Toronto, ON (My Sportsbook) - CFL fans living in the U.S. will get a chance to watch the Grey Cup live on television.
The CFL announced this week that VERSUS will, for the first time, carry the Grey Cup in the United States. This year's game will be played Nov. 23 in Montreal and will be carried live, starting with the pre-game show at 5:30 p.m., followed by the game broadcast that will start at 6 p.m.
"There's no bigger single game on the Canadian sports calendar," said CFL Commissioner Mark Cohon. "And this year's Grey Cup will punctuate a year in the CFL that has had no shortage of excitement and dramatic finishes, which is what Canadian football is all about.
"We're proud to partner with VERSUS to offer our fans south of the border, and sports fans alike, the opportunity to enjoy this year's Grey Cup."
Marc Fein, the executive vice president of programming, production and business operation for VERSUS, agreed.
"We are excited to work with the CFL to broadcast the 96th edition of the Grey Cup to more than 73 million American viewers," he said. "With nearly a hundred years of hard-hitting action and memorable finishes, the Grey Cup is a great addition to the ever-growing programming line-up on VERSUS."
PAY RESPECTS: The CFL will pay tribute to Canada's Veterans during its two playoff games Saturday in Winnipeg and Regina.
Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs, said that Community Engagement Partnership funding will be provided to the CFL for commemorative initiatives during the East and West semifinal playoffs. The football games will feature pre-game tributes to honor the sacrifices and achievements of veterans.
The audiences will participate in a short ceremony that will include a moment of silence to honor the memory of those who served for Canada in past conflicts.
"We are proud to join with the CFL to pay tribute to our nation's truest heroes, the men and women who have always been here for Canada," said Thompson. "By participating in these playoff games during Veterans' Week, Canadians in the stands and those watching on television across the country will be taking the time to reflect on the importance of remembrance in our everyday lives and the recognition we owe our Veterans and men and women in uniform."
CFL commissioner Mark Cohon said the league is proud to remember the countrys veterans.
"We're grateful to the Department of Veterans Affairs for this opportunity to formally reflect on their service and sacrifice," he said. "We share a unique bond rooted in a common history.
"The 1942, 1943 and 1944 Grey Cups were won by service teams. And many Canadian football heroes have displayed their courage on the field of battle. But most of all, we feel what all Canadians should feel: a deep appreciation of our freedoms, and undying gratitude to those who fought so valiantly, and gave so much, to protect them."
HOME-FIELD ADVANTAGE: Having home field for the playoffs could prove very huge this weekend.
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers will host the Edmonton Eskimos in the East Division semifinal. The Bombers posted an 8-10 record this season, but were 5-4 at Canad Inns Stadium. Edmonton, meanwhile, was 10-8 but just 3-6 on the road. Also working against the Eskimos is the West Division is 0-4 at the crossover team in the Eastern playoffs.
The Saskatchewan Roughriders host the B.C. Lions in the West Division semifinal. The Riders posted their second-straight 12-6 record to finish second in the West but were an impressive 7-2 at Mosaic Stadium. The Lions were 5-4 on the road this year but 4-6 within their own division.
Home-field advantage could also be a huge factor in the division finals. Montreal, which will host the East championship game, was 7-2 at home this year, as was West Division champion Calgary, which will host the Western Conference finale.
COVER CURSE: Forgive any Hamilton Tiger-Cats player for now wanting to have his picture adorning the cover of the club's media guide next year.
The cover shot of this year's guide featured the likes of quarterback Casey Printers, running back Jesse Lumsden and linebacker Zeke Moreno.
Well, Printers was injured for most of the year and the prevailing talk is he'll be released sometime during the offseason. Running back Jesse Lumsden led the team in rushing but had his season end prematurely due to a shoulder injury that required surgery.
Moreno was the CFL's leading tackler this season for the second straight year, but spent the second half of the campaign in Winnipeg after being dealt there by the Ticats.
SELLOUT, AGAIN: When the Saskatchewan Roughriders step on to the turf at Mosaic Field to face the B.C. Lions in the West Division semifinal, they will see a very familiar sight.
The Riders will once again play before a sellout of 30,495, marking the 18th straight game that's been sold out at the facility, dating back to last season.
When playoff tickets went on sale to the general public early this week, it took the club just 35 minutes to sell them all. That shouldn't be surprising because while this marks the second straight year that Riders fans will be able to enjoy a home playoff game, consider they went 18 years without before last season.
