to do when he scores touchdowns, as long as its legal and within the rules of the CFL "
July 9-- "It’s a catch I have to make. I hold myself accountable for that,"
July 8-- "There are many, many, many players that have less than $1,000"
July 7-- "As soon as I get home, I'm in bed "
July 6-- "It's awesome. This is a dream come true."
July 5-- "None of this has been my determination, let's put it that way. It's been out of my hands for awhile"
July 4-- "When I think about where we are (as a league), I’m really thinking about not just this year but for the next 30 to 40 years"
July 3-- "It was just one of those nights -- it was ugly"
July 2-- "You saw a lot of Canadians rallying to our league and we're just continuing that momentum"
July 1-- "We’ve got to keep on hitting him and staying in his face"
July 31 "At this point in my career, I want to have fun--regardless of the outcome, I just want to have fun. I want to be a kid again"
July 30 "With the field being so wide, I'm not noticing there's 12 people on the field"
July 29 "It was an easy trade for Hamilton, they got a heck of a deal"
July 28 "He’ll make any offence better"
July 27-- "I still know a lot of guys on the team, so if I get an opportunity to get out there and play I'll just go out there and win for Winnipeg"
July 26-- "But the thing we didn't do that we've done in the past was we didn't panic"
July 25-- "It’s very upsetting, but that’s life. It should be upsetting for everybody"
July 24-- "Hopefully we put this thing to rest one way or the other"
July 23-- "I wanted to be an Eskimo. I love the city of Edmonton and wanted to play here"
July 22-- "We’re still evolving at our quarterback position and still haven’t had a proven performance yet"
July 21-- "I always tell them I don't regret for one minute ever going to Canada."
July 20-- "But he has enough physical stature to play safety like we want him to"
July 19-- "It's whatever it takes to win. We'll make decision on our starter by day one [of practice.] "
July 18-- "I told everybody at the beginning that I was never a vengeful person"
July 17-- "This is no different than week one. I’m ready to go if they need me for 70 plays or overtime"
July 16-- "I’d say I’ve been developing patience in the game of football ever since Pop Warner,"
July 15-- "Right now, we're having a little trouble as a whole on defence,"
July 14-- "Now, all of a sudden, I'm a fashion critic here, too? Do I have to put on a boa or anything"
July 13-- "Personally, it doesn't matter to me if I get zero interceptions if we win a Grey Cup "
July 12-- "We need to get better in a short amount of time"
July 11-- "I never thought in a million years we'd lose to Hamilton"
July 10-- "I'm good with anything Arland wants to do when he scores touchdowns, as long as its legal and within the rules of the CFL "
July 9-- "It’s a catch I have to make. I hold myself accountable for that,"
July 8-- "There are many, many, many players that have less than $1,000"
July 7-- "As soon as I get home, I'm in bed "
July 6-- "It's awesome. This is a dream come true."
July 5-- "None of this has been my determination, let's put it that way. It's been out of my hands for awhile"
July 4-- "When I think about where we are (as a league), I’m really thinking about not just this year but for the next 30 to 40 years"
July 3-- "It was just one of those nights -- it was ugly"
July 2-- "You saw a lot of Canadians rallying to our league and we're just continuing that momentum"
July 1-- "We’ve got to keep on hitting him and staying in his face"
The Opening Kickoff-- July 2009
Another season opened on July 1st as the CFL once again began the long march towards Grey Cup Sunday in November. We'll track our three top stories of the day from this location, providing a snapshot of the CFL in July.
July 31-- Eskimos end Alouettes' perfect season
July 31-- Andrus takes a pass on McNeal
July 31-- Ticat fans embrace an August that matters
July 30-- Lions try to recapture roar
July 30-- Follow the Arland Shuffle
July 30-- Eskimos put an end to Alouettes' win streak
July 29-- Bruce says he won’t lie down on job
July 29-- Hey Bart, get used to flakes
July 29-- Stampeders' Rambo laid low
July 28-- Argos seek to make Bruce disappear
July 28-- B.C. Lions players struggle through the heat at workout
July 28-- Former Rider quarterback Marcus Crandell adjusting to life as a coach
July 27-- Bruce still considers himself an Argo
July 27-- Eskimos need to get over slow starts
July 27-- Blue resort to strong-arm tactics
July 26-- Bishop now a Blue Bomber
July 26-- Lions were turned inside out and they didn’t like it at all
July 26-- Replacement kicker a perfect 10 for Argonauts
July 25-- Bombers look for new options
July 25-- Stampeders lose Rambo in victory over Lions
July 25-- Eskimos rally from 22-point deficit
July 24-- Argonauts blow past Blue Bombers
July 24-- Calvillo's arm puts a hurt on Cats
July 24-- 2009 Roughriders excited to meet 1989 Grey Cup-winning team
July 23-- Alouettes too much for tenacious Tiger-Cats
July 23-- Bruce not looking for the door
July 23-- Grant to relive glory days
July 22-- Bruce left behind for road trip
July 22-- Cahoon expecting tough battle
July 22-- Stampeders' Reynolds plays through the pain
July 21-- Edmonton Eskimo sacks suspected serial purse snatcher
July 21-- Pair fined for TD celebrations
July 21-- Joseph refuses to give up with Argonauts
July 20-- Report: Regina needs domed stadium
July 20-- Montreal Alouettes hero Tony Proudfoot keeps up battle against ALS
July 20-- Better get used to it, folks
July 19-- Buck’s back in the saddle as starter
July 19-- Argo injuries force Bart Andrus to get inventive
July 19-- From gutwash to Glenn-livet
July 18-- Tiger Cats claw out win over Bombers
July 18-- Als and Calvillo romp over Riders
July 18-- Lions to stick with Pierce
July 17-- Legend's take on CFL woes
July 17-- Lions to stick with Pierce
July 17-- Bombers coach dismisses ‘spygate’ as ‘non-issue’
July 16-- Als Calvillo closing in on record
July 16-- Spygate draws plenty of talk, not much action
July 16-- 'Lightning and Thunder' returning to Roughriders
July 15-- B.C. still looking to get off the mark
July 15-- No punishment for Blue Bombers in spy incident
July 15-- Belli defends life on the knife-edge
July 14-- Blue Bombers scout caught spying at Ticat practice
July 14-- Perseverance puts kicker in Lions’ plans
July 14-- Battle of basement shapes up this week
July 13-- Lions kicker McCallum out indefinitely with knee injury
July 13-- Robertson steps into RB limelight
July 13-- No need for fans to panic quite yet
July 12-- Eskimos sign import defensive lineman
July 12-- Bart Andrus steaming after Argos pay for penalties
July 12-- B. C. Lions make adjustments after second loss
July 11-- Riders' and Durant rough up Argos
July 11-- Lions look to CanWest for new President
July 11-- Bombers silence the mob
July 10-- Why the Als are still on top
July 10-- Srochenski can't leave Argos behind
July 10-- Roughriders to face a rejuvenated Kerry Joseph
July 9-- Eskimos no match for Als without Lumsden
July 9-- Dodgy disc throws Brown for a loop
July 9-- Bruce doubtful for opener
July 8-- Bell already impressing Roughriders staff
July 8-- Als' Cobourne ready to run riot against Esks in home opener
July 8-- Better to thrive than survive
July 7-- Crandell rejoining Roughriders
July 7-- Robertson nabs CFL honour
July 7-- Armstrong’s days appear numbered
July 6-- Already impotent offence dealt another blow
July 6-- Gallant relishing time on TD list
July 6-- Eskimos hope to hit ground running against Alouettes
July 5-- Ticats battling history already
July 5-- Lumsden confident he'll return from latest injury setback
July 5-- New receiver en route
July 4-- Lumsden tries to stay positive after suffering setback
July 4-- Riders take advantage of Lions' turnovers
July 4-- Bombers not at loss for taking the blame
July 3-- Esks start juggling with Lumsden injured
July 3-- Tillman out of sight, but top of mind
July 3-- No quarterbacking controversy here
July 2-- CFL fines Bruce for TD dance
July 2-- Esks beat Bombers 19-17 in opener
July 2-- Lions' running game flexible
July 1-- Als gain revenge against Stamps
July 1-- Argonauts maul Tiger-Cats in season opener
July 1-- Five-minute gridiron guide
July 31-- Eskimos end Alouettes' perfect season
July 31-- Andrus takes a pass on McNeal
July 31-- Ticat fans embrace an August that matters
July 30-- Lions try to recapture roar
July 30-- Follow the Arland Shuffle
July 30-- Eskimos put an end to Alouettes' win streak
July 29-- Bruce says he won’t lie down on job
July 29-- Hey Bart, get used to flakes
July 29-- Stampeders' Rambo laid low
July 28-- Argos seek to make Bruce disappear
July 28-- B.C. Lions players struggle through the heat at workout
July 28-- Former Rider quarterback Marcus Crandell adjusting to life as a coach
July 27-- Bruce still considers himself an Argo
July 27-- Eskimos need to get over slow starts
July 27-- Blue resort to strong-arm tactics
July 26-- Bishop now a Blue Bomber
July 26-- Lions were turned inside out and they didn’t like it at all
July 26-- Replacement kicker a perfect 10 for Argonauts
July 25-- Bombers look for new options
July 25-- Stampeders lose Rambo in victory over Lions
July 25-- Eskimos rally from 22-point deficit
July 24-- Argonauts blow past Blue Bombers
July 24-- Calvillo's arm puts a hurt on Cats
July 24-- 2009 Roughriders excited to meet 1989 Grey Cup-winning team
July 23-- Alouettes too much for tenacious Tiger-Cats
July 23-- Bruce not looking for the door
July 23-- Grant to relive glory days
July 22-- Bruce left behind for road trip
July 22-- Cahoon expecting tough battle
July 22-- Stampeders' Reynolds plays through the pain
July 21-- Edmonton Eskimo sacks suspected serial purse snatcher
July 21-- Pair fined for TD celebrations
July 21-- Joseph refuses to give up with Argonauts
July 20-- Report: Regina needs domed stadium
July 20-- Montreal Alouettes hero Tony Proudfoot keeps up battle against ALS
July 20-- Better get used to it, folks
July 19-- Buck’s back in the saddle as starter
July 19-- Argo injuries force Bart Andrus to get inventive
July 19-- From gutwash to Glenn-livet
July 18-- Tiger Cats claw out win over Bombers
July 18-- Als and Calvillo romp over Riders
July 18-- Lions to stick with Pierce
July 17-- Legend's take on CFL woes
July 17-- Lions to stick with Pierce
July 17-- Bombers coach dismisses ‘spygate’ as ‘non-issue’
July 16-- Als Calvillo closing in on record
July 16-- Spygate draws plenty of talk, not much action
July 16-- 'Lightning and Thunder' returning to Roughriders
July 15-- B.C. still looking to get off the mark
July 15-- No punishment for Blue Bombers in spy incident
July 15-- Belli defends life on the knife-edge
July 14-- Blue Bombers scout caught spying at Ticat practice
July 14-- Perseverance puts kicker in Lions’ plans
July 14-- Battle of basement shapes up this week
July 13-- Lions kicker McCallum out indefinitely with knee injury
July 13-- Robertson steps into RB limelight
July 13-- No need for fans to panic quite yet
July 12-- Eskimos sign import defensive lineman
July 12-- Bart Andrus steaming after Argos pay for penalties
July 12-- B. C. Lions make adjustments after second loss
July 11-- Riders' and Durant rough up Argos
July 11-- Lions look to CanWest for new President
July 11-- Bombers silence the mob
July 10-- Why the Als are still on top
July 10-- Srochenski can't leave Argos behind
July 10-- Roughriders to face a rejuvenated Kerry Joseph
July 9-- Eskimos no match for Als without Lumsden
July 9-- Dodgy disc throws Brown for a loop
July 9-- Bruce doubtful for opener
July 8-- Bell already impressing Roughriders staff
July 8-- Als' Cobourne ready to run riot against Esks in home opener
July 8-- Better to thrive than survive
July 7-- Crandell rejoining Roughriders
July 7-- Robertson nabs CFL honour
July 7-- Armstrong’s days appear numbered
July 6-- Already impotent offence dealt another blow
July 6-- Gallant relishing time on TD list
July 6-- Eskimos hope to hit ground running against Alouettes
July 5-- Ticats battling history already
July 5-- Lumsden confident he'll return from latest injury setback
July 5-- New receiver en route
July 4-- Lumsden tries to stay positive after suffering setback
July 4-- Riders take advantage of Lions' turnovers
July 4-- Bombers not at loss for taking the blame
July 3-- Esks start juggling with Lumsden injured
July 3-- Tillman out of sight, but top of mind
July 3-- No quarterbacking controversy here
July 2-- CFL fines Bruce for TD dance
July 2-- Esks beat Bombers 19-17 in opener
July 2-- Lions' running game flexible
July 1-- Als gain revenge against Stamps
July 1-- Argonauts maul Tiger-Cats in season opener
July 1-- Five-minute gridiron guide
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Week one (July 1--3)
The 2009 season kicks off with a return engagement by last years Grey Cup competitors and a long standing pair of rivals.
With a few new coaches, a few new rules and a few new players, the summer passion for Canadians begins its march to Novembers Grey Cup.
Action for week one includes:
Wed, July 1-- Toronto 30 at Hamilton 17 (23,211)
Wed, July 1-- Montreal 40 at Calgary 27 (35,600)
Thur, July 2-- Winnipeg 17 at Edmonton 19 (30,650)
Fri, July 3-- BC 24 at Saskatchewan 28 (30,066)
All games on TSN
With a few new coaches, a few new rules and a few new players, the summer passion for Canadians begins its march to Novembers Grey Cup.
Action for week one includes:
Wed, July 1-- Toronto 30 at Hamilton 17 (23,211)
Wed, July 1-- Montreal 40 at Calgary 27 (35,600)
Thur, July 2-- Winnipeg 17 at Edmonton 19 (30,650)
Fri, July 3-- BC 24 at Saskatchewan 28 (30,066)
All games on TSN
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Ground control to Major Tom...and over to Commander Jake!
The CFL launches its new command centre with the Wednesday kick off to the 2009 season.This year, the on field reviews of officials calls will be made in Toronto at a state of the art command centre, where CFL officials will use high-tech and high-definition to make sure that each and every challenge call is reviewed properly and made correct.
Tom Higgins, the league's Director of Officiating introduced Jake Ireland as the leagues lead command centre official, he will bring his 557 games of experience to the replay office, helping the new crop of CFL officials perform to the top of their profession.
Ireland will be watching the same replays that those of us at home will see from our TSN broadcasts, however he will have access some toys and tools that the most dedicated football cans could only hope to have on hand, DVSport has developed computer technology that will slow down and isolate images in order to get the right perspective on any calls in question.
The system put in place for the CFL will mirror what DV Sport provides for NCAA football in the United States.
Ireland will have a light workload during his nightly watch, under CFL rules coaches are allowed to challenge two calls made by on-field officials during each game, if they are successful on those two challenges they will be allowed a further third challenge, but only if the call in question falls into one of three categories; including catch/no catch, down-by-contact, and whether the ball crossed the plane of the goal line .
Deciding whether to request a challenge is one of the strategy points for all CFL coaches, a successful one can change the direction of a game, while an unsuccessful one or poorly chosen one can leave a team empty of chances when one may be needed most.
Don't shoot until you see the whites of their eyes (NFL plans for Canada 2009)
The NFL's toe tipping exercise into a Canadian beach head in Toronto continues on in 2009, as the Buffalo Bills continue their showcase of America football at the Rogers Centre.
We'll follow the latest developments on the Bills and any other Canadian plans for the NFL through the year and post our findings here:
June 28-- Bills owner in no hurry to add games in Toronto
We'll follow the latest developments on the Bills and any other Canadian plans for the NFL through the year and post our findings here:
June 28-- Bills owner in no hurry to add games in Toronto
Thursday, June 25, 2009
The Expansion Grapevine for 2009
It's not uncommon for trial balloons to be floated each year, with many suggestions for a ninth and, tenth CFL franchise and beyond.
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For years we've heard of a return to Ottawa, a move to Halifax or most recently the prospect of tapping into the Renaissance of football in Quebec with a Quebec City franchise.
We'll track this years crop of rumours and hopeful ambitions from our portal.
Sept 1-- OTTAWA -- Cohon sees expansion in CFL future
July 2-- OTTAWA/MONCTON-- CFL commish stays the course
June 25--OTTAWA--CFL's return to Ottawa takes an interesting turn
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For years we've heard of a return to Ottawa, a move to Halifax or most recently the prospect of tapping into the Renaissance of football in Quebec with a Quebec City franchise.
We'll track this years crop of rumours and hopeful ambitions from our portal.
Sept 1-- OTTAWA -- Cohon sees expansion in CFL future
July 2-- OTTAWA/MONCTON-- CFL commish stays the course
June 25--OTTAWA--CFL's return to Ottawa takes an interesting turn
Monday, June 22, 2009
Mr. Braley's Bank machine
The last week has been pretty well dedicated to the examination of David Braley's philanthropic nature when it comes to the Canadian Football League.
Braley who owns the BC Lions , apparently helped facilitate the ownership of the Toronto Argonauts for David Cynamon and Howard Sokolowski, providing half of their down payment and additional cash when things got tight it seems.
In addition to that development, also relayed in the last week was the fact that he has also at times provided money for other CFL franchises, though those in need were not named, nor if the allowances have continued.
And while you have to at least admire his dedication to the game of Canadian football, is not his financial assistance somehow not a signal that all may not be well.
If one owner is having to bankroll a number of franchises at the same time to different degrees, in an eight team league that would not be considered good optics.
Going beyond that even in a larger league, to have one owner intertwined financially with a number of other teams does tend to cloud some lines of objectivity and competition one would think.
A number of years ago the idea was floated of one investor purchasing all of the member teams of the NHL and operating it in a corporate franchise plan, at the time the concept was dismissed and never even explored.
One wonders if perhaps someone didn't dust off that blue print and move it over to the CFL, all be it without sharing the details with any of the non compensated owners and league officials.
While you have to salute Braley's love for the game and his willingness to put his wallet where his heart is, perhaps seeking out some more solid financial investors might help to smooth out these occasional dips and spikes in the money flow.
CFL Commissioner Mark Cohon was busy trying to put that fire out last week suggesting that there was a need for improved transparency in such matters, vowing to work with the league owners to make sure that such events are more clearly identified in an open manner.
Better yet, perhaps the league should find a way to make sure that the member teams are on a more secure financial footing without having to tap the Bank of Dave...
Anybody have the phone number for Jim Balsillie?
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Hamilton Spectator-- The Braley conundrum
Edmonton Sun-- Braley's the money man
Canada.com-- Buono never felt compromised by Braley's loan
Vancouver Sun-- Lions’ Buono stands up for owner Braley
Toronto Star-- No harm, no CFL foul, so lets all move on
Globe and Mail-- Braley secretly helped broker deal
Globe and Mail-- Braley’s involvement raises red flags in CFL
Sunday, June 21, 2009
New US league could impact on CFL this fall
Despite the past history of failed efforts and a rather worrisome economic picture, a new band of football enthusiasts has launched yet another football league in the United States.
Something called the United Football League held it's first draft last week, stocking some of the spots on their four team rosters for a hopeful launch this fall.
Apparently not fearing to tread where the USFL, WFL, XFL and even the currently suspended Arena Football league went before, the United League has introduced its four member franchises, which will play in seven American cities this fall. Teams will be based in New York, Orlando, Las Vegas and San Francisco, the three neutral site locations apparently will be Hartford, Los Angeles and Sacramento.
The four debut teams selected some of the players for the inaugural season on June 19th. Former NFL head coaches Dennis Green, Jim Fassel, Jim Haslett and Ted Cottrell have all been tapped to run the four league franchises this year and assessed and selected the first batch of United Footballers.
The league will play an eight game season on either a Thursday or Friday evening starting in October leading up to the Championship game played on the American Thanksgiving Weekend.
And that is what will make things interesting for the CFL, clearly the United Football League will be waiting for the NFL cuts to filter through the system, a situation which could provide an impact on the CFL as they will perhaps have to compete for a key player that they have had their eyes on through an NFL camp.
There probably won't be a huge fallout for the CFL this year, after all, as much as it has had a troubled past at times, in the end a CFL pay cheque may be a tad more reliable than the first year UFL might be able to offer.
But if the new league should get its footing in place, next year could be a most interesting experience for the CFL especially the NFL camps begin to shed their cannon fodder, anxious to carry on a career but suddenly with a bit more leverage in negotiations
Arizona central-- Upstart United Football League moves forward
Daily Advertiser-- Fenroy decides to play in Las Vegas instead of CFL
Newark Star Ledger-- New area United Football League franchise to play in New York, knows it can't compete with NFL
Associated Press-- Former NFL exec Rick Mueller to serve as GM of all four UFL teams
Philadelphia Daily News-- League of their own
House cleaning complete as the regular season approaches
The weekend renovations on the twelvemensite are complete, with a tweak here and a delete there, we're ready for the 2009 season. We'll call it the Redesign for 2009...
For those that visited our site last year you will find that the right hand info column is more streamlined this season, not as much clutter, more of our items condensed into archives or dedicated spots.
We weeded through many of the dead links and got rid of them, created some new headings to better reflect the information provided and moved our CFL team notes to the top of the page. This will allow readers to get the latest on their favourite CFL team quicker and in more detail.
Each team's link provides a variety of information from the team website, to local newspaper articles, links and bloggers that dedicate themselves to one team. This will provide the blog with frequently update information (for those times when my blogging slides) and will hopefully keep the blog more current than in the past.
I will still blog items of interest on the CFL as well, archiving them in the Team Notes or CFL notes as would be the case.
With a bit of luck the new re-design will make following the league a little easier, though we will probably tweak things as we go along. If you have any suggestions, links or other items just drop us a line at pressbox101@yahoo.ca.
Thanks for following the blog, hope that we can keep up with it through the season, making it a reliable archive for the season to come.
For those that visited our site last year you will find that the right hand info column is more streamlined this season, not as much clutter, more of our items condensed into archives or dedicated spots.
We weeded through many of the dead links and got rid of them, created some new headings to better reflect the information provided and moved our CFL team notes to the top of the page. This will allow readers to get the latest on their favourite CFL team quicker and in more detail.
Each team's link provides a variety of information from the team website, to local newspaper articles, links and bloggers that dedicate themselves to one team. This will provide the blog with frequently update information (for those times when my blogging slides) and will hopefully keep the blog more current than in the past.
I will still blog items of interest on the CFL as well, archiving them in the Team Notes or CFL notes as would be the case.
With a bit of luck the new re-design will make following the league a little easier, though we will probably tweak things as we go along. If you have any suggestions, links or other items just drop us a line at pressbox101@yahoo.ca.
Thanks for following the blog, hope that we can keep up with it through the season, making it a reliable archive for the season to come.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
CFL Notes for 2009
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From web page information, to radio links, news service sites, Twelve men archive items and any other forms of content, we'll list items of interest on a league wide basis here, a quick reference spot for CFL fans wherever they may be.
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Individual team reports can be found on the blog as well, which highlight details and information specific to individual franchises.
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National Media links:
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Other links:
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Bloggers:
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From the Twelvemenblog:
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Jun 22-- Mr. Braley's Bank machine
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