CFL.ca Staff
TORONTO – With the release of the 2013 CFL schedule making the rounds online and through the homes of millions of Canadians yesterday, the excitement regarding the upcoming season has been elevated to a new level.
The 100th Grey Cup is in the rear-view mirror and the next 100 years of Canadian football are rapidly approaching, as training camps league-wide are set to open in just four months time.
So what does the new season have in store? Look no further than CFL.ca’s Must-See games of 2013.
*Games are not in ranking order
1) Week 1 – Blue Bombers vs. Alouettes:
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers will look to open up their 2013 season the same way they closed out their 2012 campaign – with a win over the Montreal Alouettes on home soil. This time, however, the Bombers will take to the field in a new stadium, as Investors Group Field will open its doors to regular season football for the very first time. While it might just be the first outing of a long and arduous 18-game schedule, the Bombers didn’t register their first win until Week 5 last year. A win in front of what’s sure to be an electrifying environment is definitely not a bad way to kickoff a new era in Winnipeg.
2) Week 9 – Argonauts vs. Stampeders:
It seems like only yesterday that our eyes laid witness to Chad Owens, Ricky Ray and Scott Milanovich lifting the Grey Cup over their heads following a convincing 35-22 victory over the Calgary Stampeders in the 100th Grey Cup. And while it is almost nine months after the historic championship game, you can bet the Stamps will be looking to exact their revenge over the Boatmen.
3) Week 15 – Lions vs. Roughriders:
There will be no hard feelings when Geroy Simon takes to the field at BC Place Stadium on Oct. 4 for the first time since being traded to the Roughriders earlier this off season. Rather, you can expect the BC faithful to salute the CFL’s all-time leading receiver with a warm and raucous applause that will surely send shivers down your spine. This is one you won’t want to miss, whether you’ll be there or watching on your couch.
4) Week 13 – Tiger-Cats vs. Alouettes:
For the first time since 2011, the CFL will make its way to Moncton for the NAPA Touchdown Atlantic game at Moncton Stadium. Henry Burris and the Ticats will play ‘host’ to Anthony Calvillo and the Montreal Alouettes in this third edition of the East Coast Clash, one that will likely be as much of a display off the field as it will be on it.
5) Week 11 – Blue Bombers vs. Roughriders:
Get your banjos ready! In a game that some fans look more forward to than the matchup’s Labour Day Weekend predecessor, you can argue that the Banjo Bowl encompasses the entire Riders vs. Bombers rivalry in one game. Last season saw the Riders kick their way to a last-second victory, adding yet another strong chapter to this already bitter rivalry. Who will come out on top in 2013?
6) Week 4 – Lions vs. Eskimos:
It’s uncertain whether Mike Reilly is the answer to the Eskimos’ quarterback problem. If he is, however, then this Week 4 clash has all the makings of being a rather interesting one. Having been acquired by the Esks in a deal with the Lions earlier this off-season, a win over his former team can go a long way towards establishing some much needed confidence in the early parts of the 2013 season.
7) Pre-Season Week B – Argonauts vs. Alouettes:
On Thursday, June 20, the Argos return to historic and hallowed ground when they host their pre-season game with the Alouettes at Varsity Stadium at the University of Toronto. Varsity Stadium has played host to numerous famous encounters, including the legendary 38th Grey Cup between the Boatmen and Blue Bombers, also known as the Mud Bowl.
