When the Stamps and Lions do battle on Friday night at McMahon Stadium, the largest crowd cheers may very well not be for a football player.
The team will hold pre-game ceremonies to recognize the work of volunteers and first responders during Calgary’s current flood crisis.
The largest roar may come for Calgary’s mayor Naheed Nenshi. During the flood crisis he has been everywhere in the city, except, judging by his disheveled appearance, in bed.
Putting the emphasis on the flood and the follow up work, is understandable to veteran receiver Nik Lewis. He is one of thousands of Calgarians displaced by the flood.
“I’m staying with Johnny Forzani,” noted the Stampeders veteran.
“We’re having a good time, just hanging out. I miss my bed, I miss my couch, but I think Calgary has done a wonderful job with so many people coming out to help. I applaud everyone for their efforts.”
While Lewis is safe and dry, there are some practical issues he is dealing with.
“Since it was a same day trip (flying in day-of-game to Regina), all I had was the clothes I had on. So it wasn’t like a regular road trip where you pack. All I have are my socks, underwear, jeans and a shirt. That’s it.”
Lewis realized Calgary was in serious trouble at halftime of the final pre-season game in Regina, when he turned on his phone to receive a text message from his landlord. That message told him his condominium was flooded out. He has since been able to enter his condo, but there is still no power.
The Stampeders will have many events around the opener to honour those involved in the flood. The Canadian Red Cross will man entry gates with donation boxes.
The Stampeders will donate their portion of the 50-50 draw to the same agency. The team was also planning a pre-season dinner for players and families. The dinner has been cancelled and the money allocated to that event has been donated to the Red Cross.
McMahon Stadium was not affected by the flood beyond being drenched by rain. However, some players are struggling to find season accommodations as some building are now not available or prospective landlords are distracted with flood relief.
Despite the events going on around them, the Stampeders have to prepare for the opener against the Lions.
Lewis, who is prepping for his 10th home opener, is buoyant about the Stampeders chances.
“Defensively, with the talent that they have, the speed that they have in the secondary and linebacker position, the skills up front, I think we’re going to be really great defensively,” noted Lewis.
“Offensively, we put together some great drives in the pre-season with all three quarterbacks. I feel real comfortable with our offensive game plan and I think everyone is gelling together.”
Lewis is coming off his most productive season last year when he grabbed 100 passes, becoming just the fourth Stampeders receiver to reach that plateau.
Lewis and his teammates will run on the field on Friday night, maybe supplying a few hours of relief for a city consumed by flood Sharing the spotlight with the first responders should be no problem for the team.
