Bert Faibish
Ticats.ca
Every CFL fan knows that the most heated rivalry in the league is between Hamilton and Toronto. Just a 45 kilometre stretch of the QEW separates these two geographically, but it’s more than that.
It’s a clash of cultures. A blue-collar versus a white-collar town. The history and tradition of Ivor Wynne Stadium versus the carpet and concrete of the Rogers Centre.
In an eight-team league, it’s inevitable that there would be players on each team that have experienced Labour Day from both aspects.
“Man, coming here as an Argo, I can just remember fans cussing you out, throwing things, just going crazy in the stands,” said former Argo and current Ticats defensive back Jason Shivers.
“It’s the same kind of passion and hatred you get in real heated high school rivalries,” he said.
For some players it’s the different perspective of sitting in the air-conditioned confines of the home locker room, but for others the difference is much more pronounced.
Arland Bruce III has gone from public enemy number one to fan favourite in Steeltown and loves getting up for games like these.
“Anytime you have a crowd behind you, chanting your name, it’s an amazing feeling,” said Bruce.
After playing a hard-hitting affair two weeks ago in Toronto, the Ticats pretty much know what to expect when they take the field on Monday and plan to take advantage of some things they’ve seen on tape.
“There are definitely some things we’ve seen on film that we want to take advantage of but we expect another tough, hard-fought game here on Monday,” said Bruce.
In their previous meeting the two teams combined for only 28 points and scored only one touchdown between them. After fighting through such a tough defensive battle it was beneficial for both teams to have some time off to recuperate before going at it again on Monday.
“I took a pretty nice hit last time so it was great to rest my body a bit and really be fresh for this game,” said Bruce.
For the first time in a long while, the rivalry will have some extra importance behind it. With the two teams separated by just two points in the standings, a win for Hamilton will clinch the season series with Toronto, providing them with the tie-breaker over the Argos and leaving them in sole possession of second place in the East Division.
Needless to say that come Monday, bodies will be flying around and players will need to make sure they have their chin straps buckled up.
