Rider game of destiny...

So my homey Trev, now of the Regina Doroshenko's, gave me a hook up to the season opener of the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Which I might also add was against the hated Edmonton Eskischmos. Of course I was not going to turn it down. I am so excited to have football back. It is only a matter of time until the NFL is back. There is nothing better than football on a hot summer afternoon. Especially when your team get the chance to whip the snot out of the Eskimos.

Some of you now might be saying, "Wait, Chris. Did you not at one time have season tickets to the Esks?" I would have to answer yes, at one time I was a ticket holder at Commonfilth stadium. Everyone makes mistakes in their life. I have made many. But everyone is also given a second chance, a new lease on life if you will.

I was shown the light by Dan Kepley on that fateful day back in 2002 when he threatened my life at Eskimos practice. I realized that I was backing the wrong horse. I have changed my ways and moved away from the Evil Empire to a more righteous team. Not unlike God's team, the Green Bay Packers (That is what the G on the helmet stands for is God). The Riders are community owned, just like the Pack. They issue stock, just like the Pack. And they travel well, just like the Pack. You go to a game in any other barn in this country and you will find more Rider fans than the locals. Oh and the S on the Riders helmet stands for, uh, SuperAwesome, uh, I think. So lets get back to the issue at hand, the Riders beating the snot out of the Esks on Saturday.

Trev and I decided to head to the stadium early enough to get a Pilsner and a Bratwurst. As we were enjoying the fine Saskatchewan weather and one of the tastiest brats this side of Lambeau Field, Trev noticed a dude that looked strangely like the commisioner of the CFL. After a few moments of discussion and disputing, we decided that it was him and I decided that I needed to get a brush with greatness photo. How could I pass up the opportunity to get a pic with the commish? The guy on the left in the pic is Commisioner Mark Cohon, and the dude on the right is the CEO and President of the Riders Jim Hopson. Oh and the good looking dude in the middle is me. How cool is that? The Commisioner of the freaking league and the CEO of the Riders was hanging out drinking Pilsner in the tailgate area. Only in the CFL. Cohon also told Trev that he has Pilsner shipped out to him in Ontario he likes it so much. Nice.

As we were taking that fine picture Mr. Hopson commented on my awesome Ray Elgaard jersey. I mentioned that I was a big fan of Ray and he told me that Ray was at the game today. I have been trying to get Ray's autograph for a long time. Apparently he does not come back to Regina much. Mr. Hopson then laid out the plan on how I was going to get my jersey autographed by the big WR. Sweet, this game was turning out great already. A Bratwurst, a few tasty beverages, I met the commishioner, AND I get Ray Elgaard's autograph. Hopson told us to meet him in the green and white room and he would make it happen. You do not have to ask me twice.

Ray was totally cool and even gave Trev some shit. Trev told Ray that he was a big fan and Ray said "So that is why you chose to back DeFrance (74 jersey that Trev was wearing)." Sweet.

The game hasn't even started yet. So then we roll to our seats to watch the game. We again aquired a few tasty beverages to cool our parched throughts.



The commish came out gave a little speach and they played this video up on the big screen. It was awesome. It would be good for those of you south of the border to see what the CFL is about. Just a little bit of love for the CFL. CLICK HERE and then click on "This is our league" to see it if perhaps you cannot see the video above.

The Riders started slow but finished strong and whipped the Eskischmos 34-13. Even better during the game Me and Trev managed to get on the scoreboard three times. I have said it before and I will say it again... It helps when you know the guys who run the cameras. Great time had by all.

So for those of you south of the border, if you per chance want to come up to a CFL game, and get on the scoreboard, give me a call. Just do it soon because most of the games are sold out. I highly recommend a trip to Taylor field for a brat, a few tasty beverages, and most importantly a Rider win.