Riders Celebrate 5th Grey Cup With Family on the Field

A Celebration Marked by Family

The Saskatchewan Roughriders turned their Grey Cup victory into a family affair on Sunday night, gathering with loved ones on the confetti-covered field at Princess Auto Stadium in Winnipeg. The team, which often credited its “family-like” environment for its success this season, embraced the moment by sharing it with parents, partners, children, and supporters who rushed to the turf immediately after the win.

Emotional Moments from Players and Staff

General manager Jeremy O’Day posed for a photo with his children beside the Grey Cup, calling the championship “long overdue,” while linebacker Jameer Thurman celebrated with his mother Ayesha, who travelled from Chicago to witness the win. Defensive back C.J. Reavis embraced his mother and sister, describing the moment as the fulfilment of a lifelong dream. Head coach Corey Mace shared an emotional moment with his wife Petra, while hometown favourite Mitch Picton was surrounded by a large cheering section wearing his No. 81 jersey.

Personal Stories Behind the Victory

For many players, the night carried deep personal significance. Centre Logan Ferland searched the crowd for his mother, reflecting on the sacrifices his family made to support his career. Kicker Brett Lauther honoured his late grandmother, who helped raise him, saying he felt her presence as he held his two-month-old daughter during the celebrations. Offensive coordinator Marc Mueller, grandson of Roughriders legend Ron Lancaster, said creating his own championship memory was “really cool” after growing up around the team’s storied history.

A Locker Room Filled With Pride

Inside the Roughriders’ dressing room, cigar smoke mixed with champagne and beer sprays as players and family members embraced in celebration. Quarterback Trevor Harris captured photos of his children with the Grey Cup before encouraging his father to take a sip from the historic trophy. Harris pointed to a wristband engraved with “S.R. our time,” a motto he created in March that he said the team embodied all season.

Fans Prepare for Public Celebrations

Supporters will have two chances to celebrate with the champions this week. The Grey Cup will be showcased at Mosaic Stadium on Monday at 1:30 p.m. CST, followed by a championship parade in Regina on Tuesday at 2 p.m. CST. The parade will begin along the Green Mile on Albert Street and conclude at the Saskatchewan Legislative Building, giving fans one final chance to share in the Roughriders’ historic victory.

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Saskatchewan Eyes Game-Day Tailgating at Mosaic Stadium

The Saskatchewan Roughriders are exploring the possibility of legal tailgating at Mosaic Stadium for the upcoming CFL season, signaling a potential shift in fan experiences in Regina. Craig Reynolds, president and CEO of the Roughriders Football Club, shared the news directly with season ticket holders this week.

Elevating the Fan Experience

Reynolds stated, “We have been working with the government of Saskatchewan on potential ways to elevate our game day experience. Next season, we hope to bring you legal tailgating at the Mosaic Stadium footprint for home games.” Season ticket holders would have priority access to any designated tailgating areas if the proposal moves forward.

Understanding Tailgating Rules

Tailgating typically involves gathering in stadium parking lots to eat, drink, and socialize before a sporting event. While it often includes alcohol consumption and on-site cooking, public drinking in Saskatchewan parking lots is currently prohibited. Any new framework would require regulations to ensure legality and safety.

Learning from Other CFL Cities

Other CFL teams have set precedents for controlled tailgating. The Calgary Stampeders allow pre-game gatherings but strictly prohibit open alcohol, monitored by police. Edmonton Elks fans can use designated tailgating stalls, though these are “non-licensed areas” where drinking remains illegal. Saskatchewan plans to study these examples while creating its own framework.

Provincial and Municipal Collaboration

The Saskatchewan government confirmed it is “actively exploring the Roughriders’ request to develop a regulated framework for tailgating at Mosaic Stadium.” Public safety is a priority, and any approved plan would involve close collaboration with the City of Regina. A spokesperson from Regina Exhibition Association Limited (REAL) said they are coordinating efforts with the Roughriders, the Saskatchewan Gaming and Liquor Authority, and government bodies.

Timeline and Next Steps

Details remain preliminary, and the Roughriders noted that “we do not have any further details to provide at this time.” Fans and stakeholders can expect announcements as discussions progress, potentially marking the beginning of officially sanctioned tailgating in Saskatchewan.

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Roughriders Break Banjo Bowl Drought

The Saskatchewan Roughriders claimed a 21-13 victory over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in Saturday’s Banjo Bowl at Princess Auto Stadium, marking their first win in the annual rivalry since 2018.

Kicking Game Seals the Win

Brett Lauther was flawless on all five field goal attempts, hitting from 20, 35 (twice), 41, and 33 yards. Despite a missed convert, Lauther’s performance was pivotal in lifting Saskatchewan’s CFL-leading record to 10-2, their first 10-win mark since 2019.

Quarterback Shakeup Shifts Momentum

Winnipeg’s starting quarterback Zach Collaros exited in the third quarter following a sack and fumble by Saskatchewan defensive back C.J. Reavis. Chris Streveler replaced him, completing 5-of-9 passes for 39 yards and two interceptions. Saskatchewan quarterback Trevor Harris threw for 239 yards, with one interception.

Key Players and Highlights

Running back A.J. Ouellette scored Saskatchewan’s only touchdown on a five-yard run. For Winnipeg, rookie Ontaria Wilson led with five receptions for 89 yards, including a 24-yard touchdown in his season debut after signing a contract through 2026. Brady Oliveira added 83 rushing yards for the Bombers.

Turning Points in the Game

The game saw multiple turnovers and field goal exchanges. Collaros threw two interceptions, while Saskatchewan capitalized on turnovers with Lauther field goals and Ouellette’s touchdown. Winnipeg kicker Sergio Castillo made two of four field-goal attempts.

Game Flow and Score Progression

Winnipeg led 3-0 after the first quarter and 13-6 at halftime. Saskatchewan took the lead in the fourth quarter with Lauther’s 41-yard field goal, followed by a 33-yard kick, sealing the 21-13 win.

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The Saskatchewan Roughriders kicked off their 2025 CFL campaign on a high note, defeating the Ottawa REDBLACKS 31-26 in front of an electrified crowd at Mosaic Stadium on Thursday night.

After surrendering an early touchdown, the Riders rallied and took control, never trailing again throughout the game. The victory puts Saskatchewan at 1-0 to start the season, while Ottawa falls to 0-1.

Emilus and Bertrand-Hudon Power Saskatchewan Offense

Receiver Samuel Emilus was a dominant force for the Roughriders, catching all eight passes thrown his way for 133 yards and a touchdown. Thomas Bertrand-Hudon, stepping in for an injured AJ Ouellette, made the most of his opportunity with two touchdowns — one on the ground and one through the air.

Quarterback Trevor Harris spread the ball efficiently and found rhythm early, while the defence provided timely stops and big plays to hold off a late Ottawa surge.

Brown’s Strong Debut Not Enough for Ottawa

Despite the loss, REDBLACKS quarterback Dru Brown had an impressive outing, completing 34 of 41 passes for 413 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. Eugene Lewis, who extended his touchdown streak to nine straight games, and William Stanback each scored in their Ottawa debuts.

Brown opened the game with a surgical touchdown drive, culminating in a one-yard plunge by Dustin Crum to give the REDBLACKS an early 7-0 lead. But Saskatchewan responded swiftly, scoring 24 unanswered points to swing the momentum.

Key Moments and Turning Points

The Riders capitalized on strong field position and defensive stops, with Malik Carney’s sack and multiple turnovers helping to stall Ottawa’s drives. A 60-yard return by Mario Alford flipped the field after a missed field goal, setting up Saskatchewan’s first major.

Harris’ deep connection to Emilus in the second quarter put the Riders ahead 14-7, and a roughing-the-passer penalty helped set up another score just before halftime. A 13-yard field goal by Brett Lauther made it 17-7 going into the break.

In the third quarter, Saskatchewan extended its lead with Bertrand-Hudon’s receiving touchdown, followed by another rushing major that pushed the score to 31-14.

Ottawa Fights Back but Falls Short

Ottawa clawed back with a touchdown from Lewis, a short-yardage score by Stanback, and a 27-yard strike to Justin Hardy. However, two failed two-point conversions and a late fumble recovery that yielded no points left the REDBLACKS trailing.

With under three minutes to play, Ottawa had multiple opportunities but could not convert, sealing the Riders’ season-opening win.

What’s Next

The Ottawa REDBLACKS will aim for redemption at home on June 13 when they face the Montreal Alouettes, while the Saskatchewan Roughriders will travel east for a showdown against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on June 14.

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