CFL 2005 in Review: Regular Season Lead-Up
Published on December 14, 2005 under Canadian Football League (CFL) News Release
Toronto, Ontario (December 14, 2005) - Marked by one of the most exciting Grey Cups in recent years, and only the second in history to go into overtime, the 2005 CFL season proved to be one to remember. It was a year of recharged ownership and leadership across the country. The season boasted a series of records broken and milestones reached. The League and its national partners continued to engage fans across the country with innovative programs and at-retail visibility. Through the efforts of its nine member clubs and the support of CFL fans in Canada and around the world, the League saw attendance figures and broadcast audiences increase yet again over the previous year. And, at the foundation of it all, the athletes of our game continued to deliver, through their outstanding performances on the field and their exemplary efforts within their communities, the very best of what the Canadian game has to offer.
In celebration of the 2005 season, the CFL takes a look back, beginning with the months leading up to the 2005 regular-season campaign.
January
Stampeders Announce New Ownership Group - Led by local businessman and former CFL player John Forzani, the Calgary Stampeders' new ownership group took control of the franchise in January. The Stampeders drastically improved their record from 2004, posting an 11-7 mark, earning hosting rights to the Scotiabank West Semifinal. The Stamps fell to the eventual Grey Cup Champion Edmonton Eskimos, but showed significant improvement and promise under the guidance of new ownership and new Head Coach Tom Higgins.
February
CFL Makes its Mark in Atlantic Canada - Staging plans for a June 11th pre-season game between the Toronto Argonauts and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in Halifax, Nova Scotia was announced. Included in the announcement was the unveiling of the official event name, âTouchdown Atlantic', chosen from more than 700 entries received from CFL fans in a national name the game contest through www.cfl.ca.
2004 Coach of the Year - Hamilton Tiger-Cats' Head Coach Greg Marshall was awarded the 2004 Coach of the Year award. In just his first season as a CFL coach, Marshall led the Ticats to the post-season after posting a 9-8-1 regular season record, helping the club rebound from a 1-17 finish in 2003.
Pringle Retires - After 13 seasons in the CFL, running back Mike Pringle announced his retirement at the age of 37. Pringle left the CFL tied with George Reed for the most career touchdowns with 137. The native of Los Angeles retired as a member of the Montreal Alouettes and was honoured during the first game of the 2005 CFL season at Percival Molson Stadium.
February Free Agent Signings - Quarterback Henry Burris signed with the Calgary Stampeders. Joining Burris and the Stamps was Jeremaine Copeland (WR), Anthony Malbrough (DB) and Alexandre Gauthier (OL). Hamilton added Chris Brazzell (WR) while Ottawa boosted their defence with the signings of Marc Pilon (DL), Cam Legault (DL) and Ray Jacobs (DL).
March
Rona Partnership - The CFL and Rona announced a national, two-year multi-million dollar partnership extension. New to the partnership for 2005, all CFL players from the nine member Clubs wore a RONA jersey patch during pre-season and regular season games.
March Free Agent Signings - Edmonton signed Tim Fleiszer (DL), Davis Sanchez (DB) and Kelly Wiltshire (S). BC bolstered their secondary by adding Barron Miles (S). Ottawa continued to add to their roster by signing veteran wide receiver Markus Howell while Saskatchewan signed Marcus Crandell (QB).
April
CFL Canadian College Draft - With rights to the first pick of the 2005 CFL Canadian College Draft, the Calgary Stampeders selected Miguel Robede. Following the selection, the 2003 and 2004 CIS all-star elected to return to Laval for another year.
The 2004 Hec Creighton Award winner, Jesse Lumsden was selected sixth overall by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Lumsden went on to play seven games during the 2005 campaign compiling 307 rushing yards, 153 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
The Montreal Alouettes sent kicker and punter Matt Kellett to the Ottawa Renegades for the fifth overall selection. With the fifth selection, Montreal selected Matthieu Proulx, the 2005 East Division Outstanding Rookie.
In another draft-day transaction, the Eskimos sent their 49th overall pick and veteran slotback Terry Vaughn to the Alouettes for non-import safety William Loftus.
Montford Dealt to Eskimos - The Hamilton Tiger-Cats traded defensive lineman Joe Montford to the Edmonton Eskimos in exchange for offensive lineman Dan Comiskey.
May
Argos to Remain at Rogers Centre - After agreeing to a deal with Rogers Communications that would see the Toronto Argonauts remain at the Rogers Centre, Argos management and staff worked toward improving the game day experience for fans in Toronto both inside and outside the stadium. With the addition of a new video board, large-scale player banners and an electronic ribbon board, the Argos created a more intimate, more exciting setting for watching Canadian football. The in-game makeover and pre-game festivities helped drive 13-year-highs in overall attendance.
Reebok and the CFL Unveil 2005 Jerseys - In partnership, the Canadian Football League and Reebok unveiled a bold new look for all nine CFL member clubs. The teams took to their fields in 2005 dressed in new home and away jerseys, with some clubs also adding unique third jerseys later in the year.
Ray Rejoins Green & Gold - After a season with the NFL's New York Jets, Ricky Ray returned to the CFL and signed a multi-year deal with his former team, the Edmonton Eskimos. Ray led Edmonton to the franchise's 13th Grey Cup victory in 2005.
Ottawa Ownership Renewed - The Ottawa Renegades and the CFL introduced a new partnership structure in May 2005, including current owner Bill Smith of Orillia, Ontario and Bernard Glieberman, President of Crosswinds Communities Inc. of Detroit, Michigan. Despite a four-year absence from playoffs for the Renegades, the team is working to reconnect with its fan base and build stability on the field for a shot at bringing post-season play back to the nation's capital.
June
Fantasy Football Returns for Year-Two - For the 2005 season, the Canadian Football League in partnership with Wendy's and Fantasy Sports Network launched their second CFL fantasy football program. FSN showed great signs of growth this season, finishing with 25,437 registered users, a 28% increase over 2004.
CFL Broadcasts in the US - Prior to the start of the campaign, the Canadian Football League announced that the 2005 season broadcasts would reach over 70 million U.S households (and more than 176 additional countries), more than doubling the broadcast reach available south of the border the year prior. Through its partnership with Trajectory Sports, the CFL continues to build a solid base of CFL fans in the United Stats and around the world.
Touchdown Atlantic - For the first time in history, the CFL brought one of its preseason match-ups to Halifax, Nova Scotia. The defending Grey Cup Champion Toronto Argonauts played host to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in front of a sold-out crowd of nearly 11,000 fans at Huskies Stadium. Covered live by TSN and watched by more than 350,000 fans, the contest ended in a 16-16 tie. The unofficial kick-off to the 2005 season, the game garnered significant attention by fans in Atlantic Canada and in CFL cities across the country. Touchdown Atlantic received strong corporate support from Molson, Subway, Purolator, Frito-Lay, Atlantic Lottery Corporation and Tourism Halifax. The CFL will return to Eastern Canada in 2006, with the host city to be announced over the coming weeks.
Next Up...CFL 2005 in Review: A look back at the regular season (June-August)
Canadian Football League Stories from December 14, 2005
- CFL 2005 in Review: Regular Season Lead-Up - CFL
- Grey Cup champs ink Issa - Edmonton Elks
- Argos guard Dave Costa - Toronto Argonauts
- Ticats Add Paopao, Kauahi To Coaching Staff - Hamilton Tiger-Cats
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