Category: CFL

The Grey Cup Comes to London

by anthonywootton78, posted in CFL, NFL London

HelmetDecal_150

Canadian Football’s biggest prize comes to London this weekend!

As Canadians celebrate their proud nation’s 150th birthday, the Grey Cup is to embark on a tour of our capital city.

The reigning Grey Cup MVP,  and now co-host of CTV Morning Live Ottawa, Henry Burris will be greeted by a 60,000-strong crowd at Trafalgar Square on Saturday, Canada Day.

CFL fans will have an opportunity to pose for photos with the trophy and take on the CFL obstacle course.

For fans who are willing to party into the night there will be a live screening of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers vs Saskatchewan Roughriders at the Carlsberg Sports Bar in the Empire Casino.

This is the first game at the brand new Mosaic Stadium. The Canadian broadcasters TSN will be crossing live to the fan event in London throughout the game.

Details of the Grey Cup Tour of London

June 30th

  • Arriving at the Maple Leaf Bar in Covent Garden, which is having a Canada Day Celebration.
  • From 7pm-9pm the Cup, and Henry, will be at the pub, where there is a party for ex-pats and Canadians.

July 1

  • The event at Trafalgar Square opens at noon local time to the public
  • Henry will take part in a celebrity ball hockey game with legends like Phil Esposito, Mike Keenan, Ron Duguay and Dennis John Maruk, as well as the High Commissioner and other dignitaries from 2-3pm.
  • CFL obstacle course will open at 3pm
  • Henry will be interviewed by Dan Snow on the main stage (time to be confirmed), askingHank questions about playing on Canada Day, American by Birth / Canada by Choice, and what Canada has meant to him and his family.
  • From 8-9pm, going to the Tennis Canada party for a quick visit.
  • At 8pm the Watch Party begins at the Carlsberg Sports Bar at Empire Casino. The cup and Burris will be there.

July 2

  • Part of the Changing of the Guard, for one month starting on 18 June 2017 the 2nd Battalion of Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light infantry (PPCLI) has been selected to fulfill this honour at Buckingham Palace.
  • The cup goes to several landmarks across London (all of which are TBC).

This Week’s CFL TV Schedule

  • Fri (2am): Ottawa Redblacks vs Calgary Stampeders; BT Sport 1
  • Sat (12am): BC Lions vs Toronto Argonauts; BT Sport ESPN
  • Sat (3am): Montreal Alouettes vs Edmonton Eskimos; BT Sport ESPN
  • Sun (2am): Winnipeg Blue Bombers vs Saskatchewan Roughriders; BT Sport 1

 

Predicting the 2017 Canadian Football League

by anthonywootton78, posted in CFL, Interviews, Podcasts

TSN_CFL_PRESSRELEASE_1280x600 (1)

The new CFL season kicks off this week, and the 5thDownUK will be bringing you all the news and updates throughout the season, both here on our website and the 5thDownUK Podcast.

We’ve got a team of experts from across the pond to tell you everything you need to know about the Canadian version of gridiron.

To get ready for the upcoming CFL season we’ve asked a few pundits to give us their previews for the year:

Marshall Ferguson, commentator for the Hamilton Tigercats

Who will win the Grey Cup?

Edmonton – Mike Reilly will be in his second season under Jason Maas offensive system. New GM Brock Sunderland has infused energy into the organization and the defence is as talented as ever especially up front with Mike Benevides as their leader on the sidelines.

Who is your dark horse for 2017?

Toronto – If Ricky Ray were paired with Jim Popp and Marc Trestman five years ago they would be a surefire favourite. In 2017 they’re a mystery but a team with loads of young talent and a veteran QB leading the ship. Very similar to the Ottawa Redblacks last season.

Which player is your one-to-watch?

BC QB Johnathan Jennings – That guy has more talent than most QBs in this league. He has been surrounded by speed and playmakers this offseason and if he can learn how to manage a game the BC Lions are as dangerous as any team in the CFL

Follow Marshall on Twitter: @TSN_Marsh

Rod Pedersen, commentator for the Saskatchewan Roughriders

Who will win the Grey Cup?

I’ve got B.C. picked to finish in first place in the CFL West Division, and then likely to advance to the Grey Cup in Ottawa. After seeing them firsthand last week (a 42-10 preseason win over the Riders in Vancouver), I’m even more certain they’ll be the team to beat. Calgary will always be near the top as long as John Hufnagel is in charge but the Lions already seem like a team on a mission. Anything less than a Grey Cup appearance will be a bitter disappointment for them.

Who is your dark horse for 2017?

I’ve got to go with my Roughriders. They’re in the toughest division in the CFL but if they’re able to beat Winnipeg and Edmonton in their head-on matches, that would go a long ways to securing third place in the West and a playoff berth. Not much is expected from the Riders by those outside this province and their showing in B.C. last week left them with a good share of detractors even inside the Rider Nation. However this club seems fine with the “underdog” tag, and flying under the radar.  I wouldn’t sleep on them.

Which player is your one-to-watch?

My player to watch through training camp and the preseason was Roughriders wide receiver Duron Carter and he didn’t disappoint. He scored the first-ever touchdown in the new stadium in Saskatchewan in the first preseason game, and made a highlight reel catch the next week at BC. He’s a player that you’ll always know is on the field! Many believe he’s the best receiver in the CFL and could the best overall player in the league if he keeps his head on straight. Unfortunately that’s been a big problem for him throughout his career so his first season in Green & White promises to be very intriguing.

Follow Rod on Twitter: @rodpedersen

Check us out for your CFL news throughout the season, and subscribe to our podcast, 5thDownUK, for your weekly CFL round-up.

You can also watch CFL games live on BT Sport throughout the season.

5thDown Podcast: Episode 3 – A Texan Tailgate

by David Oliver, posted in 2016 NFL Draft, 2016 NFL Season, CFL, Interviews, NFL International Series, NFL London, NFLUK, Podcasts

KB & Dubs speak to Bengals Special Teams Coordinator Darrin Simmons about their visit to London and what makes a good coach. Also joining the show is former Bills WR Donald Jones III and the illness that shortened his promising career. Plus the guys talk Carson Wentz, Michael Bennett, Marshawn Lynch and the CFL Draft.