CFL

Vancouver Canucks’ Brock Boeser tosses a stick into the crowd after being named the first star of the game after Vancouver defeated the Dallas Stars during an NHL hockey game in Vancouver, on Tuesday, March 14, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

THE MOJ: Canuck negativity, NFL hype and more in the busy world of B.C. sports

It’s a great time of year to be a sports fan

Vancouver Canucks’ Brock Boeser tosses a stick into the crowd after being named the first star of the game after Vancouver defeated the Dallas Stars during an NHL hockey game in Vancouver, on Tuesday, March 14, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
CFL commissioner Randy Ambrosie delivers his state of the league media address at the Hamilton Convention Centre, in Hamilton, Ontario on Friday, December 10, 2021. The 2025 Grey Cup game will be played at Winnipeg’s IG Field. The CFL made the official announcement Tuesday. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nick Iwanyshyn

City of Winnipeg to stage 2025 Grey Cup game, festivities

City last hosted the fall classic in 2015

CFL commissioner Randy Ambrosie delivers his state of the league media address at the Hamilton Convention Centre, in Hamilton, Ontario on Friday, December 10, 2021. The 2025 Grey Cup game will be played at Winnipeg’s IG Field. The CFL made the official announcement Tuesday. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nick Iwanyshyn
B.C. Lions quarterback Travis Lulay (14) is pressured by Hamilton Tiger-Cats linebacker Simoni Lawrence (21) during first half CFL Football division semifinal game action in Hamilton, Ont. on Sunday, November 11, 2018. (CANADIAN PRESS/Peter Power)

PODCAST: Travis Lulay was one of the CFL’s top quarterbacks

MOJ on Sports: The former BC Lion won a Grey Cup and League’s most outstanding player

B.C. Lions quarterback Travis Lulay (14) is pressured by Hamilton Tiger-Cats linebacker Simoni Lawrence (21) during first half CFL Football division semifinal game action in Hamilton, Ont. on Sunday, November 11, 2018. (CANADIAN PRESS/Peter Power)
Hamilton Tiger-Cats quarterback Dane Evans (9) makes a pass during second quarter CFL Eastern semi-final football action against the Montreal Alouettes on Sunday, November 6, 2022 in Montreal. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson

THE MOJ: Dane Evans move shows the Lions commited to winning in 2023

Former Hamilton starter to back up Vernon Adams Jr. giving the Leos an intriguing option

Hamilton Tiger-Cats quarterback Dane Evans (9) makes a pass during second quarter CFL Eastern semi-final football action against the Montreal Alouettes on Sunday, November 6, 2022 in Montreal. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson
The Saskatchewan Roughriders signed receivers Juwan Brescacin and Jake Wienke on Tuesday. Hamilton Tiger-Cats defensive back Ciante Evans (0) tackles Toronto Argonauts wide receiver Juwan Brescacin (11) during second half CFL Eastern Conference final action in Toronto, on Sunday, December 5, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher Katsarov

Roughriders sign veteran quarterback Harris on busy opening day of CFL free agency

B.C. signed quarterback Dominique Davis and offensive lineman Michael Couture

The Saskatchewan Roughriders signed receivers Juwan Brescacin and Jake Wienke on Tuesday. Hamilton Tiger-Cats defensive back Ciante Evans (0) tackles Toronto Argonauts wide receiver Juwan Brescacin (11) during second half CFL Eastern Conference final action in Toronto, on Sunday, December 5, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher Katsarov
Mario Cecchini speaks to the media during a CFL news conference, Monday, January 13, 2020 in Montreal. The CFL has taken over operating the Alouettes franchise. In a statement, the league added former Alouettes president Cecchini has been appointed interim president. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz

CFL takes over ownership of Montreal Alouettes franchise

Announcement marks second time in roughly 4 years that the CFL has taken over operating the club

Mario Cecchini speaks to the media during a CFL news conference, Monday, January 13, 2020 in Montreal. The CFL has taken over operating the Alouettes franchise. In a statement, the league added former Alouettes president Cecchini has been appointed interim president. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz
B.C. Lions' head coach Wally Buono, left, protests a call to an official during the first half of a CFL football game against the Calgary Stampeders in Vancouver, B.C., on Friday August 19, 2016. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck)

PODCAST: Wally Buono a member of seven grey cup CFL teams

MOJ on Sports: Linebacker, punter and coach with Montreal, Calgary and B.C.

B.C. Lions' head coach Wally Buono, left, protests a call to an official during the first half of a CFL football game against the Calgary Stampeders in Vancouver, B.C., on Friday August 19, 2016. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck)
Giovanni Manu helped bring the Thunderbirds to a winning record of 6-5 for the 2022 season. (Bob Frid/UBC Athletics)

2023 CFL Draft loses star UBC linemen Giovanni Manu and Theo Benedet

The top-ranked Thunderbirds opted out of the upcoming spring draft in hopes of title shot

Giovanni Manu helped bring the Thunderbirds to a winning record of 6-5 for the 2022 season. (Bob Frid/UBC Athletics)
The Kansas City Chiefs confirmed they hosted 24-year-old, Victoria native CFL star quarterback Nathan Rourke for a workout Monday. Rourke passes during the first half of a pre-season CFL football game against the Saskatchewan Roughriders in Vancouver, on June 3, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Kansas City Chiefs latest NFL team to take a look at B.C. Lions quarterback Rourke

CFL’s top Canadian has worked out with 10 teams south of the border

The Kansas City Chiefs confirmed they hosted 24-year-old, Victoria native CFL star quarterback Nathan Rourke for a workout Monday. Rourke passes during the first half of a pre-season CFL football game against the Saskatchewan Roughriders in Vancouver, on June 3, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
Langford Mayor Scott Goodmanson speaks outside Langford City Hall on Jan. 6. (Bailey Moreton/News Staff)

Victoria area pushing to attract the BC Lions for a regular-season home game

Similar one-off games have been held in Halifax last year, CFL team ‘intrigued’

Langford Mayor Scott Goodmanson speaks outside Langford City Hall on Jan. 6. (Bailey Moreton/News Staff)
Toronto Argonauts quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson hands the ball off to teammate Andrew Harris during first half CFL football action against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in Toronto Monday, July 4, 2022. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Mark Blinch)

PODCAST: Catching up with four-time Grey Cup champion Andrew Harris

MOJ on Sports: RB the only Canadian in CFL history to rush for more than 10,000 yards

Toronto Argonauts quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson hands the ball off to teammate Andrew Harris during first half CFL football action against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in Toronto Monday, July 4, 2022. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Mark Blinch)
B.C. Lions head coach Rick Campbell watches from the sideline during the second half of a CFL football game against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in Vancouver on Saturday, October 15, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

B.C. Lions sign co-general managers Campbell, McEvoy to extensions

Rare co-management arrangement extend through 2024

B.C. Lions head coach Rick Campbell watches from the sideline during the second half of a CFL football game against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in Vancouver on Saturday, October 15, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
BC Lions kicker Sean Whyte, left, celebrates a field goal with defensive end Obum Gwacham (98) against the Calgary Stampeders in Calgary, Saturday, Aug. 13, 2022. (Photo: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Larry MacDougal)

PODCAST: Ageless B.C. Lions kicker Sean Whyte enjoys brilliant 2022 CFL season

MOJ on Sports: Former South Surrey Ram nominated for Tom Pate Memorial Award

BC Lions kicker Sean Whyte, left, celebrates a field goal with defensive end Obum Gwacham (98) against the Calgary Stampeders in Calgary, Saturday, Aug. 13, 2022. (Photo: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Larry MacDougal)
B.C. Lions receiver Bryan Burnham, right, goes up for a pass as Calgary Stampeders defensive back Dionte Ruffin blocks him during second half CFL football action in Calgary, Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022. Burnham has announced his retirement, ending an eight-year career with the CFL franchise. Burnham, a four-time CFL all-star, had 476 receptions and 7,212 receiving yards wit the Lions. Both marks rank fourth in franchise history. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

Family comes first for retiring B.C. Lions receiver Bryan Burnham

Talented wideout was a 4-time CFL all-star

B.C. Lions receiver Bryan Burnham, right, goes up for a pass as Calgary Stampeders defensive back Dionte Ruffin blocks him during second half CFL football action in Calgary, Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022. Burnham has announced his retirement, ending an eight-year career with the CFL franchise. Burnham, a four-time CFL all-star, had 476 receptions and 7,212 receiving yards wit the Lions. Both marks rank fourth in franchise history. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh
Most outstanding Canadian player, quarterback Nathan Rourke of the BC Lions, holds up his trophy during the CFL Awards in Regina, Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson

THE MOJ: Colts among the team’s eyeing Lions Rourke south of the border

CFL’s outstanding Canadian will be working out in Indianapolis this month

Most outstanding Canadian player, quarterback Nathan Rourke of the BC Lions, holds up his trophy during the CFL Awards in Regina, Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson
Lions quarterback Nathan Rourke with Bob Marjanovich. (Whittingham photo)

PODCAST: B.C. Lions quarterback Nathan Rourke wins CFL’s Outstanding Canadian award

MOJ on Sports: Victoria-born QB led Lions to berth in Western Final

Lions quarterback Nathan Rourke with Bob Marjanovich. (Whittingham photo)
Toronto Argonauts running back AJ Ouellette (34) celebrates his touchdown with wide receiver DaVaris Daniels (80) during second half football action against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the 109th Grey Cup at Mosaic Stadium in Regina, Sunday, Nov. 20, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Heywood Yu

Toronto Argonauts dethrone Blue Bombers 24-23 to capture Grey Cup

Winnipeg was aiming for third straight CFL championship

Toronto Argonauts running back AJ Ouellette (34) celebrates his touchdown with wide receiver DaVaris Daniels (80) during second half football action against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the 109th Grey Cup at Mosaic Stadium in Regina, Sunday, Nov. 20, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Heywood Yu
Toronto Argonauts defensive back Jamal Peters breaks up a pass intended for wide receiver Dejon Brissett during a practice in Regina, Friday, Nov. 18, 2022. The Toronto Argonauts will be playing against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the 109th Grey Cup on Sunday. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson

THE MOJ: Catching up on the CFL as the Grey Cup nears kickoff

Given status of Bomber QB Collaros, I’d probably take the Argonauts and the 5 points

Toronto Argonauts defensive back Jamal Peters breaks up a pass intended for wide receiver Dejon Brissett during a practice in Regina, Friday, Nov. 18, 2022. The Toronto Argonauts will be playing against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the 109th Grey Cup on Sunday. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson
Singer Teagan Littlechief stands for a photograph in front of Mosaic Stadium in Regina, Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022. Littlechief will be singing the national anthem in the languages of Cree, English, and French at the 109th Grey Cup game. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Heywood Yu

‘Break a barrier’: Indigenous artist to sing part of O Canada in Cree at Grey Cup

Teagan Littlechief to perform national anthem in three languages — English, French and Cree

Singer Teagan Littlechief stands for a photograph in front of Mosaic Stadium in Regina, Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022. Littlechief will be singing the national anthem in the languages of Cree, English, and French at the 109th Grey Cup game. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Heywood Yu
BC Lions’ quarterback Vernon Adams (8), Bryan Burnham (16) and Alexander Hollins (13) comfort eachother after losing to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the CFL western final in Winnipeg, Sunday, Nov. 13, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods

THE MOJ: Pretty safe bet the B.C. Lions will be expecting more than 5 1/2 wins next year

Checking their egos at the door made for a surprising and satisfying year in B.C. Place

BC Lions’ quarterback Vernon Adams (8), Bryan Burnham (16) and Alexander Hollins (13) comfort eachother after losing to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the CFL western final in Winnipeg, Sunday, Nov. 13, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods