It's reunion time in Edmonton, though even Ricky Ray isn't expecting the home side fans to be overly welcoming upon his return.
The Argonaut quarterback was acquired earlier this year in a surprising development for Northern Alberta's football fans, making his way to Eastern Canada a sure sign of the determination of the Argos to do all that they can this year to not only play host to the 100th Grey Cup but to be the home side on the field in late November.
The arrival of Ray, one of the marquee Quarterbacks of the CFL in Toronto was considered one of the most important of off season moves in the league, combined with the eastern migration of Henry Burris to Hamilton, the legendary gunslingers of the West have arrived in Southern Ontario to perhaps shift the balance of power in the league.
In Edmonton all eyes will be on Steven Jyles, at the moment, the designated starter for the Green and Gold, an opportunity to write his own records in a town where records seem permanently enshrined, though truth be told, the faithful aren't quite ready to sign on to the new look Eskies just yet.
Jyles came back to the Western Division in the Ricky Ray trade, taking up the challenge of bringing the Eskimo brand back to CFL glory, though even the most optimistic of Eskimo fans probably thinks it's going to be a slow process, not one that finds instant success.
The learning curve in Edmonton will be a steep one, the ghosts of past success still linger in the dressing room, most of them will be carrying the days of Ricky Ray, Jyles has the full support of his coach Kavis Reed, who is looking to banish the negative and focus on the positives.
The first step towards that goal comes today at Commonwealth Stadium.
Game Time 5 PM (MT) 8 ET, 4 PT at Commonwealth Stadium (TSN)
Toronto 15 at Edmonton 19 (35,538)
Pre Game
Globe and Mail-- Argos' new pivot Ray expects boos in return to Edmonton
National Post-- Ricky Ray expects boos from Eskimo fans, despite trade
Edmonton Sun-- Ricky Ray back to take on Edmonton Eskimos in season opener
Edmonton Journal-- Jyles taking snaps under scrutinizing eyes of Eskimos fans
Toronto Sun-- The Ray-turn of Ricky
Toronto Star-- Argo Ricky Ray can expect to see lots of Eskimos' Marcus Howard
TSN-- Ray Makes Argo debut against Jyles, Eskimos on TSN
CBC-- Argonauts gear up for Ray Day in Edmonton
Team Backgrounders
Toronto Argonauts
Edmonton Eskimos
Post Game
Video Highlights
CFL.ca -- Game Recap
Globe and Mail-- Eskimos hang on to edge Ray and Argos
National Post-- Eskimos top Argos in Ricky Ray's return to Edmonton
Edmonton Sun-- Esks sink Boatmen 19-15
Edmonton Journal-- Ray had better stats than Jyles, but Esks win season opener
Toronto Sun-- Esks ruin Ray's Double Blue debut
Toronto Star-- Toronto Argonauts lose season opener to Edmonton Eskimos, 19-15
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