The Cup is back in one piece and has a certain aura to it. It appeared
during the noon hour -- with the players and coaches -- at the
Vancouver Art Gallery's north lawn. A couple thousand fans were there
and the rain stopped. There even was a brief sunshine and blue sky
interlude. Players wore the team's third jersey -- black with orange
and white trim -- which ought to become the primary jersey in 2007.
The club should also add a fifth claw to the paw for the fifth Grey
Cup in B.C. history.
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Monday, November 20, 2006
Touchdown in Champion-city
Back in Vancouver. Home of the United Soccer Leagues' First Division 2006 champion Whitecaps, W-League 2006 champion Whitecaps and now the 2006 Grey Cup champion B.C. Lions!
Westjet joke
How many countries do you visit when you go to the washroom?
First you're rushin, then you're a peein, then you're finish.
First you're rushin, then you're a peein, then you're finish.
touchdown in Calgary
Edging closer to the Rocky Mountains. A beautiful sunset in Calgary,
the other city in which the Lions beat the Montreal Alouettes... in
2000.
the other city in which the Lions beat the Montreal Alouettes... in
2000.
Double D and P-Mac recognized
WINNIPEG: Sunday’s Grey Cup wasn’t the best game of B.C. Lion Dave Dickenson’s career. But the 25-14 win over the Montreal Alouettes was good enough for his second CFL title – and first as a starting quarterback.
Dickenson, voted most outstanding player, was a backup in 1998 when the Calgary Stampeders were winners in Winnipeg.
He completed 18 of 29 for 184 yards against the Als. His longest toss was 18 yards. He also rushed six times for 53 yards. B.C.’s only touchdown was Ian Smart’s 25-yard second quarter run. B.C. had the ball almost seven minutes longer than Montreal.
“You don’t win anything as an individual in football, you just don’t,” Dickenson said, downplaying the award.
The win was sweet for kicker Paul McCallum, who tied a Grey Cup record with six field goals. He shares the distinction with Don Sweet, Paul Osbaldiston and Sean Fleming.
McCallum began his career with B.C. in 1993 but spent a dozen years with the Saskatchewan Roughriders before signing as a free agent this year.
“I’m sure glad I came,” said McCallum, whose longest kick was a 47-yarder.
For once, he said, Mother Nature was on his side in Winnipeg’s Canad Inns Stadium.
“This is one of the places I don’t really like playing, because the wind comes from the side so much,” he said. “But you couldn’t ask for a better night of football.”
--Bob Mackin
Dickenson, voted most outstanding player, was a backup in 1998 when the Calgary Stampeders were winners in Winnipeg.
He completed 18 of 29 for 184 yards against the Als. His longest toss was 18 yards. He also rushed six times for 53 yards. B.C.’s only touchdown was Ian Smart’s 25-yard second quarter run. B.C. had the ball almost seven minutes longer than Montreal.
“You don’t win anything as an individual in football, you just don’t,” Dickenson said, downplaying the award.
The win was sweet for kicker Paul McCallum, who tied a Grey Cup record with six field goals. He shares the distinction with Don Sweet, Paul Osbaldiston and Sean Fleming.
McCallum began his career with B.C. in 1993 but spent a dozen years with the Saskatchewan Roughriders before signing as a free agent this year.
“I’m sure glad I came,” said McCallum, whose longest kick was a 47-yarder.
For once, he said, Mother Nature was on his side in Winnipeg’s Canad Inns Stadium.
“This is one of the places I don’t really like playing, because the wind comes from the side so much,” he said. “But you couldn’t ask for a better night of football.”
--Bob Mackin
the morning after
People are waking up all over Winnipeg after the weekend that was. It won't be a productive day at offices. Visitors are leaving for home. A lot are wondering when Winnipeg will host the nation's party again. CJOB radio is reporting that Winnipeg Blue Bombers president Lyle Bauer and Grey Cup committee chairman Gene Dunn are talking with the powers that be in the Manitoba capital about building a new stadium. It could even be a covered stadium. Canad Inns Stadium, which was refurbished for the 1999 Pan-American Games, was expanded to almost 45,000 with temporary seats. It doesn't have the modern amenities standard at most stadiums. It could be modernized or a new stadium at a new site could be a reality by the time Winnipeg is considered in another seven or eight years to host the big game.
Podcast from the Peg!
Relive some of the great moments from this week as British Columbia's greatest sports franchise (since 1954!) has won its 5th Canadian Football championship !n vancouver.24hrs.ca
B.C. Lions at YVR: update!
Wear orange and greet your B.C. Lions home at 1 p.m. Pacific on Monday. They'll touch down around 1 p.m. at Landmark Aviation, formerly Shell Aerocentre, on 4360 Agar Drive in Richmond. Join the Lions downtown from noon til 2 p.m. on Tuesday to celebrate the victory.
Lions' owner David Braley and president Bob Ackles and vice-president Scott Ackles watched over the Grey Cup into the wee hours of Monday morning at the Elephant & Castle in the Winnipeg Delta Hotel. Fans posed for photos, but it was a case of look, don't touch because the trophy needs repairs. Kelly Bates' antics were mere accidental. Now there's a guy with the heart of a Lion.
Nelly Furtado? She dropped the ball again. Cute new hairstyle, but why'd you change the Steve Nash reference to Anthony Calvillo?
Lions' owner David Braley and president Bob Ackles and vice-president Scott Ackles watched over the Grey Cup into the wee hours of Monday morning at the Elephant & Castle in the Winnipeg Delta Hotel. Fans posed for photos, but it was a case of look, don't touch because the trophy needs repairs. Kelly Bates' antics were mere accidental. Now there's a guy with the heart of a Lion.
Nelly Furtado? She dropped the ball again. Cute new hairstyle, but why'd you change the Steve Nash reference to Anthony Calvillo?
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Podcasting from the Peg
Go to vancouver.24hrs.ca and click the podcast link for highlights of 24 hours' coverage of the Lions' final steps to triumph in 2006, plus exclusive locker room footage of the team celebrating with the most famous trophy in Canadian football.
Lions celebrate 2006 Grey Cup championship!
B.C. Lions shared the Grey Cup in a new and different way on Sunday when the trophy, donated in 1909 by the Governor General of Canada, separated from its base. Meanwhile, Bobby Singh keeps his kids protected from the flying champagne behind a plastic screen in his locker at Canad Inns Stadium.
musings from Bates and Miles
WINNIPEG: The Grey Cup was broken as offensive guard Kelly Bates celebrated. It’ll get fixed, his name will be engraved and so will his teammates.
“I was probably so excited to see it, shaking it up and down and kissing it, it broke,” Bates said. “Regardless, it’s a memory I’ll have the rest of my life. Amazing!”
Flashback to 1979 when the North American Soccer League Vancouver Whitecaps won their only Soccer Bowl against the Tampa Bay Rowdies in New Jersey. That trophy, too, separated from its base. That’s how it was paraded around Vancouver a day later.
Lions arrive Monday at 2 p.m. at Vancouver International Airport’s south terminal via a charter flight from Winnipeg. Unless the trophy can get repaired Monday morning, that’s how it’ll show up in Vancouver.
All Vancouverites are welcome to a noon to 2 p.m. celebration at the Vancouver Art Gallery on Tuesday.
It’s the Lions’ fifth Grey Cup championship and first since 2000 when they also beat Anthony Calvillo and the Montreal Alouettes.
Lions’ defensive back Barron Miles, who played six seasons for Montreal, leaves Dec. 5 for Hawaii. His travel buddy is Calvillo and he admits he’ll be the one buying meals.
“By the time I get out there I’ll be calmed down,” Miles said. “I’ll probably see him tonight.”
Miles admitted players did feel the bite of the sub-zero cold during long drives, but “it’s the Grey Cup, how are you going to feel the cold?”
--Bob Mackin
“I was probably so excited to see it, shaking it up and down and kissing it, it broke,” Bates said. “Regardless, it’s a memory I’ll have the rest of my life. Amazing!”
Flashback to 1979 when the North American Soccer League Vancouver Whitecaps won their only Soccer Bowl against the Tampa Bay Rowdies in New Jersey. That trophy, too, separated from its base. That’s how it was paraded around Vancouver a day later.
Lions arrive Monday at 2 p.m. at Vancouver International Airport’s south terminal via a charter flight from Winnipeg. Unless the trophy can get repaired Monday morning, that’s how it’ll show up in Vancouver.
All Vancouverites are welcome to a noon to 2 p.m. celebration at the Vancouver Art Gallery on Tuesday.
It’s the Lions’ fifth Grey Cup championship and first since 2000 when they also beat Anthony Calvillo and the Montreal Alouettes.
Lions’ defensive back Barron Miles, who played six seasons for Montreal, leaves Dec. 5 for Hawaii. His travel buddy is Calvillo and he admits he’ll be the one buying meals.
“By the time I get out there I’ll be calmed down,” Miles said. “I’ll probably see him tonight.”
Miles admitted players did feel the bite of the sub-zero cold during long drives, but “it’s the Grey Cup, how are you going to feel the cold?”
--Bob Mackin
Of number 97 and 007
WINNIPEG: Brent Johnson got the grand slam.
The defensive end is the league’s top Canadian, top defensive player, Chris Walby’s Warrior of the Year and now a Grey Cup champion.
“It’s the perfect closure to a perfect year,” he told 24 hours. “I’m just so proud of them. The guys I get to go out and play D with are responsible for this. They make it so fun and easy to go out and play football. I’m just so proud of them.”
One of the first things Lions’ running back Joe Smith will do on his return to Vancouver is see the new James Bond movie Casino Royale. He wanted to check it out in Winnipeg on the eve of the Grey Cup with his girlfriend, but had to change plans.
“I didn’t get a chance to, they sold out!” he said. “We wound up going to the Olive Garden.”
British spy Sir William Stephenson, considered the inspiration for the James Bond character, was born in Winnipeg.
--Bob Mackin
The defensive end is the league’s top Canadian, top defensive player, Chris Walby’s Warrior of the Year and now a Grey Cup champion.
“It’s the perfect closure to a perfect year,” he told 24 hours. “I’m just so proud of them. The guys I get to go out and play D with are responsible for this. They make it so fun and easy to go out and play football. I’m just so proud of them.”
One of the first things Lions’ running back Joe Smith will do on his return to Vancouver is see the new James Bond movie Casino Royale. He wanted to check it out in Winnipeg on the eve of the Grey Cup with his girlfriend, but had to change plans.
“I didn’t get a chance to, they sold out!” he said. “We wound up going to the Olive Garden.”
British spy Sir William Stephenson, considered the inspiration for the James Bond character, was born in Winnipeg.
--Bob Mackin
Lion Kings
WINNIPEG: B.C. Lions’ kicker Paul McCallum tied a Grey Cup record, but offensive guard Kelly Bates broke the Grey Cup.
The trophy, donated in 1909 by Canada’s governor general the Earl of Grey, separated from its base as Bates celebrated B.C.’s 25-14 win over the Montreal Alouettes before 44,786 at Canad Inns Stadium.
“I was probably so excited to see it, shaking it up and down and kissing it, it broke!” Bates said. “Regardless, it’s a memory I’ll have the rest of my life. Amazing!”
The trophy will be fixed and Bates’ name will be engraved along with those of his teammates after B.C.’s fifth Grey Cup triumph.
Temperature dipped below zero Celsius as the sun set before game time. By halftime it was minus-6. Winds weren’t a factor for McCallum, voted the game’s outstanding Canadian. He kicked six field goals – including a 47-yarder -- to tie three others. It was one more than Lions’ hall of famer Lui Passaglia had in B.C.’s 1985 Grey Cup win.
“It’s electric in here right now, but it hasn’t set in yet,” 14-year veteran McCallum said of his first Grey Cup win.
Montreal quarterback Anthony Calvillo, 1-4 in Grey Cups, went two-and-out to start both halves. He had a better game statistically, but B.C. quarterback Dave Dickenson, voted most outstanding player, completed his first four throws in a drive that ended in McCallum’s first field goal.
Ian Smart’s 25-yard run at 4:12 of the second quarter was the Lions’ only touchdown and contributed to a 19-3 halftime lead.
Alouettes took advantage of the nearly half-hour break for a Nelly Furtado performance and outscored B.C. 9-0 in the third quarter. Robert Edwards had a one-yard touchdown run and seemed certain to score another late in the fourth. B.C. linebacker Javier Glatt forced a fumble on the one-yard line. Otis Floyd recovered with just over four minutes to go, deflating Montreal’s confidence.
“I took a chance and said hey I’m going to go for it. What’s the worst that happens? I miss and they’re on the one-yard line anyway,” Glatt said. “I hit him, got him flush, and he dropped the ball.”
The trophy, donated in 1909 by Canada’s governor general the Earl of Grey, separated from its base as Bates celebrated B.C.’s 25-14 win over the Montreal Alouettes before 44,786 at Canad Inns Stadium.
“I was probably so excited to see it, shaking it up and down and kissing it, it broke!” Bates said. “Regardless, it’s a memory I’ll have the rest of my life. Amazing!”
The trophy will be fixed and Bates’ name will be engraved along with those of his teammates after B.C.’s fifth Grey Cup triumph.
Temperature dipped below zero Celsius as the sun set before game time. By halftime it was minus-6. Winds weren’t a factor for McCallum, voted the game’s outstanding Canadian. He kicked six field goals – including a 47-yarder -- to tie three others. It was one more than Lions’ hall of famer Lui Passaglia had in B.C.’s 1985 Grey Cup win.
“It’s electric in here right now, but it hasn’t set in yet,” 14-year veteran McCallum said of his first Grey Cup win.
Montreal quarterback Anthony Calvillo, 1-4 in Grey Cups, went two-and-out to start both halves. He had a better game statistically, but B.C. quarterback Dave Dickenson, voted most outstanding player, completed his first four throws in a drive that ended in McCallum’s first field goal.
Ian Smart’s 25-yard run at 4:12 of the second quarter was the Lions’ only touchdown and contributed to a 19-3 halftime lead.
Alouettes took advantage of the nearly half-hour break for a Nelly Furtado performance and outscored B.C. 9-0 in the third quarter. Robert Edwards had a one-yard touchdown run and seemed certain to score another late in the fourth. B.C. linebacker Javier Glatt forced a fumble on the one-yard line. Otis Floyd recovered with just over four minutes to go, deflating Montreal’s confidence.
“I took a chance and said hey I’m going to go for it. What’s the worst that happens? I miss and they’re on the one-yard line anyway,” Glatt said. “I hit him, got him flush, and he dropped the ball.”
Lions return to YVR at 2 p.m. Monday
A charter flight carrying the Lions and the Grey Cup will arrive at Vancouver International Airport's south terminal at 2 p.m. Monday. All are invited to a public celebration at the Vancouver Art Gallery on Tuesday from noon to 2 p.m.
B.C. 19-12 after three quarters
Lions hold a seven-point lead after three as Alouettes draw closer with a Robert Edwards rushing touchdown. But B.C. remains with impressive stats: possession B.C. 25:35 vs. Mtl. 19:25; Dickenson 15 for 24 for 283 yards; Calvillo 15 for 24 with 245 yards. But rushing is also impressive. The Joe Smith-led running game has 124 yards, while the Robert Edwards-led Als' ground game has just 52.
Halftime stats summary
Dickenson 13 of 19 for 146 yards; Calvillo 6 of 17 for 80 yards (one fumble).
Ian Smart has the game's only touchdown, a 25-yard rush. McCallum is 4-for-4 on field goals and has one convert for 13 of the game's points. Time of possession: B.C. 18:50; Mtl 11:10.
Score: B.C. 19 Montreal 3.
Ian Smart has the game's only touchdown, a 25-yard rush. McCallum is 4-for-4 on field goals and has one convert for 13 of the game's points. Time of possession: B.C. 18:50; Mtl 11:10.
Score: B.C. 19 Montreal 3.
cheerleaders' field position
Felions are on the west side, near the Als' bench.
The Alou-ladies are on the east side, near the Lions' bench.
The Alou-ladies are on the east side, near the Lions' bench.
the wave is rolling
Canad Inns Stadium is getting colder so the fans are getting active, doing a clockwise wave as Paul McCallum punts away to the Als. Otis Floyd tackles Avon Cobourne who gets the ball to their 46 yard line. Less than eight minutes to halftime.
Grey Cup cam
The Party Poker Grey Cup cam is shown in the stadium. A Grey Cup graphic transposed onto the screen. Sponsored by Party Poker. Which is not a gambling site... nudge, nudge, wink, wink. Fans boo when an Als' cheerleader is shown holding the phony cup.
Ti-Cat cheerleaders get cheers
More dance team action in TV timeout. Hamilton Tiger-Cats' cheerleaders the new most popular in the league because they bared their..... arms. Yes, they took off their yellow jackets in the sub-zero conditions.
Smart TD makes it sweet 16 for B.C.
Buck Pierce hands-off to Ian Smart who scores a 25-yard running TD and McCallum converts. B.C. 16 Montreal 0.
first quarter quick summary
Lions lead 9-0 after the first quarter on a trio of field goals by Paul McCallum (35 the longest) on each possession. Dickenson goes 8-for-9 for 93 yards. Anthony Calvillo only 2-for-5 for just 20 yards and has fumbled once. The time of possession tells the story, too: Lions 10:26 and Alouettes 4:34.
Lions doing fine with points numbered nine
McCallum gets the hat-trick with a field goal from the 24. Now it's 9-0.
B.C. picks up fumble
Confused Calvillo the victim of a forced fumble by Aaron Hunt picked up by Javier Glatt on the Montreal 23.
3 QBs one quarter
Jarious Jackson succeeds on a third down gamble. Buck Pierce got in on the previous series. Dave Dickenson is the prime pivot. CTV's Perry Solkowski wonders aloud: is this the first time in Grey Cup history that a team has used three QBs in the first quarter?
CFL historians, please respond.
CFL historians, please respond.
cheerleaderpalooza
TV time out. Felions dance on the field. So do the Riders' and Esks' dance teams and the Alouettes filles, too.
With 8:24 left in the first quarter, it's B.C. 3 Montreal 0. B.C. ball on the Lions' 18.
With 8:24 left in the first quarter, it's B.C. 3 Montreal 0. B.C. ball on the Lions' 18.
B.C.'s first series
Lions take over on their 23 and first catch by Joe Smith who gets a first down. Dickenson completes each of the next three, including a pair to Paris Jackson. Dickenson runs to Montreal's 32, Buck Pierce into the game and hands off to Smith for a six-yard run. Dickenson pass to Clermont nearly intercepted by Als' Chip Cox as Dickenson gets under pressure from Ed Philion. Paul McCallum scores a 33-yard field goal with 10:11 left in the first quarter. B.C. 3 Mtl 0.
GAME ON!
Another sonic jet flypast and the 85th and final game of the 2006 CFL schedule -- the 94th Grey Cup -- between the B.C. Lions and Montreal Alouettes is underway! Bret Anderson kicks off!
Coin toss!
O Canada by Eva Avila, military flypast (the real Winnipeg Jets), cheerleaders leave field. Game time moments away!
Manitoba Premier Gary Doer and CFL Commish Tom Wright to do coin toss with ref Jake Ireland. Tails is the call by Geroy Simon. It is heads, but Als defer to the second half. B.C. to kick off to Montreal. Latest temperature is minus-1. Windchill is minus-7. The new forecast low is minus-10.
Manitoba Premier Gary Doer and CFL Commish Tom Wright to do coin toss with ref Jake Ireland. Tails is the call by Geroy Simon. It is heads, but Als defer to the second half. B.C. to kick off to Montreal. Latest temperature is minus-1. Windchill is minus-7. The new forecast low is minus-10.
the journey ends in Winnipeg
It all started with training camp's opening on Sunday, May 20 in Abbotsford's Rotary Park. It ends this evening in Winnipeg's Canad Inns Stadium for the B.C. Lions. They want to bring the Grey Cup trophy 2,298 kilometres west to have a true Party on the Pacific. Standing in their way are the Montreal Alouettes, who want to fly the cup 2,408 km east.
inten-sity in the Grey Cup city!
Lions and Als players, led by Chris Wilson, Otis Floyd and Carl Kidd gather around the 40 yard line and trash talk with several Alouettes. Referees near the other end getting their photos taken. Inten-sity in the Grey Cup city!
player intros
Player introductions now. Alouettes go first. Crowd reaction is lukewarm. Lions go next, but the lineups to get into the stadium are massive. Als include two Vancouverites: centre Bryan Chiu (a Vancouver College grad) and Mike Vilimek (Windsor secondary and SFU). B.C.'s centre is another VC guy, Angus Reid. Als are carrying the maple leaf and fleur des lis flags onto the field, en masse.
T-minus 30-minutes
Canad Inns Stadium is filling up. The Felions are dancing on the west sideline with Leo the Lion. Both teams are back in their locker rooms after warm-up. The Als will wear their white jerseys. Lions are in their third uniform, the black jersey/pants combo with white and orange trim and the pumpkinhead orange helmets they debuted this fall. On the helmet is a four-clawed paw -- representing each of their four Grey Cups.
weather update
24 hours prediction: Among the 94th Grey Cup's players of the game will be the portable heaters. That's because Environment Canada's latest forecast is for lows of minus-9 Celsius. Sunset is 4:41 p.m. CT. With 90 minutes until game time, it's minus-4 with windchill. Actual temperature is 0 Celsius. There are cloudy periods in the forecast. Winds are low at 13 km-h NNE, as of 3 p.m. CT.
Canad Inns Stadium: now open
The gates are open at Canad Inns Stadium in Winnipeg with two hours remaining until kickoff. The 45,000 blue seats will be filled by Canadian football fans from across the country. Even some Americans. B.C. Lions arrived at 2:15 p.m. CT. It will be one of the most-viewed live TV events of the year in Canada.
Johnson is Walby's Warrior
Another day, another honour for B.C. Lions' defensive lineman Brent Johnson. The league's top Canadian and defensive player for 2006 is Chris Walby's Warrior of the Year, just announced on the CBC pre-game show. Johnson won a 2007 GMC Sierra. Now he needs to acquire a new passenger named Grey Cup.
B.C. Lions' previous Grey Cup wins
Nov. 28, 1964: B.C. 34 Hamilton 24 in Toronto
Nov. 24, 1985: B.C. 37 Hamilton 24 in Montreal
Nov. 27, 1994: B.C. 26 Baltimore 23 in Vancouver
Nov. 26, 2000: B.C. 28 Montreal 26 in Calgary
Trivia: Baltimore Colts/Stallions/CFLers moved to Montreal and resurrected the Alouettes’ name in 1996.
Trivia: The only other time B.C. and Montreal met in post-season action was 1997’s East semifinal. B.C., the last-place team in the West, had more points than the third-place East team Winnipeg and qualified for the crossover. Montreal beat the Lions 45-35 in a game moved outdoors to Molson Stadium at McGill University because of a U2 concert at Olympic Stadium.
Nov. 24, 1985: B.C. 37 Hamilton 24 in Montreal
Nov. 27, 1994: B.C. 26 Baltimore 23 in Vancouver
Nov. 26, 2000: B.C. 28 Montreal 26 in Calgary
Trivia: Baltimore Colts/Stallions/CFLers moved to Montreal and resurrected the Alouettes’ name in 1996.
Trivia: The only other time B.C. and Montreal met in post-season action was 1997’s East semifinal. B.C., the last-place team in the West, had more points than the third-place East team Winnipeg and qualified for the crossover. Montreal beat the Lions 45-35 in a game moved outdoors to Molson Stadium at McGill University because of a U2 concert at Olympic Stadium.
The teams’ Grey Cup records
Montreal Alouettes 5-9 in Grey Cups (wins: 1949, 1970, 1974, 1977, 2002)
B.C. Lions 4-4 in Grey Cups (wins: 1964, 1985, 1994, 2000)
B.C. Lions 4-4 in Grey Cups (wins: 1964, 1985, 1994, 2000)
Grey Cups in Winnipeg
Sunday Nov. 24, 1991: Toronto 36 Calgary 21
Sunday Nov. 22, 1998: Calgary 26 Hamilton 24
Suday. Nov. 19, 2006: B.C. ? Montreal ?
Trivia: B.C. Lions’ Wally Buono, Calgary's ex-head coach, is the only head coach in all three Winnipeg-hosted Grey Cups.
Sunday Nov. 22, 1998: Calgary 26 Hamilton 24
Suday. Nov. 19, 2006: B.C. ? Montreal ?
Trivia: B.C. Lions’ Wally Buono, Calgary's ex-head coach, is the only head coach in all three Winnipeg-hosted Grey Cups.
Grey Cup Flashback 2000
It was deuces wild for B.C. Lions' kicker/punter Lui Passaglia in the final game of his quarter-century career as he had two field goals, two converts and two singles to lead the B.C. Lions in a 28-26 win over the Montreal Alouettes. It was the first time B.C. and Montreal met in a Grey Cup.
Grey Cup Flashback 2005
Edmonton Eskimos beat the Montreal Alouettes 38-35 at B.C. Place Stadium on Nov. 27, 2005 in the 93rd Grey Cup. Alouette Damon Duval’s field goal to end regulation time forced the tiebreaker -- a CFL first since 1961. Eskimo Sean Fleming scored the Cup-winning field goal in the climax of the Party on the Pacific.
Welcome to Winnipeg!
Winnipeg, where the Red River and Assiniboine River meet, is the capital of the province of Manitoba. City population is 619,544 and is situated 229 metres above sea level. The city's name means "muddy water" in Cree.
Some little-known facts about Winnipeg:
Harlequin Romance publishing empire was founded in Winnipeg in 1949 by Richard and Mary Bonnycastle.
Winnipeg's General Strike of 1919, the largest-ever community strike in Canada, forever placed Winnipeg at the centre of the labour movement and forced then Mayor Charles F. Gray to enact the Riot Act.
Asham Curling Supplies is the only company in Canada that manufactures curling shoes, which they distribute worldwide.
Opened in 1928, Winnipeg International Airport was the first international airport in Canada.
Winnipeg was the first city in the world to develop the 911 emergency phone number.
The Second World War’s most famous spymaster, Sir William Stephenson, whose incredible story was immortalized in the best selling book, A Man Called Intrepid, was born and raised in Winnipeg. This legend and his escapades became the inspiration of Ian Flemming's suave spy, 007 James Bond.
(source: Destination Winnipeg)
Cup Crazy, part 2
Winnipeg Sun's weekend edition front page features the Grey Cup and outgoing CFL commissioner Tom Wright. Wright was recognized at a Sunday morning breakfast by the Football Reporters of Canada. The friendly football exec was presented a silver platter. The engravement said: "Tom, we wanted to keep you."
CBC is on the air
CBC just began its three-hour pre-game show from centrefield at Canad Inns Stadium. Right off the top, host Elliotte Friedman offered a classy hello to all those in B.C. who are dealing with rain and wind-caused hardships.
Cup Crazy, part 1
Winnipeggers gone wild! They're slathering on sunscreen, putting on the shades and stacking their trucks! They'll be bundling up because it'll be dark and cold by game time. (Bob Mackin photo)
24 hours pigskin podcasts
Check out 24hrspodcast.com for Guts McTavish's Grey Cup party planner and exclusive interviews from the players themselves.
football foreshadowing?
The last time teams from Vancouver and Montreal clashed in a playoff game of any sport was late September in the United Soccer Leagues' First Division semifinal series.
Vancouver Whitecaps and Montreal Impact played to a scoreless tie on Sept. 22 at Swangard Stadium in Burnaby, B.C. Whitecaps were 2-0 extra-time winners on the Sept. 24 return leg in Montreal. Winning goal scorer Eduardo Sebrango was red-carded for his 115th minute excessive celebration. There are more things in common between the two great games than you think! Tony Donatelli had the other goal. On Sept. 30, Whitecaps captured the league championship against the Rochester Raging Rhinos.
Vancouver Whitecaps and Montreal Impact played to a scoreless tie on Sept. 22 at Swangard Stadium in Burnaby, B.C. Whitecaps were 2-0 extra-time winners on the Sept. 24 return leg in Montreal. Winning goal scorer Eduardo Sebrango was red-carded for his 115th minute excessive celebration. There are more things in common between the two great games than you think! Tony Donatelli had the other goal. On Sept. 30, Whitecaps captured the league championship against the Rochester Raging Rhinos.
Grey Cup Sunday is here!
Sunrise in Winnipeg. It's Nov. 19, 2006. -7 C (-13 C with windchill). It'll warm up to a high of 1 C then it'll drop again to -3 C at kickoff. Sun sets at 4:41 p.m. CT and the eyes of Canada and the (Canadian football world) turn to Canad Inns Stadium at 5 p.m. CT/3 p.m. PT for the 94th Grey Cup between the B.C. Lions and Montreal Alouettes.
Got my HoJo working
Back at the Howard Johnson near Canad Inns Stadium. Bus #14 is very efficient. Taxis are, too. The travel time from Portage & Main to the hotel is remarkably quick (less than 15 minutes at off-peak hours). Wish I could go from Waterfront Station to Broadway and Granville that quickly. Karaoke Saturday night is wrapping up at the lounge downstairs. I recommend the Fort Garry Pale Ale. Kickoff is less than 27 hours away. Rest and replenish.
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Delta
Sitting at the Elephant & Castle, about to enjoy Shepherd's pie. Lions' WR Tony Simmons is sitting in the lobby of the Leos' hotel, glad to be on the trip but he'd rather be playing. He's on the mend from knee ligament surgery after a June injury in Regina.
Convention Centre is rockin!
Booze Bros from B.C., outside the Winnipeg CC, made friends with the local constabulary for a photo opp. Riderville atendees are listening to Tears for Fears. They're still not over the West final loss. Pity them flatlanders.
Schooners, sooner than later
York the Hotel hosts the Atlantic Kitchen Party. Forget Ottawa, give Halifax a team! The Keith's is cold & lobster rolls tasty. The band played some Pogues. Gotta like that. Sociable!!!
Grey Cup party quest stop 1
Parka Party at the Forks with Celtic rockers in kilts and forlorn Ottawa Renegades fans building beer cup pyramids in the cold winds off the mighty Red River.
Taylor says B.C., but it's not going to be a blowout
Canadian Football Hall of Fame media inductee Jim Taylor has gazed into his crystal ball and has weighed in on the Grey Cup. He’s like the rest, predicting a B.C. Lions’ victory in the Grey Cup. He says it’ll be a three-point game.
“If the B.C. Lions and Montreal Alouettes both play their best game, then B.C. wins," Taylor told 24 hours from his West Vancouver home. "That very seldom happens that both teams play as well as they can. B.C. should be good enough to win. I’m a little bit confused by all this stuff that I read and hear that the Lions should walk all over the these guys and it’s a shame the Alouettes have to show up; that’s a very good football team out there. The Lions are better and they should win. If they get the least bit careless or swell-headed by that near-sweep at the awards, they’re going to be in trouble.”
“The key is what the key always is: can the offensive line protect Dave Dickenson?”
--Bob Mackin
“If the B.C. Lions and Montreal Alouettes both play their best game, then B.C. wins," Taylor told 24 hours from his West Vancouver home. "That very seldom happens that both teams play as well as they can. B.C. should be good enough to win. I’m a little bit confused by all this stuff that I read and hear that the Lions should walk all over the these guys and it’s a shame the Alouettes have to show up; that’s a very good football team out there. The Lions are better and they should win. If they get the least bit careless or swell-headed by that near-sweep at the awards, they’re going to be in trouble.”
“The key is what the key always is: can the offensive line protect Dave Dickenson?”
--Bob Mackin
Latest weather report
It truly is Winterpeg. Saturday night's forecast low, from Environment Canada, is -10 Celsius under clear skies.
Sunday will top out at 1 C. It'll be darker and colder by the 5 p.m. (3 p.m. PT) kickoff. Nov. 19 coincides with the last quarter phase of the moon. Overnight low could fall to -11 C. Sunset will be 4:42 p.m. CT. Could the game be decided in the last quarter?
Sunday will top out at 1 C. It'll be darker and colder by the 5 p.m. (3 p.m. PT) kickoff. Nov. 19 coincides with the last quarter phase of the moon. Overnight low could fall to -11 C. Sunset will be 4:42 p.m. CT. Could the game be decided in the last quarter?
stay there and be here
Vancouver's Geosmack has created a nifty way to be at Canad Inns Stadium without braving the cold of Winnipeg. Check out the interactive 3-D Google Earth-generated tour of the Grey Cup stadium via geosmack.com.
CBC's telecast will be in high definition and includes the flyover camera that debuted at the 2005 Grey Cup in Vancouver.
CBC's telecast will be in high definition and includes the flyover camera that debuted at the 2005 Grey Cup in Vancouver.
Nelly is in the Peg
In 24 hours, it will be halftime. In 24 hours, Victoria's Nelly Furtado will perform while the Als and Leos take a break from the Grey Cup. Furtado is in Canad Inns Stadium rehearsing. O Canada will be sun by Eva Avila, the latest Canadian Idol winner.
Booze Bros.
The Booze Brothers prowl the Portage parade, pleasing people and pursuing potent potables in the Peg.
Parade musings
WINNIPEG: For players on both teams, Saturday night is just like Christmas Eve. Dreams of the shiny Grey Cup dance in their heads.
The Grey Cup parade was essentially a football-themed Santa Claus parade, which started on Sherbrook, turned onto Portage Avenue and ended at The Forks. It started just before 4 p.m. When the sun sank in the horizon less than an hour later, the above-zero temperature plunged and winds kicked up.
B.C. Lions were represented by the Booze Brothers, Felions and Leo the Lion. Halifax still dreams of a team, so the Atlantic Schooners' boosters marched. There was even representation from the Baltimore Stallions' Fan Club. The current incarnation of the Montreal Alouettes was actually born in Baltimore during the CFL's southern expansion and moved to Montreal in 1996.
B.C. beat Baltimore in 1994's Grey Cup at B.C. Place Stadium. Ex-Lions' head coach Don Matthews was Baltimore's sideline general. Baltimore became the only non-Canadian Grey Cup winner in 1995 when they beat the Calgary Stampeders at Taylor Field in Regina.
Vancouver's 2005 Grey Cup parade, produced by Patrick Roberge, remains the best in the modern era. And not just because Pamela Anderson was the grand marshal.
--Bob Mackin
The Grey Cup parade was essentially a football-themed Santa Claus parade, which started on Sherbrook, turned onto Portage Avenue and ended at The Forks. It started just before 4 p.m. When the sun sank in the horizon less than an hour later, the above-zero temperature plunged and winds kicked up.
B.C. Lions were represented by the Booze Brothers, Felions and Leo the Lion. Halifax still dreams of a team, so the Atlantic Schooners' boosters marched. There was even representation from the Baltimore Stallions' Fan Club. The current incarnation of the Montreal Alouettes was actually born in Baltimore during the CFL's southern expansion and moved to Montreal in 1996.
B.C. beat Baltimore in 1994's Grey Cup at B.C. Place Stadium. Ex-Lions' head coach Don Matthews was Baltimore's sideline general. Baltimore became the only non-Canadian Grey Cup winner in 1995 when they beat the Calgary Stampeders at Taylor Field in Regina.
Vancouver's 2005 Grey Cup parade, produced by Patrick Roberge, remains the best in the modern era. And not just because Pamela Anderson was the grand marshal.
--Bob Mackin
the pivot and the play-by-play man
B.C. Lions' quarterback Dave Dickenson speaks after Saturday's practice with the man who will be calling the game for CBC Sports, Mark Lee. Watch the 94th Grey Cup on CBC at 3 p.m. PT (or listen to Team1040.ca). Wherever you are in the world, check out cfl.ca for your other viewing and listening options.
Past and present Leos' pass-catchers
CFL on CBC commentator Darren Flutie chats with B.C. Lion Geroy Simon on Saturday at Canad Inns Stadium. Flutie, an ex-B.C. Lion, was voted 50th best player in CFL history in a TSN-sponsored poll.
Clock ticking to Cup kickoff
WINNIPEG: Different players deal with pre-game jitters differently.
B.C. Lions' linebacker Javier Glatt has a one-track mind on the eve of Sunday's 94th Grey Cup.
"It’s starting to be something that’s consuming my thoughts, I can’t think about anything else, that’s a pretty overwhelming feeling," Glatt said.
Running back Joe Smith, a Grey Cup rookie, brought his guitar along for the trip and has plucked and strummed in his spare time. Lions are hoping to thrill their fans on Sunday, but Smith was hoping to get some thrills of his own at a Winnipeg cinema.
"I probably will go and see (the new) 007 (movie) tonight, I’ll probably check that out tonight with my fiancée," he said.
DL Brent Johnson and OL Rob Murphy were teammates on the Ohio State Buckeyes and watched their alma mater beat Michigan Wolverines 42-39 on TV.
CFL's outstanding Canadian and defensive player Johnson and Murphy, the outstanding lineman, were roommates in college and both played hockey as teens.
"It’s always great to have history with a person," Johnson said. "I’m very lucky that way that I have that attachment."
--Bob Mackin
Wally's wit & wisdom
WINNIPEG: Vince Lombardi is the most-quoted sage in American football history. Canadian football has Pinball Clemons in Toronto and Wally Buono in B.C.
After Buono’s Lions had their final training session at Canad Inns Stadium on Saturday, he sat down with the media. Some of the pearls of wisdom he offered allowed a glimpse into what makes the CFL’s greatest active coach tick.
On avoiding distractions, including the deluge of media reports heavily favouring the Lions to win the Grey Cup:
“I’ve tried to put myself in a vacuum, I don’t want to be influenced, I’m a big believer that what you breathe in, you breathe out. What your mind takes in affects what you do.”
On his lack of passionate pre-game speech to players (he did his at the start of the week):
“I used to hate when a coach tried to tell me five minutes before a game how important a game was.”
On the lack of controversy during this Grey Cup week:
“Why do we need all that? Why do we need to express a negative when there’s no need to be negative? Let’s enjoy the week, enjoy the festivities. Two great teams are going to play, one’s going to win, one’s going to lose. The team that wins, God bless them. The team that loses, God bless them. It brings the country together, it continues a tradition and it gives you guys (in the media) a job.”
--Bob Mackin
Saturday sun shines on Grey Cup field
The Saturday morning view of Canad Inns Stadium from Winnipeg's Howard Johnson Hotel.
Friday, November 17, 2006
Nifty 13 ex-Lions on CFL top 50
WINNIPEG: It’s official. Ex-B.C. Lions Doug Flutie and Darren Flutie aren’t just brothers, they’re now bookends.
Quarterback Doug was voted the best player in Canadian Football League history in the TSN-sponsored Top 50 Players poll announced Friday. Brother Darren, a receiver, was ranked 50th.
“That’s special to us, even though we only had the opportunity to play eight games together,” Doug Flutie said.
The three-time Grey Cup MVP began an eight-year career in Canada with the B.C. Lions in 1990. He saw greater success with the Calgary Stampeders and Toronto Argonauts.
“My first reaction was, after a month or so of the (1990) season, I’m going to play a couple of seasons then get the heck out and go back,” Flutie told 24 hours. He changed his mind when quarterback-friendly head coach Bob O’Billovich was hired.
“Then I didn’t care to go back.”
Flutie said he should’ve spent his whole career in the CFL. “It was so fun to play.”
Saskatchewan Roughriders’ legendary running back George Reed was second, followed by the late Jackie Parker. Parker ended his career in 1968 as a B.C. quarterback.
Lui Passaglia was voted the top toe. The three-time Grey Cup winning kicker/punter was ranked 30th.
“Not bad for a kid who just wanted to be part of a local team that I idolized when I grew up,” Passaglia said. “I thought making the team in 1976 was going to be the greatest thing in the world.”
B.C. Lions on the TSN Top 50 CFL Players list: QB Doug Flutie (1), QB Jackie Parker (3), QB Damon Allen (14), LB Willie Pless (16), DL/LB James Parker (21), DB Less Browne (23), K/P Lui Passaglia (30), DB Larry Highbaugh (38), QB Matt Dunigan (39), WR Mervyn Fernandez (42), DL Bill Baker (43), OL Bill Frank (49), WR Darren Flutie (50).
--Bob Mackin
Miles not letting friends get in the way of Grey
WINNIPEG: Barron Miles played six seasons for the Montreal Alouettes before joining the B.C. Lions as a free agent last year.
During his time with Montreal, he struck up lasting friendships with several players, including quarterback Anthony Calvillo.
“They’re pretty much like aunts and uncles to my kids,” said Miles, who now lives in Cloverdale. “They watched my kids grow up.”
He’ll have to put aside such friendships temporarily on Sunday when the Leos battle the Als.
Miles and Calvillo are actually going for a Hawaiian holiday beginning Dec. 5.
“One of us is going to have the Grey Cup,” Miles said. “I want it to be in my hands.”
--Bob Mackin
Bob Mackin is using the Motorola Moto Q from Telus. It's a phone, it's a Windows
mobile computer, it's also a camera.
During his time with Montreal, he struck up lasting friendships with several players, including quarterback Anthony Calvillo.
“They’re pretty much like aunts and uncles to my kids,” said Miles, who now lives in Cloverdale. “They watched my kids grow up.”
He’ll have to put aside such friendships temporarily on Sunday when the Leos battle the Als.
Miles and Calvillo are actually going for a Hawaiian holiday beginning Dec. 5.
“One of us is going to have the Grey Cup,” Miles said. “I want it to be in my hands.”
--Bob Mackin
Bob Mackin is using the Motorola Moto Q from Telus. It's a phone, it's a Windows
mobile computer, it's also a camera.
Flutie and Looo
"Hey, you're Lui Passaglia, the greatest kicker in CFL history!" Legendary quarterback Doug Flutie appears surprised to see his former B.C. Lions' teammate at the Winnipeg ceremony announcing the top 50 players in CFL history. Flutie topped the list. Passaglia was 30th. (Bob Mackin photo)
Bob Mackin is using the Motorola Moto Q from Telus. It's a phone, it's a Windows
mobile computer, it's also a camera.
Ninja Leos trio
B.C. Lions' linebackers Carl Kidd (left) and Otis Floyd stay warm on the sidelines in Winnipeg during practice Friday with defensive lineman Aaron Hunt. Sunday's game time temperature will be below zero Celsius. (Bob Mackin photo)
Ackles and Simon sideline chat
B.C. Lions' president Bob Ackles chats with Canadian Football League's 2006 most outstanding player Geroy Simon during practice Friday at Canad Inns Stadium in Winnipeg. (Bob Mackin photo)
Geroy Simon: a Winnipeg son
Geroy Simon started his CFL career as a Winnipeg Blue Bomber but has blossomed as a B.C. Lion. He won the league's most outstanding player award and fans' choice award at the Nov. 16 Rogers CFL Player Awards in the Grey Cup city. 24 hours' sister Winnipeg Sun recognized the all-star slotback on its Nov. 17 front page in newspaper boxes around the city, like this one at Canad Inns Stadium. (Bob Mackin photo)
CFL's All-Time Top 10 on TSN
1-Doug Flutie; 2-George Reed;
3-Jackie Parker; 4-Mike Pringle; 5-Warren Moon; 6-Garney Henley; 7-Ron Lancaster;
8-Russ Jackson; 9-Wayne Harris; Allen Pitts.
3-Jackie Parker; 4-Mike Pringle; 5-Warren Moon; 6-Garney Henley; 7-Ron Lancaster;
8-Russ Jackson; 9-Wayne Harris; Allen Pitts.
another Lion award?
Doug Flutie or the late Jackie Parker could be the number one name on the top 50 Canadian Football League players of all-time. The list will be revealed at 5 p.m. CT in Winnipeg, with special coverage from TSN. Both played with B.C.: Flutie came north and began his CFL journey as a Lion in 1990 while Parker quarterbacked the Lions for eight games in 1968 to end his playing career. Voting concluded before Parker's death earlier this month from throat cancer. More people saw Flutie play, but those who followed Parker's career call him the greatest football player ever.
the whole world will be watching
The Grey Cup is going global. TV viewers in the United States, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Pacific Rim, Mexico and 19 other countries in the Americas can enjoy the three-down extravaganza in Winnipeg.
The game will be available to 21 million households because of a simulcast on ESPN Dos and ESPN International?s Pacific Rim feed. Another 61 million American homes can access the game on a patchwork of national satellite and regional cable services, including Dish Network and DirecTV.
The game will be available to 21 million households because of a simulcast on ESPN Dos and ESPN International?s Pacific Rim feed. Another 61 million American homes can access the game on a patchwork of national satellite and regional cable services, including Dish Network and DirecTV.
The Men in Stripes
Hamilton's John "Jake" Ireland will referee the 94th Grey Cup. The 59-year-old, 28-year CFL veteran will be in his 13th Grey Cup. He refereed the Lions' 1985 triumph in Montreal and B.C.'s 1994 victory in Vancouver. Bob Reddekopp, who umpired B.C.'s 2000 win over the Als at Calgary, is back as umpire. Al Bradbury returns as line judge. The Winnipegger worked the Lions' 2004 loss to the Toronto Argonauts. Brent Buchko (head linesman), Jeff Harbin (side judge), Don Ellis (Back judge), Al McColman (field judge) and Glen Johnson and Steve Dolyniuk (alternates) round out the zebras' roster.
Commish's confab
WINNIPEG: The game, the business and the future.
Three things Canadian Football League commissioner Tom Wright discussed during his swan song state of the league address to the media on Nov. 17 in Winnipeg.
Wright resigns at the end of 2006 after achieving much of his aggressive agenda to turn around the league’s fortunes. He wasn’t able to turn B.C. Lions or Montreal Alouettes’ owners into believers, but doesn’t regret his decision to leave after four years.
“I’ve had one of the best damn jobs in the country,” Wright said.
In 2006, scoring was down, kick returns not as prevalent and penalties rose after a dramatic fall in 2005.
“We will be making changes as to how rules are evaluated, changed or even considered before they come ultimately to the Board of Governors for their approval,” Wright said.
Investments in officials and perfecting video replay will continue.
The salary management system will be enforced in 2007, providing economic stability for the league.
Wright said league net revenues grew for the fourth straight year to record levels. Sponsorship is also at a record level and attendance grew 2%, averaging 29,000 fans per game.
TSN had its second best regular season ratings and CBC averaged 415,000 viewers a game.
A majority of franchises are profitable.
He said the league is committed to returning to Ottawa for 2008 “under the absolute right conditions for our fans and business partners in the capital region,” he said.
If Halifax wins its bid for the 2014 Commonwealth Games, CFL could finally have an East Coast entry because a new stadium would be built.
He said the league has begun to establish an anti-doping policy with the CFL Players’ Association.
“It’s overdue,” he said.
Additionally, a code of conduct for all league employees, coaches and players included, is on its way.
Chief operating officer Mike Copeland said he is not a candidate for Wright’s job.
Gene Dunn, chairman of the league’s board of governors, said the search for Wright’s successor continues and may not come before the end of the calendar year.
--Bob Mackin
Three things Canadian Football League commissioner Tom Wright discussed during his swan song state of the league address to the media on Nov. 17 in Winnipeg.
Wright resigns at the end of 2006 after achieving much of his aggressive agenda to turn around the league’s fortunes. He wasn’t able to turn B.C. Lions or Montreal Alouettes’ owners into believers, but doesn’t regret his decision to leave after four years.
“I’ve had one of the best damn jobs in the country,” Wright said.
In 2006, scoring was down, kick returns not as prevalent and penalties rose after a dramatic fall in 2005.
“We will be making changes as to how rules are evaluated, changed or even considered before they come ultimately to the Board of Governors for their approval,” Wright said.
Investments in officials and perfecting video replay will continue.
The salary management system will be enforced in 2007, providing economic stability for the league.
Wright said league net revenues grew for the fourth straight year to record levels. Sponsorship is also at a record level and attendance grew 2%, averaging 29,000 fans per game.
TSN had its second best regular season ratings and CBC averaged 415,000 viewers a game.
A majority of franchises are profitable.
He said the league is committed to returning to Ottawa for 2008 “under the absolute right conditions for our fans and business partners in the capital region,” he said.
If Halifax wins its bid for the 2014 Commonwealth Games, CFL could finally have an East Coast entry because a new stadium would be built.
He said the league has begun to establish an anti-doping policy with the CFL Players’ Association.
“It’s overdue,” he said.
Additionally, a code of conduct for all league employees, coaches and players included, is on its way.
Chief operating officer Mike Copeland said he is not a candidate for Wright’s job.
Gene Dunn, chairman of the league’s board of governors, said the search for Wright’s successor continues and may not come before the end of the calendar year.
--Bob Mackin
Flapjackfest
In a long line at convention centre for the Calgary pancake breakfast. It is 0 Celsius outside with snow on the ground.
Just came from commish Tom
Wright's swan song news conference.
Just came from commish Tom
Wright's swan song news conference.
Winnipeg weather
The Friday morning Environment Canada report, as of 7 a.m. local: Cloudy. 0 Celsius (windchill -6 C). Winds NNW 30 km-h. Clearing this afternoon, but dipping to minus 12! Saturday sunny, high of 3 Celsius. Sunday's low is -6 and high is 4.
Expect a sub-zero game-time temperature. But it'll be dry.
Expect a sub-zero game-time temperature. But it'll be dry.
Thursday, November 16, 2006
B.C. Lions' fab five win in Winnipeg
B.C. Lions' Rob Murphy (left), Brent Johnson, Geroy Simon, Aaron Hunt and Mark Washington celebrate the biggest haul in Rogers CFL Player Awards history on Nov. 16 in Winnipeg.
CFL says Simon outstanding
Lions' slotback Geroy Simon is the CFL's outstanding player of 2006 after 11 100-plus-yards games and a career-best 105 receptions, 1,856 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Geroy: fan fave
B.C. slotback Geroy Simon voted Rogers Fans' Choice Award winner. He was a five-time player of the game during CFL on TSN broadcasts in 2006.
Johnson & Johnson
Lions' defensive end Brent Johnson a double winner at CFL awards: most outstanding Canadian and most outstanding defensive player.
Murphy voted CFL's best lineman
B.C. left tackle Rob Murphy is the CFL's outstanding lineman for 2006.
Washington gets sportsmanship award
Tom Pate award for sportsmanship, contribution to his team, community and CFL Players' Association goes to Lions' defensive back Mark Washington.
DeAngelis: de special teams winner
Calgary Stampeders' kicker Sandro DeAngelis is the CFL's outstanding special teams player of the year.
Aaron Hunt: CFL rookie of the year
Lions' defensive tackle Aaron Hunt is rookie of the year at Rogers CFL Player of the Year Awards in Winnipeg's Centennial Theatre.
Peg update
Windchill reading minus 12 but sun is on the way. At media breakfast in Radisson downtown with the Als.
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
In the Peg
A rare sight. The subdued Lions' fans on the flight from Vancouver emerged from the arrivals terminal at Winnipeg International Airport and basked in the cold and dark conditions outside. Minus 4, officially at the airport. "Who lives at the airport?" George Carlin once asked. There is a cluster of hotels nearby and Canad Inns Stadium, too. I can see it from my window. It's a half-dozen football fields' away.
The hotel shuttle bus driver predicts 30-18 Montreal. He says he's the only one in the building pulling for the Alouettes. just outside the window is a Winnebago painted in Saskatchewan Roughriders' colours. Somewhere there is a big green tear on the inside. Many canceled their trip after last weekend's mauling at B.C. Place Stadium. Methinks many a flatlander will be going to the "near east" and drowning their sorrows this week.
The hotel shuttle bus driver predicts 30-18 Montreal. He says he's the only one in the building pulling for the Alouettes. just outside the window is a Winnebago painted in Saskatchewan Roughriders' colours. Somewhere there is a big green tear on the inside. Many canceled their trip after last weekend's mauling at B.C. Place Stadium. Methinks many a flatlander will be going to the "near east" and drowning their sorrows this week.
CFL Awards tonight; Double-D gets weekly nod
Bob Mackin
B.C. Lions' quarterback Dave Dickenson isn't a candidate for a Rogers CFL Player of the Year Award tonight. But he did earn another league honour yesterday.
His 27 completions on 37 attempts for 274 yards and three touchdowns in last Sunday's Scotiabank West Championship made him offensive player of the week.
Teammate Rob Murphy was offensive lineman of the week and Jason Jimenez, another offensive lineman, was runner-up.
A key to the 45-18 win over the Saskatchewan Roughriders was the solid protection afforded Dickenson, who wasn't sacked.
Alouettes' defensive back Mark Estelle was defensive player of the week after Montreal's 33-24 win over the Toronto Argonauts in the East championship. Als' kick returner Avon Cobourne earned special teams player of the week with seven punts received for 50 yards and five kickoff returns for 90 yards.
Lions' slotback Geroy Simon is expected to win most outstanding offensive player of the year tonight at Centennial Hall in Winnipeg. He's one of four Lions who are donning tuxedos for the event, which will be carried live on TSN at 6:30 p.m.
Brent Johnson could win most outstanding Canadian for the second season. He's also nominated for top defensive player honours. Murphy (lineman) and Aaron Hunt (rookie) are the other Lions in the spotlight.
Montreal's Scott Flory (lineman) and Etienne Boulay (rookie) are among the East candidates.
Simon has already been named winner of the Jeff Nicklin Trophy, which hasn't been presented for 15 years. Veteran Cliff Chadderton will present the award, in memory of Nicklin, who was killed in World War II.
There's a strong Canadian Forces presence at the Grey Cup because of the Conservative administration's military recruiting drive.
B.C. Lions' quarterback Dave Dickenson isn't a candidate for a Rogers CFL Player of the Year Award tonight. But he did earn another league honour yesterday.
His 27 completions on 37 attempts for 274 yards and three touchdowns in last Sunday's Scotiabank West Championship made him offensive player of the week.
Teammate Rob Murphy was offensive lineman of the week and Jason Jimenez, another offensive lineman, was runner-up.
A key to the 45-18 win over the Saskatchewan Roughriders was the solid protection afforded Dickenson, who wasn't sacked.
Alouettes' defensive back Mark Estelle was defensive player of the week after Montreal's 33-24 win over the Toronto Argonauts in the East championship. Als' kick returner Avon Cobourne earned special teams player of the week with seven punts received for 50 yards and five kickoff returns for 90 yards.
Lions' slotback Geroy Simon is expected to win most outstanding offensive player of the year tonight at Centennial Hall in Winnipeg. He's one of four Lions who are donning tuxedos for the event, which will be carried live on TSN at 6:30 p.m.
Brent Johnson could win most outstanding Canadian for the second season. He's also nominated for top defensive player honours. Murphy (lineman) and Aaron Hunt (rookie) are the other Lions in the spotlight.
Montreal's Scott Flory (lineman) and Etienne Boulay (rookie) are among the East candidates.
Simon has already been named winner of the Jeff Nicklin Trophy, which hasn't been presented for 15 years. Veteran Cliff Chadderton will present the award, in memory of Nicklin, who was killed in World War II.
There's a strong Canadian Forces presence at the Grey Cup because of the Conservative administration's military recruiting drive.
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