Saskatchewan Roughriders fans weathered a biting wind to celebrate a win — the fifth Grey Cup championship in franchise history.
The temperature warmed up considerably on Monday afternoon when players and coaches emerged on Mosaic Stadium’s Champions Deck to thank the CFL team’s supporters, hoist the Grey Cup, and address an enthusiastic gathering of loyalists
“I just need you guys to understand something,” Head Coach Corey Mace began. “Since training camp, we’ve wanted to make sure we put out a product that represents you, the people of Saskatchewan.
“Work hard, play hard and win hard, baby!”
It was a hard-fought win on Sunday, when the Roughriders defeated the Montreal Alouettes 25-17 at Princess Auto Stadium in Winnipeg.
“A Glimpse of the Cup,” as Monday’s welcome-home event was billed, took place roughly a field’s length away from where the team was welcomed home on Nov. 27, 1966 — one day after Saskatchewan defeated the Ottawa Rough Riders 29-14 in Vancouver.
After landing at Regina airport, the 1966 Roughriders were bussed to the Regina Armoury, where thousands of loyalists were shoe-horned into the facility.
Saskatchewan subsequently won Grey Cups in 1989, 2007 and 2013 before adding No. 5 to the list on Sunday.
Various chants erupted on Monday outside Gate 3 of Mosaic Stadium — an eight-year-old, state-of-the-art venue that is now home to a Grey Cup champion for the first time.
“Let’s Go Riders!”
“We’re Number 1!”
“Rider … Nation!”
“MVP! MVP! MVP!”
The latter chant was a salute to Trevor Harris, who was named the Most Valuable Player of the 112th Grey Cup Game after completing 23 of 27 passes for 302 yards. His completion percentage of 85.2 set a Grey Cup single-game record.
“This team has been motivated this year by a love of one another,” Harris told the crowd. “It has also been motivated by you guys — the best fan base in the country.
“We’re so grateful to have you guys as our fans. We love you. Thank you so much!
“This is yours to share with us.”
The 39-year-old Harris — the oldest Grey Cup-winning QB in Riders history — was greeted by one final chant.
“One more year! One more year! One more year!”
