Even though hockey is the sport Canada is most renowned for, with sizzling summer temperatures it seems fitting the gridiron game will be the one celebrating our nation’s birthday with a series of Canadian Football League (CFL) games to recognize the beauty of sport within the country.
Traces of Riderville are sprinkled everywhere in Canada between Victoria and St. John’s, so it’s only fitting that “Canada’s Team” is the site of one the Canada Day long weekend games in the CFL.
The Riders will welcome in the Montreal Alouettes, while not geographical rivals, there is plenty of history between the two teams. Along with competing in back to back Grey Cups in 2009 and 2010, the Riders outlasted the Alouettes, 54-51 in overtime, on July 1, 2010, in an instant classic that many fans claim to be one of the best games in CFL history.
Montreal is fresh off a 37-13 win over the Riders on June 23.
Riders Head Coach Craig Dickenson is looking forward to leading the green and white out on to the field on Saturday as apart of the Canada Day weekend. “Very privileged and honoured to be here, I think it’s the best place in the country to coach football with the best fans and really the best support you can get.”
For Riders Safety Mike Edem, the festive nature of Canada Day is something that he enjoys about playing on the long weekend. “It’s a big celebration across the country, everyone’s home, families are together, barbecuing, summertime, great weather, it’s just a great atmosphere to be around.”
Since moving to Canada, Edem noted that Canada Day is a very important holiday within his family.
Being apart of a special Canada Day event is something that receiver Justin McInnis has dreamed about his entire life. “I remember being a kid and I always wanting to do something to celebrate Canada Day, do the fireworks and now I’m apart of something that people are going to come and watch.”
As a Montreal product, McInnis is looking forward to some vengeance towards his hometown team on Saturday. The wide receiver says he is treating this weekend’s game as a rivalry game.
McInnis’s number may be called upon a lot more on Saturday as he is one of three Canadian receivers set to start for Saskatchewan on Saturday.
With a home field advantage, Edem is looking forward to playing in front of Rider nation on Canada Day. “When you walk out of the tunnel, it’s packed in here, it feels like people are coming down from the stands , you’re about to storm the field, it’s an atmosphere that you have to be here to experience it and these fans make it worthwhile.”
The green and white will meet the rouge, blanc et bleu on Saturday at Mosaic Stadium. The game can be heard on 620 CKRM with opening kickoff at 5:00.
