The 2012 CFL season approaches and there are plenty of reasons to watch. You may already be a fan of the Canadian game or you may not, but there are 5 compelling reasons why you should pay attention.
5.Quality of play
Over the last decade the CFL has had to compete against other secondary leagues to the NFL. From arena ball to NFL Europe to The XFL and to the UFL the CFL has stood tall and doesn't have to worry about teams folding mid-season, players cracking their skulls open on "coin-tosses" or 6 game seasons that are shortened. The CFL has proven the after the NFL it is the primary destination for Professional football players in North America.
4.Parody and competition
The phrase "only in the CFL" comes to mind when thinking of the 2012 season. The exodus of star QBs from the West to the East could mean a power shift in the league or it means that the next generation of QBs are ready to go. But before Kick-off on Friday all eight teams feel like they have a shot at the championship in Toronto come November. I know in a league of eight teams that is easy to say but even our friends at Bodog have the longest shot at the Grey Cup at 9 to 1 with Edmonton and Saskatchewan.
3.Canadian rivalries
Taking pride in your city means alot in Canada, most Montrealers hate anything Toronto does. Ask a Calgarian what they think of Edmonton. Winnipeg and Saskatchewan may be stuck in the middle of Canada together but it doesn't mean they like each other. Rivalries are great and within the CFL they are easily created as you play each team up to possibly 4 times a season, Before playoffs. You may not like your local CFL team, but you can easily hate the others.
2.Players that you can relate to
The CFL is full of hard working blue-collar guys. Players that need to have other interests other than football, not other interests as in hobbies, other interests as in jobs. Fans appreciate players they can relate to, but understand that these CFL players also relate to the fans and appreciate the support more so then any other professional sport. Most of these players are on second chances in their football careers and love the game so much that they will work 6 months of the year to support their families so that the other 6 months they can earn $45000 getting their bodies beat up for the pleasure of their fan base.
1. Accessible and affordable
As professional sports go, is there a more affordable product? Is there a more accessible game? Each game is televised on TSN, Each stadium has it's own flavor and ticket, concession and parking prices are more than reasonable in any of the 8 Canadian cities. If you want to see a game, you can, anyone can. You just have to take the time.
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Since it's my first post of 2012 and the season starts tomorrow, I guess I'll put it all on the line with some predictions. I'll blame the vertigo medication I'm on when I'm wrong.
WEST:
BC 13-5
Cal 11-7
Sask 10-8
Edm 4-14
East:
Ham 11-7
Mtl 10-8
Tor 8-10
Win 8-10
Grey Cup BC over Mtl
