It turns out the Ottawa Redblacks logger team will not be performing at the Grey Cup after all.
The Canadian Football League’s decision to allow the Algonquin Loggersports Team to do the traditional cutting of the wood cookie was overturned on Saturday.
“Edmonton felt that it was a competitive disadvantage for them and their team and essentially protested and the league had to concede to neutral playing ground,” said Jeff Hunt, OSEG’s manager of sports.
It came as a shock to the chainsaw crew who received the news while waiting to board their flight to Winnipeg.
“If in fact it is the case, it would be very disappointing for our student athletes who are very excited to have this opportunity, but at the end of the day, they will be thrilled to be at the Grey Cup and hopefully something will work out,” said Jamie Bramburger, Manager, Student & Community Affairs, Pembroke Campus at Algonquin College.
The Loggersports team and their chainsaws have been set up at every home game for the past two years. When the Redblacks score a touchdown, they slice the cedar, sending the wood chips flying in the air.
“I think the Grey Cup is about a lot of things and I know it’s a competitive game but it’s also fun and really that’s what that’s all about is it’s a fun tradition we have that we would have like to take to the Grey Cup but unfortunately it’s not meant to be,” said Hunt.
The decision did not seem to rattle Redblacks fans in Ottawa – too excited for the big game.
“I’m there just for the game and it’s the game that counts and if Ottawa does well – that’s what we want,” said one fan.
“It’s the getting together with friends to watch the game and having fun on that special Sunday,” said another.
The Loggersports team said they would still be at the game to cheer on the Redblacks.
