The Saskatchewan Roughriders have ended a long-awaited 12-year absence from the Canadian Football League's championship game, securing their spot in the 2025 Grey Cup after a nail-biting 24-21 victory over the B.C. Lions in the West Division final.
A Hero's Send-Off to Winnipeg
The team's departure for Winnipeg became a celebratory event on Monday, as loyal fans gathered at Mosaic Stadium in Regina to cheer on the players. Running back A.J. Ouellette was seen walking through the crowd to the team bus, embodying the excitement of the moment. The Roughriders are set to face the defending champion Montreal Alouettes, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown.
Veteran Experience Meets First-Time Nerves
This Grey Cup appearance presents a unique mix of experiences within the Roughriders' locker room. For some players, this is familiar territory, while for others, it's a career-first milestone.
Head coach Corey Mace, who has three Grey Cup rings to his name from his time as a player and coach with Calgary and Toronto, is emphasizing focus amidst the chaos. "We tell the players just to expect everything to be absolute chaos," Mace advised. "You're kind of jumping out of routines... But just be ready to be adaptable and conquer." He stressed the importance of not losing sight of the ultimate goal despite the week's festivities.
The team boasts significant championship experience. Key players like running back A.J. Ouellette, receiver Tommy Nield, and offensive lineman Trevon Tate were part of the Toronto Argonauts' 2022 championship team. Nield, who caught the game-winning touchdown with just 11 seconds left in the West final, also won a title in 2024 with Toronto before joining Saskatchewan.
Quarterback Trevor Harris has two rings from his time as a backup in 2012 and 2016 but is looking for his first win as a starting quarterback after a loss in 2018. Offensive lineman Jermarcus Hardrick knows both the thrill of victory (2019, 2021 with Winnipeg) and the agony of defeat (2022, 2023).
Long-Serving Riders Finally Get Their Shot
In contrast, the Grey Cup journey holds special significance for several long-tenured Roughriders who are experiencing this for the first time. Long snapper Jorgen Hus, the longest-serving member of the team, will be playing in his first-ever Grey Cup game.
Veteran kicker Brett Lauther, a Roughrider since 2018, will also be suiting up for his first championship appearance after being on the practice roster of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in 2013—the year they lost to the hometown Roughriders.
With a blend of seasoned champions and hungry first-timers, the Saskatchewan Roughriders are navigating a week of controlled chaos in Winnipeg, all with the singular focus of bringing the Grey Cup back to Regina.
