The roar of "we want the cup" echoed outside Mosaic Stadium as a sea of green and white faithful gathered to wish the Saskatchewan Roughriders well on their journey to the 112th Grey Cup. The emotional sendoff on Monday, November 10, 2025, marked a pivotal moment for a franchise and its fans, who are witnessing their team compete for the Canadian Football League championship for the first time since 2013.
A Long-Awaited Championship Bid
As players like Kian Schaffer-Baker addressed the crowd and loaded onto chartered buses bound for Winnipeg, the atmosphere was electric with a mix of excitement and nervous anticipation. For Brent Shirkey, a lifelong supporter, the moment was profoundly significant. "As a Rider fan, this is everything. This is what they play for," Shirkey expressed, capturing the sentiment of the crowd. He noted the rarity of such opportunities, stating, "Traditionally we don't get a lot of championship wins, so every time we get a chance it's very exciting. It's the whole reason why we come up to support."
Superstition and Past Heartbreaks
Despite the palpable excitement, a layer of superstitious caution ran through Rider Nation. Shirkey admitted he has learned not to get overconfident, a feeling hardened by painful memories of last-minute losses to the Montreal Alouettes in the 2009 and 2010 Grey Cup games. "Especially when they find some success, it's not a comfortable experience," he confessed. "You're always waiting for the other shoe to drop." This blend of hope and guarded optimism is a hallmark of the Rider fan experience.
Another diehard fan, Paul Novenski, whose dedication is permanently inked on his calf in the form of a Roughrider logo, was "over the moon" with excitement. "Sunday can't come fast enough for me," he said, having seen the Grey Cup trophy during its Labour Day weekend stop in Regina. He is confident this year will be different, targeting the Alouettes' quarterback: "Montreal's kind of been our killer in the past, but I think we have a better team. I think we're going to give that little (Davis) Alexander his first loss."
Game Day Rituals and High Stakes
For the big game on Sunday at Princess Auto Stadium, Novenski's plans are set in stone, governed by a strict, superstitious routine. He will be watching from home with his wife and son, wearing the same jersey and remaining planted on his couch for the entire game, only moving during the safety of halftime. His superstitions intensify during the playoffs, leading him to invoke a firm ban on visitors. This rule stems from his wife's parents being present for the heartbreaking losses in 2009 and 2010, a history he is not willing to repeat.
The sendoff was more than just a farewell; it was a powerful display of community and unwavering support. As the Roughriders departed for their championship clash, they carried with them the hopes, dreams, and cautiously optimistic spirit of an entire province, all eagerly awaiting the outcome of the 112th Grey Cup.
