Snow is falling at my house today - sometimes it's great big giant snow globe flakes gently falling and other times it's small rapidly blowing pellets. It's enjoyable to sit and watch with the glow of the LED lit Christmas tree...until one focusses on that one green ornament with the //=S=// engraved across it. The Grey Cup was held a week ago Sunday and the Toronto Argonauts were crowned champions over the Calgary Stampeders...the Stamps losing in heartbreak for the second year in a row.
Scrolling through social media feeds it was clear the majority of Rider Nation was on the Argos side. It was a bit of 2009 revenge since it's widely known how Rider fans had to withstand all the ribbing from Stamps fans after that 13th Man debacle in Calgary eight years ago. I understand how some Rider fans felt under those circumstances but I'd never wish that on anyone else so I held myself back from posting much in relation to that. At the same time how can one deny that while the Argos played like they deserved to be champions under Marc Trestmans leadership it was also fate they were going to win. I know that's not a popular idea that the CFL might have wanted a particular team to win but it seems somewhat true to me. The ramifications of the Argonaut win means tickets and merchandise sold to oblivious Torontonians throughout the year. Sure that does make for a healthier CFL but can that attitude hold until training camp starts in May? I'm not sure. Toronto has won before and not all that long ago and many fans still looked the other way.
My Saskatchewan Roughriders were one game away from the big dance. They lost to the champs in the east division final. When you phrase things in that way I don't feel badly about it anymore. As hard as it is for any CFL fan to close the doors on the season I think I'd rather do it in a divisional final than in heartbreak during a Cup game. Unfortunately though, because my team lost, I found myself with little interest about the actual Grey Cup game itself. Sure I still watched it but I also decorated my house for Christmas at the same time. It didn't get my total attention until half time when rhinestone clad Shania Twain came out on dog sled and entertained me...which I fully enjoyed.
The Riders have 22 free agents. At this time last year we were all consumed with wanting Darian Durant to re-sign with the Riders - oh how things have changed! This year there are some big names on this free agent list and with the exception of a couple...Rider fans want them all back. The team was close and evolving with every game and while sometimes they'd take a step back they had all the puzzle pieces. There's questions about the Quarterback position and Canuck Brandon Bridge is a free agent. It's been said that his agent had already approached Jones about a contract but we are waiting not so patiently to find out if he'll be back. 3 Down Nation had reported that Willie Jefferson signed a contract prior to Grey Cup yet nothing official has been reported by the Riders. We are starved for Rider news and every time I get a little alert on my phone my heart leaps...only to find out it's the weather network informing me that more snow is on the way.
Still I'd far rather be a fan of the Riders this off season than a few other teams in the league. Krazy Kavis is out looking for a head coach. Corey Chamblin was on the list and removed himself which just might be the smartest thing he's ever done. I know there's no way I'd ever want to work for Reed since Montreal seems to have coaches on short leashes. In BC, Wally Buono is taking a step back and will only be coaching in his final year while Ed Hervey was named GM. There's a lot of speculation how that will all turn out. Both of those teams also have question marks around their quarterbacking position. I'd think the Stampeders will be examining why they are so dominant during the regular season but can't seem to win post season. June Jones was given full title of head coach of the Hamilton TigerCats and they seemed to rebound with him in charge so I'd look for them to continue that momentum in 2018. These things are just the beginnings of CFL news in the off season.
What do we have to look forward to for 2018? The Eagles are playing Mosaic Stadium in May. I've seen them twice and they're worth far more than the ticket prices. If the concert wasn't planned for a Thursday during my teaching week before our major festival I'd be there in a heartbeat. For me, the Eagles set the standard for what all concerts should be. Don't miss out on this one. Trust me no matter what your musical tastes are - you will love this. To those who love to hate this announcement...the Eagles are on tour and the last time they played Saskatoon they were here for 3 sold out concerts. Stop criticizing what you don't know.
That goes for your football knowledge too. * grin *
In the new year I plan on working on this very site and giving it a facelift. In case you didn't know the background which I know can give some googly eyes after reading was inspired by the coloured seats at Taylor Field which we saw demolished this autumn. Next year I plan on integrating Power Rankings as well as continuing my blogs which so many of you have supported with your (mostly) kind comments through 2017. With three weeks to go until Rider Claus breaks and enters into all our humble abodes it's not likely I'll get to post again unless something big comes up. I wish all of you warm fuzzies through the holiday season and I hope Santa brings you your hearts desire on Christmas morning.
...and remember - don't stop BEL18VING - we have a cup to get in 18.
