CFL Pass

Stamps rally, clinch home playoff game

News, Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Calgary Stampeders

Friday night’s game between the Calgary Stampeders and Hamilton Tiger-Cats was not only a Grey Cup rematch but *also* a Grey Cup preview and it was another close one  with the Stamps edging the TiCats, 23-20.

The story of the game *had* to be the wind. Hamilton had a 3-point lead with less than a minute left, but Rene Paredes kicked two field goals, with the last set up by a Justin Medlock punt that netted just two yards. Two. Yards.

What did Bo Levi Mitchell have to say about the wind?

You’re right, Bo: It *is* Canadian football. Hamilton football stadiums are no stranger to strong winds, either, as old Ivor Wynne was known for it and it looks like Tim Horton’s Field has done nothing to change that.

With all the talk of an outdoor Grey Cup in Toronto next year, many concerns have been raised with reminders of poor weather Grey Cups played in Toronto in the past. Let’s go back to the 53rd Grey Cup in 1965 (in Toronto) between the Blue Bombers and Tiger-Cats in the game that’s been called “The Wind Bowl”.

BMO Field will be subject to those same Lake Ontario winds too, by the way.

Even though this game had some nasty wind, two of the game’s biggest stars were able to shine. Brandon Banks scored his first return touchdown in six games and Jon Cornish gained 154 total yards.

With the win the Calgary Stampeders have officially clinched a home playoff game for the fourth consecutive season. The Hamilton Tiger-Cats, on the other hand, are now tied with the surprising Ottawa RedBlacks for first place in the East Division.

– written by Travis Currah