Our archive of items on the Calgary Stampeders, both our own posts
and other links and such related to the Lions.
and other links and such related to the Lions.
Stampeder Headlines 2017 (under construction)
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Calgary Stampeders
Stampeder Headlines 2017 (under construction)
CFL Scoreboard 2012
The quest to claim the title of the 100th CFL season gets underway on the Canada Day weekend, the path for the year leading to Toronto in November and the awarding of the Grey Cup.
The Full CFL schedule for the year can be found here.
On a week to week basis, we'll update those results from this location.
Regular Season
October 28-- Edmonton at Montreal
October 27-- Toronto at Saskatchewan
October 27-- Winnipeg at Hamilton
October 26-- British Columbia at Calgary
October 20-- Hamilton 32 at Calgary 34 (26,502)
October 20-- Montreal 34 at Saskatchewan 28 (32,003)
October 19-- Winnipeg 44 at Toronto 32 (23,419)
October 19-- Edmonton 19 at British Columbia 39 (30,102)
October 14-- Montreal 24 at Toronto 12 (25,348)
October 13-- Saskatchewan 20 at Edmonton 37 (38,678)
October 13-- Calgary 32 at Winnipeg 21 (25,462)
October 12-- British Columbia 37 at Hamilton 17 (26,842)
October 8-- Saskatchewan 36 at Toronto 10 (25,176)
October 8- Winnipeg 27 at Montreal 22 (23,201)
October 6-- Calgary 22 at British Columbia 27 (31,347)
October 5-- Hamilton 20 at Edmonton 35 (30,557)
September 29-- British Columbia 21 at Saskatchewan 27 (32,690)
September 29-- Toronto 29 at Winnipeg 10 (27,169)
September 28-- Edmonton 15 at Calgary 39 (29,290)
September 28-- Montreal 28 at Hamilton 41 (23,784)
September 23-- Calgary 25 at Saskatchewan 30 (33,427)
September 23-- Toronto 10 at Montreal 23 (23,209)
September 22-- British Columbia 19 at Edmonton 18 (35,578)
September 21-- Hamilton 12 at Winnipeg 34 (26,577)
September 15-- Saskatchewan 17 at Montreal 28 (23,147)
September 15-- Toronto 23 at British Columbia 28 (28,526)
September 15-- Edmonton 8 at Hamilton 51 (24,162)
September 14-- Winnipeg 3 at Calgary 44 (28,247)
September 9-- Saskatchewan 25 at Winnipeg 24 (30,077)
September 8-- Montreal 10 at British Columbia 43 (29,734)
September 8-- Hamilton 31 at Toronto 45 (23,061)
September 7-- Calgary 20 at Edmonton 18 (39,363)
September 3-- Edmonton 30 at Calgary 31 (32,102)
September 3-- Toronto 33 at Hamilton 30 (31,032)
September 2-- Winnipeg 0 at Saskatchewan 52 (33,427)
August 31-- British Columbia 25 at Montreal 30 (22,239)
August 27-- Edmonton 26 at Toronto 17 (22,912)
August 25-- Calgary 17 at Saskatchewan 10 (33,427)
August 24-- British Columbia 20 at Winnipeg 17 (32,760)
August 23-- Hamilton 29 at Montreal 31 (22,140)
August 19-- Saskatchewan 5 at British Columbia 24 (34,343)
August 18-- Toronto 22 at Calgary 14 (32,760)
August 17-- Montreal 38 at Edmonton 25 (32,760)
August 16-- Hamilton 25 at Winnipeg 32 (27,039)
August 10-- Saskatchewan 20 at Edmonton 28 (43,178)
August 9-- Calgary 31 at Hamilton 20 (22,635)
August 6-- British Columbia 18 at Toronto 9 (22,841)
August 3-- Montreal 36 at Winnipeg 26 (29,533)
July 28-- British Columbia 34 at Calgary 8 (27,968)
July 28-- Hamilton 35 at Saskatchewan 34 (32,898)
July 27-- Toronto 23 at Montreal 20 (22,773)
July 26-- Edmonton 22 at Winnipeg 23 (29,533)
July 21-- Montreal 24 at Hamilton 39 (23,392)
July 20-- Edmonton 27 at British Columbia 14 (28,335)
July 19-- Saskatchewan 38 at Calgary 41 (32,228)
July 18-- Winnipeg 22 at Toronto 25 (22,485)
July 14-- Toronto 27 at Hamilton 36 (24,264)
July 14-- British Columbia 20 at Saskatchewan 23 (32,080)
July 13-- Winnipeg 10 at Edmonton 42 (32,607)
July 12-- Calgary 32 at Montreal 33 (21,074)
July 8-- Edmonton 1 at Saskatchewan 17 (31,459)
July 7-- Calgary 36 at Toronto 39 (20,682)
July 6-- Hamilton 36 at British Columbia 39 (25,109)
July 6-- Winnipeg 30 at Montreal 41 (21,016)
July 1-- Montreal 10 at Calgary 38 (26,387)
June 30-- Toronto 15 at Edmonton 19 (35,538)
June 29-- Winnipeg 16 at British Columbia 33 (29,351)
June 29-- Saskatchewan 43 at Hamilton 16 (25,682)
Pre Season
June 13 -- Toronto 29 Hamilton 24 (27,585)
June 13 -- Saskatchewan 10 at British Columbia 44 (24,871)
June 14 -- Winnipeg 22 at Montreal 10 (20,005)
June 15 -- Edmonton 17 at Calgary 20 (23,629)
June 19 -- Montreal 20 at Toronto 25 (36,214)
June 20 -- Hamilton 26 at Winnipeg 25 (28,300)
June 21 -- British Columbia 24 at Edmonton 16 (30,891)
June 22 -- Calgary 33 at Saskatchewan 31 (30,998)
The Full CFL schedule for the year can be found here.
On a week to week basis, we'll update those results from this location.
Regular Season
October 28-- Edmonton at Montreal
October 27-- Toronto at Saskatchewan
October 27-- Winnipeg at Hamilton
October 26-- British Columbia at Calgary
October 20-- Hamilton 32 at Calgary 34 (26,502)
October 20-- Montreal 34 at Saskatchewan 28 (32,003)
October 19-- Winnipeg 44 at Toronto 32 (23,419)
October 19-- Edmonton 19 at British Columbia 39 (30,102)
October 14-- Montreal 24 at Toronto 12 (25,348)
October 13-- Saskatchewan 20 at Edmonton 37 (38,678)
October 13-- Calgary 32 at Winnipeg 21 (25,462)
October 12-- British Columbia 37 at Hamilton 17 (26,842)
October 8-- Saskatchewan 36 at Toronto 10 (25,176)
October 8- Winnipeg 27 at Montreal 22 (23,201)
October 6-- Calgary 22 at British Columbia 27 (31,347)
October 5-- Hamilton 20 at Edmonton 35 (30,557)
September 29-- British Columbia 21 at Saskatchewan 27 (32,690)
September 29-- Toronto 29 at Winnipeg 10 (27,169)
September 28-- Edmonton 15 at Calgary 39 (29,290)
September 28-- Montreal 28 at Hamilton 41 (23,784)
September 23-- Calgary 25 at Saskatchewan 30 (33,427)
September 23-- Toronto 10 at Montreal 23 (23,209)
September 22-- British Columbia 19 at Edmonton 18 (35,578)
September 21-- Hamilton 12 at Winnipeg 34 (26,577)
September 15-- Saskatchewan 17 at Montreal 28 (23,147)
September 15-- Toronto 23 at British Columbia 28 (28,526)
September 15-- Edmonton 8 at Hamilton 51 (24,162)
September 14-- Winnipeg 3 at Calgary 44 (28,247)
September 9-- Saskatchewan 25 at Winnipeg 24 (30,077)
September 8-- Montreal 10 at British Columbia 43 (29,734)
September 8-- Hamilton 31 at Toronto 45 (23,061)
September 7-- Calgary 20 at Edmonton 18 (39,363)
September 3-- Edmonton 30 at Calgary 31 (32,102)
September 3-- Toronto 33 at Hamilton 30 (31,032)
September 2-- Winnipeg 0 at Saskatchewan 52 (33,427)
August 31-- British Columbia 25 at Montreal 30 (22,239)
August 27-- Edmonton 26 at Toronto 17 (22,912)
August 25-- Calgary 17 at Saskatchewan 10 (33,427)
August 24-- British Columbia 20 at Winnipeg 17 (32,760)
August 23-- Hamilton 29 at Montreal 31 (22,140)
August 19-- Saskatchewan 5 at British Columbia 24 (34,343)
August 18-- Toronto 22 at Calgary 14 (32,760)
August 17-- Montreal 38 at Edmonton 25 (32,760)
August 16-- Hamilton 25 at Winnipeg 32 (27,039)
August 10-- Saskatchewan 20 at Edmonton 28 (43,178)
August 9-- Calgary 31 at Hamilton 20 (22,635)
August 6-- British Columbia 18 at Toronto 9 (22,841)
August 3-- Montreal 36 at Winnipeg 26 (29,533)
July 28-- British Columbia 34 at Calgary 8 (27,968)
July 28-- Hamilton 35 at Saskatchewan 34 (32,898)
July 27-- Toronto 23 at Montreal 20 (22,773)
July 26-- Edmonton 22 at Winnipeg 23 (29,533)
July 21-- Montreal 24 at Hamilton 39 (23,392)
July 20-- Edmonton 27 at British Columbia 14 (28,335)
July 19-- Saskatchewan 38 at Calgary 41 (32,228)
July 18-- Winnipeg 22 at Toronto 25 (22,485)
July 14-- Toronto 27 at Hamilton 36 (24,264)
July 14-- British Columbia 20 at Saskatchewan 23 (32,080)
July 13-- Winnipeg 10 at Edmonton 42 (32,607)
July 12-- Calgary 32 at Montreal 33 (21,074)
July 8-- Edmonton 1 at Saskatchewan 17 (31,459)
July 7-- Calgary 36 at Toronto 39 (20,682)
July 6-- Hamilton 36 at British Columbia 39 (25,109)
July 6-- Winnipeg 30 at Montreal 41 (21,016)
July 1-- Montreal 10 at Calgary 38 (26,387)
June 30-- Toronto 15 at Edmonton 19 (35,538)
June 29-- Winnipeg 16 at British Columbia 33 (29,351)
June 29-- Saskatchewan 43 at Hamilton 16 (25,682)
Pre Season
June 13 -- Toronto 29 Hamilton 24 (27,585)
June 13 -- Saskatchewan 10 at British Columbia 44 (24,871)
June 14 -- Winnipeg 22 at Montreal 10 (20,005)
June 15 -- Edmonton 17 at Calgary 20 (23,629)
June 19 -- Montreal 20 at Toronto 25 (36,214)
June 20 -- Hamilton 26 at Winnipeg 25 (28,300)
June 21 -- British Columbia 24 at Edmonton 16 (30,891)
June 22 -- Calgary 33 at Saskatchewan 31 (30,998)
Saturday, May 05, 2012
The future begins with a pick
The league's eight General Managers scrolled up and down their lists, seeking the best fit for their requirements, looking for the one pick that could make the difference in the years to come.
Owing to their less than successful year of 2011, the Saskatchewan Roughriders had the first opportunity to stock the shelves and with that made Ben Heenan the top pick of the 2012 draft, the University of Saskatoon Huskie, set to be a dominant force on the Riders offensive line.
Regina Leader Post-- Saskatchewan Roughriders pick Ben Heenan at No. 1
Regina Leader Post-- Ben Heenan found his way at Regina's Sheldon-Williams Collegiate
TSN-- Riders take Huskies OL Heenan first in CFL Canadian Draft
Globe and Mail-- Roughriders take Ben Heenan with first pick in CFL draft
Globe and Mail-- Huskies OL Heenan projected to be top pick
Globe and Mail-- Roughriders have tough decision to make
National Post-- Riders stay close to home with top pick
Calgary Sun-- Roughriders get their man
Heenan was the anticipated first pick overall, with his selection out of the way, the jockeying for players and consultations with scouts provided for the remainder of the names to be remembered in the years to come.
The reviews of draft day and some of the factors leading put to it, can be found below, as each CFL team started to fill out their plans for the 2012 season and beyond.
TSN-- 2012 Canadian Draft
TSN-- Video on Demand CFL Draft
TSN-- 2012 CFL Draft Top Prospects
TSN-- Duane Ford's CFL Coverage
TSN-- Issues with Losing the Best Canadian talent to NFL
CBC-- Riders make Huskies lineman Ben Heenan CFL's top pick
CBC-- McMaster's Quinlan leads CFL draft class
National Post-- CFL draft 2012 recap: Breaking down the first two rounds
National Post-- Five players to watch at the CFL draft
Ottawa Citizen-- NFL activity creating challenges for CFL teams ...
Sportsnet-- Canadian QB conundrum
Toronto Sun-- CFL GMs always get what they want
Montreal Alouettes
Canada.com-- Als top draft pick first played football at 16
Canada.com-- Patrick Lavoie, 'good kid who loves football
Toronto Argonauts
Canada.com-- Luke Wilson, Shea Pierre go to Argonauts
Toronto Sun-- Argos tried, but...
Hamilton Tiger Cats
Hamilton Spectator-- Cats sacrifice higher selection for more picks in CFL draft
Hamilton Spectator-- Central figure in Ticat draft has grown up at Ivor Wynne
Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Winnipeg Free Press-- Making do at the draft
Winnipeg Free Press-- Bombers pick up Tyson Pencer from Washington State
Saskatchewan Roughriders
Regina Leader Post-- Sherbrooke standouts eager to stick with Saskatchewan Roughriders
Regina Leader Post-- Linebacker Sam Hurl hopes to stick with Sasktachewan Roughriders
Calgary Stampeders
Calgary Herald-- Sack specialist tops Stampeders' CFL draft picks
Calgary Herald-- Stampeders add talent to well-stocked cupboard
Edmonton Eskimos
Edmonton Journal-- Eskimos grab big O-lineman Pasztor, flip picks to end up with ...
Edmonton Sun-- Eskimos wheelin' works out
BC Lions
Vancouver Province-- Wally Buono gets who he wants
Vancouver Sun-- B. C. Lions top pick Jabar Westerman "speechless" after being selected 2nd overall
A new season is just around the corner
As we prepare to follow another season of Canadian Football, we prepare to dust off the Twelve Men blog, digging around the corners, looking in the attic and wandering down to the basement to make ready our look at the 2012 season.
In the weeks to come we'll rebuild our team data base, review some of the developments in a very busy off season and gear up for the year ahead.
We plan on offering up some of the more familiar of items of the last few years, while reviewing those things that worked and those that perhaps didn't, changing the tone a bit and offering more commentary over the listing of content for the sake of content.
We also, aware as to how social media seems to be driving the sports agenda at times, will work to build up a catalogue of links and sites that offer up the best experience for the Canadian football fan.
It will be an evolving work in progress in the early going, if you have ideas you might wish to see on the pages of Twelve Men feel free to drop us a line and we'll see what works and what might not.The training camps are set to open, confidence as always high heading into the training camp phase, followed by the cold reality that some teams will obviously be better prepared than others.
And such it has been through the 100 years of Canadian football, kickoff beckons on the Canada Day weekend, we have plans to be fully back on track well before that ball gets placed on the tee.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Quick Snaps Winnipeg Blue Bombers - December 2011
Items of note that don't get the full blog treatment, but offer up a news and background on the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
December 27-- Bombers made headlines
December 22-- Bombers' year in review
December 22-- Sports year in review
December 20-- Bombers safely sign Logan
December 16-- Khari or Dyce for Bombers?
December 16-- Top 10 most-loved athletes in Winnipeg history
December 14-- Just call it the Money Pit
December 11-- Bombers fans happy but not satisfied
December 10-- Bombers' Johnson takes run at the NFL
December 9-- Bombers re-sign long snapper
December 9-- Bombers boot Boreham, reclaim Cvetkovic
December 5-- Mack's pat on back
December 27-- Bombers made headlines
December 22-- Bombers' year in review
December 22-- Sports year in review
December 20-- Bombers safely sign Logan
December 16-- Khari or Dyce for Bombers?
December 16-- Top 10 most-loved athletes in Winnipeg history
December 14-- Just call it the Money Pit
December 11-- Bombers fans happy but not satisfied
December 10-- Bombers' Johnson takes run at the NFL
December 9-- Bombers re-sign long snapper
December 9-- Bombers boot Boreham, reclaim Cvetkovic
December 5-- Mack's pat on back
Quick Snaps Saskatchewan Roughriders - December 2011
Items of note that don't get the full blog treatment, but offer up news and background on the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
December 25-- No 'Rough Riders" for Ottawa
December 23-- There is life after Andy Fantuz
December 22-- Riders should hire Bobby Dyce and Khari Jones
December 22-- Punter-kicker Chris Milo is proud of his accomplishments with the Riders
December 22-- U of R Rams punter Chris Bodnar to get chance with Riders
December 21-- Roughriders GM Brendan Taman keeping busy
December 21-- Andy Fantuz watch never stops
December 20-- Riders release Luca Congi and Tamon George
December 20-- Andy Fantuz shoots down rumours
December 16-- Saskatchewan Roughriders players, staff impressed by Chamblin
December 16-- Rey Williams praises coach Corey Chamblin's work ethic
December 16-- Optics didn't sway Brendan Taman
December 16-- Regina city councillors to decide on Mosaic Stadium replacement
December 16-- Riders head coach Corey Chamblin enjoyed a rapid rise through the ranks
December 16-- Auspicious debut for Corey Chamblin
December 16-- Hiring staff next step for new Riders coach Corey Chamblin
December 16-- Riders Live Chat December 16
December 15-- Roughriders hire Corey Chamblin as their new head coach
December 15-- Roughriders hire ex-Tiger-Cats co-ordinator Corey Chamblin as head coach
December 15-- Riders name Corey Chamblin new head coach
December 15-- Twitter reacts to the Riders' hiring of Corey Chamblin
December 15-- Readers' Poll: Do you think the Riders' decision to make Corey Chamblin..
December 14-- Business as usual for Roughriders director of player personnel Craig Smith
December 14-- Riders giving Kolten Solomon another chance
December 13-- Riders move forward without Kent Austin
December 13-- Dollars don't drive Kent Autsin
December 13-- Austin picks Cornell over CFL
December 12-- Kent Austin return to Riders appears unlikely
December 9-- Riders could make a three-in-one deal
December 8-- Kent Austin dictates Roughriders' timing
December 8-- Riders interview Stamps coach Dave Dickenson for head-coaching post
December 8-- Free agents on Riders' list of off-season issues
December 7-- More than football on Riders' Mo Lloyd's mind
December 7-- Riders release Barrin Simpson, sign Maurice Lloyd
December 6-- Lions give Riders permission to talk to Mike Benevides
December 6-- Riders cleared to talk to Kent Austin
December 3-- Roughriders must act fast with Austin
December 2-- Roughriders GM Brendan Taman plays by the rules
December 2--- Kent Austin talk won't relent
December 2-- Riders GM Brendan Taman trusts in process to find a new head coach
December 2-- Roughriders will upgrade Mosaic Stadium in advance of 2013 Grey Cup
December 1-- TSN's Glen Suitor weighs on in Riders' head-coach search
December 1-- Riders' rivals coaching moves causing unease
December 25-- No 'Rough Riders" for Ottawa
December 23-- There is life after Andy Fantuz
December 22-- Riders should hire Bobby Dyce and Khari Jones
December 22-- Punter-kicker Chris Milo is proud of his accomplishments with the Riders
December 22-- U of R Rams punter Chris Bodnar to get chance with Riders
December 21-- Roughriders GM Brendan Taman keeping busy
December 21-- Andy Fantuz watch never stops
December 20-- Riders release Luca Congi and Tamon George
December 20-- Andy Fantuz shoots down rumours
December 16-- Saskatchewan Roughriders players, staff impressed by Chamblin
December 16-- Rey Williams praises coach Corey Chamblin's work ethic
December 16-- Optics didn't sway Brendan Taman
December 16-- Regina city councillors to decide on Mosaic Stadium replacement
December 16-- Riders head coach Corey Chamblin enjoyed a rapid rise through the ranks
December 16-- Auspicious debut for Corey Chamblin
December 16-- Hiring staff next step for new Riders coach Corey Chamblin
December 16-- Riders Live Chat December 16
December 15-- Roughriders hire Corey Chamblin as their new head coach
December 15-- Roughriders hire ex-Tiger-Cats co-ordinator Corey Chamblin as head coach
December 15-- Riders name Corey Chamblin new head coach
December 15-- Twitter reacts to the Riders' hiring of Corey Chamblin
December 15-- Readers' Poll: Do you think the Riders' decision to make Corey Chamblin..
December 14-- Business as usual for Roughriders director of player personnel Craig Smith
December 14-- Riders giving Kolten Solomon another chance
December 13-- Riders move forward without Kent Austin
December 13-- Dollars don't drive Kent Autsin
December 13-- Austin picks Cornell over CFL
December 12-- Kent Austin return to Riders appears unlikely
December 9-- Riders could make a three-in-one deal
December 8-- Kent Austin dictates Roughriders' timing
December 8-- Riders interview Stamps coach Dave Dickenson for head-coaching post
December 8-- Free agents on Riders' list of off-season issues
December 7-- More than football on Riders' Mo Lloyd's mind
December 7-- Riders release Barrin Simpson, sign Maurice Lloyd
December 6-- Lions give Riders permission to talk to Mike Benevides
December 6-- Riders cleared to talk to Kent Austin
December 3-- Roughriders must act fast with Austin
December 2-- Roughriders GM Brendan Taman plays by the rules
December 2--- Kent Austin talk won't relent
December 2-- Riders GM Brendan Taman trusts in process to find a new head coach
December 2-- Roughriders will upgrade Mosaic Stadium in advance of 2013 Grey Cup
December 1-- TSN's Glen Suitor weighs on in Riders' head-coach search
December 1-- Riders' rivals coaching moves causing unease
Quick Snaps Calgary Stampeders - December 2011
Items of note that don't get the full blog treatment, but offer up news and background on the Calgary Stampeders.
December 23-- Stampeders promote Walkosky to defensive co-ordinator
December 23-- Stampeders name Walkosky defensive co-ordinator
December 20-- Stamps lose former longtime equipment manager
December 18-- Stamps' Claybrooks expected to retire
December 17-- Stampeders working to extend Tate's deal
December 13-- Stampeders to announce contract extension for RB Jon Cornish
December 13-- Cornish signs on dotted line
December 13-- Burris Big Smoked
December 13-- Cornish, Stamps agree on long-term deal
December 12-- Cornish gets contract bump
December 8-- CFL teams face tough decisions as free agency approaches
December 8-- Dave Dickenson interviews for Riders coaching gig
December 6-- Stampeders sign star running back Matt Walter
December 5-- Toronto Argonauts unveil co-ordinators lured from Calgary, Montreal
December 3-- Stampeders re-sign Lethbridge's Gott
December 3-- CFL fines Scullers big $5Gs
December 2-- CFL fines Argonauts $5,000 for tampering
December 2-- Argos fined for tampering after contact with ex- Stampeders co-ordinator...
December 2-- CFL fines Argonauts $.000 for tampering
December 2-- Stampeders file grievance in Argos reported hiring
December 1-- Stamps' Claybrooks wants to get into coaching- eventually
December 23-- Stampeders promote Walkosky to defensive co-ordinator
December 23-- Stampeders name Walkosky defensive co-ordinator
December 20-- Stamps lose former longtime equipment manager
December 18-- Stamps' Claybrooks expected to retire
December 17-- Stampeders working to extend Tate's deal
December 13-- Stampeders to announce contract extension for RB Jon Cornish
December 13-- Cornish signs on dotted line
December 13-- Burris Big Smoked
December 13-- Cornish, Stamps agree on long-term deal
December 12-- Cornish gets contract bump
December 8-- CFL teams face tough decisions as free agency approaches
December 8-- Dave Dickenson interviews for Riders coaching gig
December 6-- Stampeders sign star running back Matt Walter
December 5-- Toronto Argonauts unveil co-ordinators lured from Calgary, Montreal
December 3-- Stampeders re-sign Lethbridge's Gott
December 3-- CFL fines Scullers big $5Gs
December 2-- CFL fines Argonauts $5,000 for tampering
December 2-- Argos fined for tampering after contact with ex- Stampeders co-ordinator...
December 2-- CFL fines Argonauts $.000 for tampering
December 2-- Stampeders file grievance in Argos reported hiring
December 1-- Stamps' Claybrooks wants to get into coaching- eventually
Quick Snaps Edmonton Eskimos - December 2011
Items of note that don't get the full blog treatment, but offer up news and background on the Edmonton Eskimos.
December 20-- Maas begins coaching career with Argos
December 20-- Argos snag new receivers coach
December 19-- Eskimos' deal with Schiavone clouds kicking situation
December 16-- Acquiring veteran Ray gives Argos huge boost
December 15-- Ray takes his biggest hit in the off-season
December 14-- Ray says he's adjusting to shock of being dealt to Argos
December 14-- Inside the Ricky Ray deal
December 14-- Ray 'shocked' by trade to Argos
December 14-- Shock turns to excitement for new Argos pivot
December 14-- Eskimos introduce Steven Jyles
December 14-- Trade to Argonauts a shocker: Ricky Ray
December 14-- Ray just what Argos need, CFL legend says
December 14-- The sky's the limit for Ray and Argos
December 14-- Why the Argos won the Ricky Ray trade
December 14-- Like Flutie, Joseph, Argos deal for another Star QB
December 14-- Eskimos say Steven Jyles is their No. 1 quarterback
December 14-- Ray surprised by trade to Argos
December 13-- Eskimos look to the future with Ray trade
December 13-- Argonauts sing praises of new QB Ricky Ray
December 13-- Ray trade an ego play
December 13-- Ray acquisition makes Himebauch's job easier
December 12-- Maas 'definitely surprised' with trade of former teammate, good friend
December 12-- Trade a 'shocker' for Esks' Stamps
December 12-- Trade for Ricky Ray helps Argos prepare for run at Grey Cup
December 12-- Ray trade an outrage
December 12-- Eskimos send Ricky Ray to Argonauts
December 12-- Tough call for Esks' Reed
December 12-- Argos acquire QB Ricky Ray
December 12-- Argonauts 'aggressively' pursued Ray trade: Tillman
December 12-- Key dates in Ricky Ray's football career
December 12-- Eskimos send Ricky Ray to Argonauts
December 7-- Charles back on board with Eskimos
December 20-- Maas begins coaching career with Argos
December 20-- Argos snag new receivers coach
December 19-- Eskimos' deal with Schiavone clouds kicking situation
December 16-- Acquiring veteran Ray gives Argos huge boost
December 15-- Ray takes his biggest hit in the off-season
December 14-- Ray says he's adjusting to shock of being dealt to Argos
December 14-- Inside the Ricky Ray deal
December 14-- Ray 'shocked' by trade to Argos
December 14-- Shock turns to excitement for new Argos pivot
December 14-- Eskimos introduce Steven Jyles
December 14-- Trade to Argonauts a shocker: Ricky Ray
December 14-- Ray just what Argos need, CFL legend says
December 14-- The sky's the limit for Ray and Argos
December 14-- Why the Argos won the Ricky Ray trade
December 14-- Like Flutie, Joseph, Argos deal for another Star QB
December 14-- Eskimos say Steven Jyles is their No. 1 quarterback
December 14-- Ray surprised by trade to Argos
December 13-- Eskimos look to the future with Ray trade
December 13-- Argonauts sing praises of new QB Ricky Ray
December 13-- Ray trade an ego play
December 13-- Ray acquisition makes Himebauch's job easier
December 12-- Maas 'definitely surprised' with trade of former teammate, good friend
December 12-- Trade a 'shocker' for Esks' Stamps
December 12-- Trade for Ricky Ray helps Argos prepare for run at Grey Cup
December 12-- Ray trade an outrage
December 12-- Eskimos send Ricky Ray to Argonauts
December 12-- Tough call for Esks' Reed
December 12-- Argos acquire QB Ricky Ray
December 12-- Argonauts 'aggressively' pursued Ray trade: Tillman
December 12-- Key dates in Ricky Ray's football career
December 12-- Eskimos send Ricky Ray to Argonauts
December 7-- Charles back on board with Eskimos
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Quick Snaps British Columbia Lions - December 2011
Items of note that don't get the full blog treatment, but offer up news and background on the British Columbia Lions.
December 26-- B. C. Lions named Postmedia team of the year after miracle season
December 23-- Lions show teeth as story of 2011
December 23-- Two Lions find their pride in family gatherings
December 15-- Lions asst. coach Jacques Chapdelaine may go back to Bishop's
December 14-- Lions Mike Benvides banked on blind trust
December 14-- He's made to measure
December 14-- Sadly, Sweats Still Suit Benevides
December 14-- Coaching staff have 'first rights of refusal'
December 13-- Benevides gets promotion with Lions
December 13-- Mike Benevides takes Lions' coaching reins
December 13-- New Lions coach Benevides "blessed" to have GM Buono in his corner
December 13-- Benevides thrilled to take over Lions
December 13-- Grey Cup champs hand coaching reins to Mike Benevides
December 13-- Mike Benevides' All-Canadian coaching career about to take the next important step
December 12-- Lions set to name Benevides head coach
December 12-- "Little Wally" to replace Buono as Lions head coach
December 11-- Buono expects to lead more balanced life
December 8-- GM Buono shows he's pass master
December 8-- Looking at the Lions: McCallum a must
December 8-- Search for the next coach of the Lions begins
December 7-- Lions on defensive with potential free agents
December 7-- Lions Wally Buono can opt for maximum stability
December 7-- Buono can opt for maximum stability for BC Lions
December 6-- Buono Voyage: B. C. Lions coach leaves the field after 22 seasons
December 6-- It was a pleasure being in Wally's World
December 6-- Curtain closes on coaching career
December 6-- Lions won't be the same without Buono
December 6-- Chronology of a legend: The sideline life and times of Wally Buono
December 5-- Wally Buono hangs up the whistle, sticks around as Lions GM
December 5-- Khalif Mitchell to audition for three NFL teams
December 5-- Wally Buono retires as B. C. Lions coach
December 5-- Buono ends coaching career on top
December 5-- Wally Buono through the years
December 5-- Wally's wisdom will be missed
December 5-- Passing half the baton
December 2-- After 0-5 start, Lions finish season with a 13-2 run...
December 26-- B. C. Lions named Postmedia team of the year after miracle season
December 23-- Lions show teeth as story of 2011
December 23-- Two Lions find their pride in family gatherings
December 15-- Lions asst. coach Jacques Chapdelaine may go back to Bishop's
December 14-- Lions Mike Benvides banked on blind trust
December 14-- He's made to measure
December 14-- Sadly, Sweats Still Suit Benevides
December 14-- Coaching staff have 'first rights of refusal'
December 13-- Benevides gets promotion with Lions
December 13-- Mike Benevides takes Lions' coaching reins
December 13-- New Lions coach Benevides "blessed" to have GM Buono in his corner
December 13-- Benevides thrilled to take over Lions
December 13-- Grey Cup champs hand coaching reins to Mike Benevides
December 13-- Mike Benevides' All-Canadian coaching career about to take the next important step
December 12-- Lions set to name Benevides head coach
December 12-- "Little Wally" to replace Buono as Lions head coach
December 11-- Buono expects to lead more balanced life
December 8-- GM Buono shows he's pass master
December 8-- Looking at the Lions: McCallum a must
December 8-- Search for the next coach of the Lions begins
December 7-- Lions on defensive with potential free agents
December 7-- Lions Wally Buono can opt for maximum stability
December 7-- Buono can opt for maximum stability for BC Lions
December 6-- Buono Voyage: B. C. Lions coach leaves the field after 22 seasons
December 6-- It was a pleasure being in Wally's World
December 6-- Curtain closes on coaching career
December 6-- Lions won't be the same without Buono
December 6-- Chronology of a legend: The sideline life and times of Wally Buono
December 5-- Wally Buono hangs up the whistle, sticks around as Lions GM
December 5-- Khalif Mitchell to audition for three NFL teams
December 5-- Wally Buono retires as B. C. Lions coach
December 5-- Buono ends coaching career on top
December 5-- Wally Buono through the years
December 5-- Wally's wisdom will be missed
December 5-- Passing half the baton
December 2-- After 0-5 start, Lions finish season with a 13-2 run...
Friday, December 02, 2011
Ahoy Captain Milanovich, the Good Ship Argonaut welcomes you aboard!
In fact, the early reports out of Toronto had it that the Argonauts were eyeing a well known CFL name for an assistants job, the task of finding a head coach still seemingly off to the future.
But with the Grey Cup glow finally dimming on the west coast, the Argoanuts grabbed some headlines from the BC Lions with the announcement that Scott Milanovich, most recently the offensive co-ordinator and assistant head coach of the Montreal Alouettes was trading in le rouge, blanc get bleu, for some double blue.
With the announcement, Jim Barker moves back to his General Manager's duties, leaving behind the ever present head aches of the day to day on field direction, though with the task of bringing the Argos back to CFL relevance will continue on, with an emphasis on finding the quality players required to turn around the Argos dismal past year.The hiring of Milanovich is no doubt a good start to that goal, his record in Montreal speaks for itself, one of the most dominant of CFL offences for much of the past decade, it was only this year where the Als began to struggle, an inevitably when age catches up to roster positions.
Still, from an offensive point of view, the Argo challenge will be large, there's no Anthony Calvillo on the depth chart, some might even suggest that there's no Adrian MacPherson, who perhaps as an understudy to Calvillo has yet to come into his own in the CFL.
Whether Steven Jyles is the QB for Milanovich to set his future roster with remains to be seen, one tempting option could be for the Argos to acquire Henry Burris, seemingly on his way out in Calgary, though discussions with the Stamps could be a tad frosty for Barker going forward.
The Stamps were just a little bit outraged to learn of discussions between the Argos and their defensive coordinator over the last few weeks, discussions which led to Chris Jones leaving the Stamps bound for Toronto, a move which saw the Argos fined this week by the CFL for tampering.
And while we can sympathize with the Stamps on the poaching, we imagine it's indicative of the Argos newfound dedication to improve all aspects of their play from this past season, piracy if you will but considering the new head coach made his mark in the NFL as a back up quarterback with Tony Dungy's Tampa Bay Bucaneers, a little bit of swashbuckling probably can't hurt the cause.
Perhaps the Argos can incorporate an eye patch into their logo, just to set the new tone of business.
The moves out of Toronto this week should prove positive in the long run, knowledgeable football men taking on the key positions, bringing with them experience and connections (a training camp visit and motivational speech by Dungy would certainly bring some focus to the Argos in 2012) that makes for a helpful combination for a team that seemed adrift for most of 2011.
The captain has the off season to chart his new course, one that the Argos hope will include a home date the last weekend of November.
Globe and Mail-- Milanovich agrees on deal to be new Argos head coach: report
Globe and Mail-- CFL fines Argonauts $5,000 for tampering
Globe and Mail-- Argps add Calgary defensive co-ordinator Chris Jones to staff
Globe and Mail-- Hufnagel blind-sided by co-ordinator's move to Argos
Globe and Mail-- Argos could benefit from Milanovich as coach
National Post-- Argos fined for tampering after contact with ex-Stampeders co-ordinator
National Post-- Argos keep focus on the field
National Post-- Stampeders file grievance in Argos reported hiring
National Post-- Argos hire Scott Milanovich as head coach
Toronto Star-- Scott Milanovich takes over Argo coaching reins
Toronto Star-- Argo coaching soap opera hits new heights
Toronto Star-- Argo head coaching mystery continues
Toronto Sun-- Argos can't get QB wrong
Toronto Sun-- Argos get the coaching thing right
Toronto Sun-- Milanovich to choose own staff
Toronto Sun-- Dungy gives Argo coach thumbs up
Toronto Sun-- Barker scrapes coach off his plate
Toronto Sun-- Stamps confirm Jones T. O. move
Thursday, December 01, 2011
Cleaning out the management lockers in the CFL
The week following Grey Cup has featured a bit of coaching housecleaning for CFL clubs.
The broom came out in Hamilton where the Tiger Cats parted ways with head coach Marcel Bellefeuille, praising him for bringing them to where they were this year, but suggesting that they didn't think that he could push them over the top and on to a Grey Cup berth.
The fact that the Cats kept tinkering with their line up through the season (new faces, old faces going to new places) seemed to wreak a little havoc with Bellefeuille's planning, making it hard to build up any consistency through the year.
Something that would seem to be the mark of an office a little further up the food chain in Hamilton.
Still, as we've learned from the firing frenzy in the NHL this week, most times when things got wrong its easier to get rid of the coach as opposed to the no performing players, just ask Marcel Bellefeuille.
Hamilton Spectator-- Bellefeuille saw it coming
Hamilton Spectator-- It all came down to a question of confidence
Toronto Sun-- Obie, Mitchell must share blame
Toronto Sun-- Ticats fire Marcel Bellefeuille
Toronto Star-- Ticats fire head coach Marcell Bellefeuille
Globe and Mail-- Tiger-Cats fire Marcell Bellefeuille
Globe and Mail-- Ticats' Corey Chambliss could be the big winner in coaching shuffle
Canada.com-- Marcell Bellefruille out as Ticats coach
National Post-- Hamilton Tiger-Cats fire head coach Marcell Bellefeuille
TSN-- Tiger-Cats fire head coach Bellefeuille
Winnipeg also made a change, terminating the employment of their offensive coordinator, with Jamie Barresi seemingly getting the can tied to his butt for the Bombers offensive woes in the last half of the season and in Sunday's Grey Cup loss to the Lions.
The Bombers offense never quite reached Swaggerville proportions, that term seemed to be based mainly on the exploits of the defensive unit. The Bombers offensive output through 2011 for the most part followed the blue print of the first half of the Grey Cup game, not much yardage, not many points.
Whether that was solely the fault of Barresi or perhaps included a larger group of thinkers would seem irrelevant at this point, somebody was to pay for the anemic offerings of the Blues O unit, to that end Barresi joins the ranks of coaches seeking employment (how many CFL coaches are wishing that Ottawa was joining the league this year?)
The move to remove Baresi has made for much commentary int he Winnipeg media, still feeling the pain of a season that came up one game too short.
Winnipeg Sun-- Barresi fires back
Winnipeg Sun-- LaPolice's swift justice
Winnipeg Free Press-- Barresi's no scapegoat, Bombers head coach insists
Winnipeg Free Press-- Legitimate co-ordinators have control of situation
Winnipeg Free Press-- Bombers looking for a new direction: LaPolice
Canada.com-- Bombers axe offensive co-ordiantor Jamie Barresi
TSN-- Blue Bombers fire Barresi as Offensive coordinator
Still to be determined, who will take the reins over in Saskatchewan after the dismissal earlier this season of Greg Marshall and the retirement for the second time of his replacement Ken Miller, any number of dream candidates are on the minds of the Rider Nation, anxious to see their team return to dominance in the CFL West.
Regina Leader Post-- Tiger-Cats join Riders in search for a head coach
Regina Leader Post-- Roughriders continue search for a head coach
Regina Leader Post-- Busy off season for Riders GM Brendan Taman
Globe and Mail-- Austin not likely to return to Regina
The fact that the Cats kept tinkering with their line up through the season (new faces, old faces going to new places) seemed to wreak a little havoc with Bellefeuille's planning, making it hard to build up any consistency through the year.
Something that would seem to be the mark of an office a little further up the food chain in Hamilton.
Still, as we've learned from the firing frenzy in the NHL this week, most times when things got wrong its easier to get rid of the coach as opposed to the no performing players, just ask Marcel Bellefeuille.
Hamilton Spectator-- Bellefeuille saw it coming
Hamilton Spectator-- It all came down to a question of confidence
Toronto Sun-- Obie, Mitchell must share blame
Toronto Sun-- Ticats fire Marcel Bellefeuille
Toronto Star-- Ticats fire head coach Marcell Bellefeuille
Globe and Mail-- Tiger-Cats fire Marcell Bellefeuille
Globe and Mail-- Ticats' Corey Chambliss could be the big winner in coaching shuffle
Canada.com-- Marcell Bellefruille out as Ticats coach
National Post-- Hamilton Tiger-Cats fire head coach Marcell Bellefeuille
TSN-- Tiger-Cats fire head coach Bellefeuille
The Bombers offense never quite reached Swaggerville proportions, that term seemed to be based mainly on the exploits of the defensive unit. The Bombers offensive output through 2011 for the most part followed the blue print of the first half of the Grey Cup game, not much yardage, not many points.
Whether that was solely the fault of Barresi or perhaps included a larger group of thinkers would seem irrelevant at this point, somebody was to pay for the anemic offerings of the Blues O unit, to that end Barresi joins the ranks of coaches seeking employment (how many CFL coaches are wishing that Ottawa was joining the league this year?)
The move to remove Baresi has made for much commentary int he Winnipeg media, still feeling the pain of a season that came up one game too short.
Winnipeg Sun-- Barresi fires back
Winnipeg Sun-- LaPolice's swift justice
Winnipeg Free Press-- Barresi's no scapegoat, Bombers head coach insists
Winnipeg Free Press-- Legitimate co-ordinators have control of situation
Winnipeg Free Press-- Bombers looking for a new direction: LaPolice
Canada.com-- Bombers axe offensive co-ordiantor Jamie Barresi
TSN-- Blue Bombers fire Barresi as Offensive coordinator
Still to be determined, who will take the reins over in Saskatchewan after the dismissal earlier this season of Greg Marshall and the retirement for the second time of his replacement Ken Miller, any number of dream candidates are on the minds of the Rider Nation, anxious to see their team return to dominance in the CFL West.
Regina Leader Post-- Tiger-Cats join Riders in search for a head coach
Regina Leader Post-- Roughriders continue search for a head coach
Regina Leader Post-- Busy off season for Riders GM Brendan Taman
Globe and Mail-- Austin not likely to return to Regina
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
There's no feud, like the old feuds...
You have to have a bit of sympathy to both the Lions and the Bombers this weekend, if it wasn't the kids trying to steal away the spotlight, it was the septuagenarians grabbing some of the buzz from Grey Cup Weekend.
.
.
The now much documented punch up between Angelo Mosca and Joe Kapp has gone beyond the realm of You Tube, gaining wide exposure in the US, with two high profile appearances one on Monday Night Football featured on Chris Berman's Cmon' Man segment of the weekly Monday Night show.
.
.
Berman did pay tribute to some actual Canadian Football later on in the Monday Night show, rolling the highlights of the Bombers/Lions game during the half time three minute reel, but for entertainment value it would seem that the slug fest of the seventy somethings was the main attraction.
One of the other notable mentions was on the on Fox News prime time program with Shepard Smith, who featured the dust up as his closing item on his 7 pm news program.
Beyond that, we're pretty sure it made a wide range of "local" sports casts across America over the last few days.
While the actual nastiness does in reflection seem kind of foolish, at the moment we have no doubt of the earnest nature of both men, who clearly still carry the burden of animosities some forty years old now.
You have to wonder what Willie Fleming would think of it all.
There indeed is no feud like an old feud.
Makes you kind of wonder just what it takes to make someone snap and who might next make it to the YouTube roll of fame...
.
.
The now much documented punch up between Angelo Mosca and Joe Kapp has gone beyond the realm of You Tube, gaining wide exposure in the US, with two high profile appearances one on Monday Night Football featured on Chris Berman's Cmon' Man segment of the weekly Monday Night show.
.
.
Berman did pay tribute to some actual Canadian Football later on in the Monday Night show, rolling the highlights of the Bombers/Lions game during the half time three minute reel, but for entertainment value it would seem that the slug fest of the seventy somethings was the main attraction.
One of the other notable mentions was on the on Fox News prime time program with Shepard Smith, who featured the dust up as his closing item on his 7 pm news program.
Beyond that, we're pretty sure it made a wide range of "local" sports casts across America over the last few days.
While the actual nastiness does in reflection seem kind of foolish, at the moment we have no doubt of the earnest nature of both men, who clearly still carry the burden of animosities some forty years old now.
You have to wonder what Willie Fleming would think of it all.
There indeed is no feud like an old feud.
Makes you kind of wonder just what it takes to make someone snap and who might next make it to the YouTube roll of fame...
The 99th Grey Cup
The Lions quarterback missed on a few chances to put the Bombers away for good in the first half, a string of throws that went high and away brought the Lions march towards their championship to a halt a few times, resulting in two and outs and stalled drives.
As things turn out, Lulay wasn't playing at 100 percent, banged up in last week's Western Final he came into the championship game with a fair share of his own bumps and bruises, not enough however to keep him out of the lineup, finally getting untracked in the second half, more confident and more accurate.
The 99th Grey Cup was the defensive game anticipated, the Bombers D holding the tide of the Lions attack off, keeping their squad at least close for a possible comeback, one which in the end came up about four yards too short on a last minute onside kick for field position.
Before those dramatics however it seemed as though the Lions were on the cusp of blowing the roof off of the newly refurbished BC Place, the 14-6 lead at half time not telling the full story of the Lions control, but as documented a lack of finish in the red zone left points on the board heading into the half time Nickelback break.
While the Canadian rockers rattled off a few selections of their library, the Bombers were making adjustments to their game plan, one which had seen an anemic offence incapable of taking advantage of their teams defensive work.
Up until the fourth quarter all of the Bomber points came off the foot of kicker Justin Palardy, who went 3 for 3 on the day in field goals.
The Lions came out of the half time break much more focused on their offensive output, Lulay suddenly finding his range and accuracy hooking up with Kierire Johnson and Arland Bruce for touchdowns.
The Bombers could have seen the entire game turn around if not for a bobbled interception off the fingers of Odell Willis, who had his hands on a Travis Lulay pass and had nothing but empty field in front of him to the Lions end zone, but as fate would dictate it was not his time to make the game changing play.
Instead, the Lions kept possession and sent the ball down filed, leaving the Bombers to formulate another attempt at a long field drive.
As time was winding down in the fourth the Bombers did make things closer, a pair of quick TD passes with less than four minutes to play from Buck Pierce brought the Bombers to within eight points.
The failed onside kick attempt, spelled the end of the Bombers comeback bid, Paul McCallum sealed the Lions win with a final Field Goal marking the final score BC 34 , Winnipeg 23 and with that the Lions would claim their sixth Grey Cup, their first in front of a home crowd since 1994.
A remarkable end to a season that started off with many questions, as the Lions staggered out of the first quarter of the schedule, falling to 0 and 5 from the Canada Day weekend season kick off and then turning around 180 degrees to lay claim to the CFL West title and now the Grey Cup.
The Bombers who took the early charge in the first half of the season struggled towards the end, grasping first place in the East more to the lack of focus of the Alouettes than of their own domination, still with their berth in the Grey Cup came acknowledgment of their success this year, one which offers up hope of better years to come perhaps.
99 Grey Cups are now in the books, Number 100 destined for Toronto in 2012. An event we imagine that will come with all trappings of a centennial celebration and with a little luck a championship game to mark such an occasion.
Vancouver Province-- BC Lions are 2011 Grey Cup champions
Vancouver Province-- Lions defence set the table for Grey Cup feast
Vancouver Province-- BC Lions' Buono savouring leading the pack
Vancouver Province-- Workmanlike win for BC Lions, nothing special
Vancouver Province-- Cup champs - Who knows where Lions go now?
Vancouver Province-- On Buono, Lulay and the future for B. C. Lions
Vancouver Province-- The case for CFL coach of the year
Vancouver Province-- Timely Grey Cup TD for energized Johnson
Vancouver Province-- Bombers thought they had Arland Bruce figure out - wrong
Vancouver Province-- Heartbroken Bomber Brown leaves game without a Grey Cup win
Vancouver Sun-- B. C. Lions post rare Grey Cup triumph in front of hometown fans
Vancouver Sun-- B. C. Lion put the dagger in Swaggerville
Vancouver Sun-- Lions provide sporting cheer, happiness
Vancouver Sun-- B. C. Lions' Andrew Harris a Grey Cup all- Canadian
Vancouver Sun-- Bombers quiet, sombre and defeated
Vancouver Sun-- The best defence "proved it" in Grey Cup
Vancouver Sun-- Parting shot at B. C. Lions from "Braggerville" resident...
Vancouver Sun-- Bruce promoting 'real deal' Lulay
Winnipeg Free Press-- Bomber faithful welcome team home
Winnipeg Free Press-- Worst to first, but still cursed
Winnipeg Free Press-- QB wears the goat's horns
Winnipeg Free Press-- Mr. Brown is feeling down
Winnipeg Free Press-- Don't be mad, be pumped for 2012
Winnipeg Free Press-- Lions down Bombers 34-23
Winnipeg Free Press-- Lions roar with excitement after beating Winnipeg to win the Grey Cup
Winnipeg Free Press-- Blue Bombers with long faces return home to cheering fans despite loss
Winnipeg Free Press-- Average audience of 4.6 million viewers watch Lions beat Bombers
Winnipeg Sun-- Buck: I need to be better
Winnipeg Sun-- Bombers close but so far away
Winnipeg Sun-- Lions share a special bond
Winnipeg Sun-- Grey Cup to remember
Winnipeg Sun-- Decision time looming for Bombers
Winnipeg Sun-- Heroes' welcome for Bombers
Winnipeg Sun-- Bombers offence disappoints again
Winnipeg Sun-- Blue "Season for the ages" falls short
Winnipeg Sun-- Lions prove championship mettle
Winnipeg Sun-- The stats tell the story Grey Cup 2011
Winnipeg Sun-- "Bad day to have my worst game"
Winnipeg Sun-- Bombers forget their lines again
Winnipeg Sun-- Recurring nightmare for Bombers
Winnipeg Sun-- Crushing finish to Hall of Fame career
Winnipeg Sun-- Lulay spreads wealth around
Globe and Mail-- Why B. C. Lions core is built for more
Globe and Mail-- Despite Grey Cup loss, Bombers cheered on return to Winnipeg
Globe and Mail-- B. C. Lions win the Grey Cup
Gobe and Mail-- Bombers can't penetrate Lions Orange wall
Globe and Mail-- How Bombers' Swaggerville became Staggerville
Globe and Mail-- Grey Cup blog
Globe and Mail-- Eastern Canada tunes out of all- West Grey Cup
Globe and Mail-- 4.6 million viewers watch 99th Grey Cup
National Post-- B. C. Lions cap season of parity as Grey Cup champions
National Post-- Less than perfect, but B. C. Lions good enough to win Grey Cup
The Kids put on quite the show
The Marauders totally dominated the Laval squad in the first half, a most convincing bit of football that Laval probably hadn't seen in its previous five CIS championship games, Hamilton's university team racked up the points and shut down Laval's much vaunted offence, sending shock waves back into the dark of night in Quebec, where the Rouge Et Or have become the Gold Standard of the Quebec conference.
Head coach Glen Constantine, seemed a bit lost for words as he headed off to the dressing room to talk to his troops, but whatever he cooked up between the first half ending interview and the return of the Rouge et Or to the field must have been one heck of a speech.
Still, McMaster didn't surrender, even when near disaster reared up its head with a potentially game winning last minute field goal attempt by Tyler Crapigna going wide and taken out of the Laval end zone, setting the scene for one of the wildest of playoff finishes that any league has ever seen.
The teams traded off scoring plays in a double overtime session, the hopes of Laval finally dashed with an interception by McMaster's Steven Ventresca and a follow up field goal of redemption for the McMaster kicker, who found his range and put the Marauders into the CIS history books with a 41-38 Vanier Cup victory.
It very much was two games played in sixty minutes plus, one half belonging totally to McMaster, the defending CIS champs from Laval owning the final frame, the rubber match of the championship was the Overtime, which McMaster seemed to will itself to win after their second half collapse.It was a testament to Laval's championship status that they battled back and a celebration of the McMaster program which has been building in Ontario. The Marauders head coach, clearly understands what his team needed to do to wrestle the championship away from Laval, though he probably had hopes that it wouldn't result in a nail biter of a final as Friday provided.
The game made for a wonderful showcase of the Canadian game, offering up to football fans a reminder that there is some great football for the viewing in their hometowns, as close as the nearest university campus.
The path to Vancouver's Vanier Cup showcase provided for some great playoff action over the last few weeks, from all corners of the country, Canadian football was showcased at a very high level, the eventual participants in Friday's finale, having taken a pretty tough road to get there.
Prior to the Vanier Cup there was some talk of a super conference of the top teams of the CIS, a pretty tempting option considering what Friday night brought for us.
Still, the success of the CIS is the spirit of competition and community that all of the CIS teams bring forward each season, hopefully if the Super Conference idea ever takes flight, there will also be a way to keep the game resonant on campuses across the nation.
Friday offered up some snapshots of what should be some key players of the future for the CFL, in particular the ever evolving nature of the Canadian Quarterback question seems to need some push at the professional level.
Watching the performances of McMaster's Kyle Quinlan, and Laval's Bruno Prud'homme, in addition to the success of Hec Crighton winner Billy Greene from UBC, the pivot position in Canadian college football is in good hands, one hopes that there's an opportunity to come in the CFL for Canadian QB's to have their shot at CFL success, as we saw on Friday, there's some entertaining football to be had, if only a chance is provided.
TSN-- Vanier Cup thriller attracts large audience on TSN and RDS
TSN-- McMaster wins first Vanier Cup
TSN-- Grey Cup Diary: CIS, Vanier Cup steals the show on Friday
Hamilton Scores-- Vanier Cup efforts bring Marauders more honours
Hamilton Spectator-- Mac Marauders their way to the Vanier Cup
Hamilton Spectator-- 'One of the greatest games' ever seen
Hamilton Spectator-- Marauders make history
Hamilton Spectator-- McMaster Marauders make triumphant return
CTV-- A Vanier Cup for the ages
Vancouver Province-- Marauders' double trouble for Laval
Toronto Sun-- McMaster wins Vanier Cup in double overtime
Toronto Sun-- Winning matters, owners don't
Globe and Mail-- McMaster stops Laval in Vanier Cup thriller
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