Sports in Canadian culture

[megadude]

Originally Posted by Coldrsx

Honda Indy (Toronto) moving to Markham...blah

https://www.ctvnews.ca/toronto/article/honda-indy-moving-from-toronto-to-markham-in-2026/

I always wonder if fans prefer events in the downtown or out in the burbs. And the difference between locals and visitors.

When I went to the Lions and Browns games, being downtown enhanced the experience of hanging around and then walking to and from the stadium. But then again, I’m not a tailgater. The best tailgates are places with way more space. You could clearly feel the tailgating was better for Bills games out in Orchard Park. So, a local might like the more spacious venue because they’ve already done all there is to do downtown and they probably have a car. While visitors might want to cram in all the sights to see while on a trip and might not have a car and therefore rely on walking or transit, which is lacking in the ‘burbs. Plus, hotel options are very limited.

When it comes to arenas, downtown always just feels better because it provides for some energy before and after the game with all the sights and sounds and there’s no tailgating and there’s far fewer people and cars that need accommodating.

As for a city motor race, the surrounding not only adds to the outside experience, but the inside experience as well. A big city creates a backdrop to the action on the circuit, like for baseball stadiums with the skyline behind the outfield. Two extremes for F1 would be Monaco vs. say Silverstone (British GP). Monaco looks amazing, but you don’t go there to see the action of cars passing each other. Silverstone was an old RAF base and is surrounded by empty land and mud. Very boring backdrop but it’s at a proper racing venue.

I’d rather watch the Toronto Indy downtown than in Markham. Markham Centre is not bereft of infrastructure, but it is still quite boring. If I lived in York Region I might be onboard with this but for those of us who could take a pretty comfortable train ride to downtown, it’s a more difficult proposition now.

Mind you, it also depends on the circuit itself. A place like Suzuka or Spa Francorchamps are in nice natural settings but also have an interesting configuration with plenty of curves and ups and downs. Something you’re not going to get in “Downtown” Markham. And if the circuit is downtown adjacent like Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal or Albert Park in Melbourne, it still works, especially if it has a nice setting like the water.

Here’s what the Vancouver Indy looked like. And the Edmonton one, which was not downtown, but still had a backdrop, at least for a couple of views. Then the former homes of the Canadian GP, Mosport and Mt. Tremblant, both way out there, but legendary circuits and in the case of Mt. Tremblant, a scenic setting.


https://604now.com/old-molson-indy-races-vancouver-history/


https://www.sportsnet.ca/auto-racing/indycar-edmonton-finished/


https://www.macriphoto.com/arial-photography-edmonton-alberta


https://www.snaplap.net/circuit-mont-tremblant/


https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=http...kQ3YkBahcKEwjIjtHo1cyPAxUAAAAAHQAAAAAQdg



Then there’s the Toronto Indy vs. it’s future home.


https://www.insauga.com/honda-indy-moving-from-toronto-to-markham/


https://torontosun.com/life/homes/the-changing-face-of-markham



And here’s Montreal and Melbourne city park venues.


https://pam.co/pam-partners-with-octane-...ce-at-the-formula-1-canadian-grand-prix/


https://www.drive.com.au/news/2025-formula-one-australian-grand-prix-on-track-schedule/

[elly63]

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[theman23]

Originally Posted by megadude

I always wonder if fans prefer events in the downtown or out in the burbs. And the difference between locals and visitors.

When I went to the Lions and Browns games, being downtown enhanced the experience of hanging around and then walking to and from the stadium. But then again, I’m not a tailgater. The best tailgates are places with way more space. You could clearly feel the tailgating was better for Bills games out in Orchard Park. So, a local might like the more spacious venue because they’ve already done all there is to do downtown and they probably have a car. While visitors might want to cram in all the sights to see while on a trip and might not have a car and therefore rely on walking or transit, which is lacking in the ‘burbs. Plus, hotel options are very limited.

When it comes to arenas, downtown always just feels better because it provides for some energy before and after the game with all the sights and sounds and there’s no tailgating and there’s far fewer people and cars that need accommodating.

As for a city motor race, the surrounding not only adds to the outside experience, but the inside experience as well. A big city creates a backdrop to the action on the circuit, like for baseball stadiums with the skyline behind the outfield. Two extremes for F1 would be Monaco vs. say Silverstone (British GP). Monaco looks amazing, but you don’t go there to see the action of cars passing each other. Silverstone was an old RAF base and is surrounded by empty land and mud. Very boring backdrop but it’s at a proper racing venue.

I’d rather watch the Toronto Indy downtown than in Markham. Markham Centre is not bereft of infrastructure, but it is still quite boring. If I lived in York Region I might be onboard with this but for those of us who could take a pretty comfortable train ride to downtown, it’s a more difficult proposition now.

Mind you, it also depends on the circuit itself. A place like Suzuka or Spa Francorchamps are in nice natural settings but also have an interesting configuration with plenty of curves and ups and downs. Something you’re not going to get in “Downtown” Markham. And if the circuit is downtown adjacent like Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal or Albert Park in Melbourne, it still works, especially if it has a nice setting like the water.

Here’s what the Vancouver Indy looked like. And the Edmonton one, which was not downtown, but still had a backdrop, at least for a couple of views. Then the former homes of the Canadian GP, Mosport and Mt. Tremblant, both way out there, but legendary circuits and in the case of Mt. Tremblant, a scenic setting.



https://torontosun.com/life/homes/the-changing-face-of-markham

If the map posted earlier is accurate, then this isn't where the race will be. It'll be centered around the GO station and YMCA, so essentially a massive parking lot. I'm guessing they need the space for the temporary stands and paddocks but there will be nothing to see visually at all.

[megadude]

Originally Posted by theman23

If the map posted earlier is accurate, then this isn't where the race will be. It'll be centered around the GO station and YMCA, so essentially a massive parking lot. I'm guessing they need the space for the temporary stands and paddocks but there will be nothing to see visually at all.

Oh okay. So it will be just above this cluster of buildings about a km away. I didn’t actually read that article I quoted from the other poster, I saw a news tidbit about it but saw someone else posted before me so I just quoted them. I assumed they’d utilize the area I showed as that’s where the entertainment is in the new downtown Markham. It’s going to look awful on TV like the Edmonton and Cleveland races. Though the use of airport tarmac added novelty to those races, it wasn’t visually appealing and if they are using a parking lot then this thing might be unwatchable. Gotta hope there will at least be passing

Anyway, I haven’t been to Indy since close to 25 years because I was way more into F1 and a variety of other motorsports and Indy has been subpar for decades now.

Now, did they consider Mosport? Probably have to make a bunch changes to bring to the standard of those speeds but what is the cost of erecting temporary infrastructure every year in Markham?

[theman23]

Originally Posted by megadude

Oh okay. So it will be just above this cluster of buildings about a km away. I didn’t actually read that article I quoted from the other poster, I saw a news tidbit about it but saw someone else posted before me so I just quoted them. I assumed they’d utilize the area I showed as that’s where the entertainment is in the new downtown Markham. It’s going to look awful on TV like the Edmonton and Cleveland races. Though the use of airport tarmac added novelty to those races, it wasn’t visually appealing and if they are using a parking lot then this thing might be unwatchable. Gotta hope there will at least be passing

Anyway, I haven’t been to Indy since close to 25 years because I was way more into F1 and a variety of other motorsports and Indy has been subpar for decades now.

Now, did they consider Mosport? Probably have to make a bunch changes to bring to the standard of those speeds but what is the cost of erecting temporary infrastructure every year in Markham?

Mosport is probably too unsafe as you said. A 5 year deal seems fairly short for something like this and I'm guessing they would have wanted a bigger commitment before bringing things up to standard.

I also suspect the GO train station has something to do with the choice of location, with the train unloading people right at the back of the viewing area. It'll be a long and painful shuttle though.

[elly63]

Interesting analysis

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[Denscity]

... and now defeated New Zealand as well?

[elly63]

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[elly63]

Longtime CFL player Mike Morreale departs role as CEBL commissioner
3Down Staff 3downnation.com October 20, 2025

Mike Morreale has departed his role as the commissioner of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL).

“I’ve decided my journey as commissioner has come to an end, and that my role in this incredible story has served its purpose,” said Morreale in a statement. “I proudly and confidently look forward to the future of this amazing league and the wonderful memories yet to be made. I’ll always be its biggest supporter, its loudest advocate, and a proud founder.”

Founded in 2017, the CEBL has grown to 10 teams across the country and garnered media deals with TSN, Next Level Sports in the United States, Fox Sports Australia, TapGo in Philippines, SingTel in Singapore, and Astro in Malaysia. The Niagara River Lions recently repeated as the league’s champions.

“When Mike Morreale took on this job, this league was just an idea. Mike was determined to see Canada take its rightful place on the basketball stage with a successful professional league here at home, something many thought could not be done,” said Richard Petko, who co-founded the CEBL alongside Morreale.

“Today, as Mike leaves to take on new challenges after a successful eight years at our helm, the league is firmly established, with 10 teams in six provinces. It features an exciting style of play and innovative rules, and boasts a young, diverse and growing fan base of over 4.1 million. Mike has been, and always will be, our foundational leader.”

Morreale played 12 seasons in the Canadian Football League as a member of the Toronto Argonauts and Hamilton Tiger-Cats, recording 509 catches for 6,649 yards and 24 touchdowns. He was named the league’s Most Outstanding Canadian in 1998 and won two Grey Cups. After his playing career, he spent seven years working for the CFL Players’ Association, including a stint as president.

Tyler Mazereeuw, the president of the CEBL, will oversee the day-to-day operations formerly managed by Morreale.

“The CEBL stands poised for its next chapter,” he Mazereeuw. “We have an exciting opportunity to build on the strong foundation that Mike Morreale and so many devoted and hard-working people across Canada have built.”

[Djeffery]

Was going to edit my post in the NHL thread to make an addition, but since it's not hockey related, figured I would just add to the info on this thread.

Maple Leafs have changed a couple game times so as not to compete head to head with the Jays in the World Series. Saturday the 25th will be at 5pm and Tuesday the 28th will be at 6pm, and the fans are invited to stay to watch the ball game on the video board as they have done in the past 2 playoff series. Raptors have also moved up the start times of their games Friday and Wednesday.

Friday night will be one of the rare nights that the Jays Leafs and Raptors all play. I'm sure it has happened in the spring time a few times over the years, but hockey and basketball seem to have their regular nights and they don't generally overlap with large schedules often. It will happen again next Wednesday assuming the WS goes to game 5.

[Djeffery]

Originally Posted by Djeffery

Friday night will be one of the rare nights that the Jays Leafs and Raptors all play. I'm sure it has happened in the spring time a few times over the years, but hockey and basketball seem to have their regular nights and they don't generally overlap with large schedules often. It will happen again next Wednesday assuming the WS goes to game 5.

So apparently this isn't exactly a rare event. I was facetiming with my daughter during the game last night and I mentioned all 3 teams playing on the same day and that it must be pretty rare. So she looked it up and apparently it's happened 77 times in the past. I found that surprising.

[elly63]

Long ago, when I first started working in Halifax, at the height of her young fame, she came over and introduced herself (as if I didn't know who she was). Nice lady. God Bless!

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[elly63]

Good to see Canadian college kids getting looks from the NFL. Just shows how close the CFL is to the NFL in caliber of play.

Canadian QB Taylor Elgersma works out for San Francisco 49ers: sources
Justin Dunk 3downnation.com December 1, 2025

Canadian quarterback Taylor Elgersma worked out for the San Francisco 49ers on Monday, per NFL sources.

This is a scenario the strong-armed QB and his camp have been waiting for since he was released by the Green Bay Packers in August. Many NFL teams are dealing with injuries or have started looking towards the future. Elgersma is a free agent, which means franchises can bring him in the building immediately and give both sides a jump start on next season.

49ers general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan had enough interest in Elgersma to fly him to the Bay Area. San Francisco’s northeast area scout Eric Thatcher was at his pro day in March. The Niners currently have starter Brock Purdy and backup Mac Jones on the active roster with Adrian Martinez on the practice roster.

The 49ers already have one Canadian QB under contract with Kurtis Rourke on the team’s non-football injury list after he was selected in the seventh round, 227th overall during the 2025 NFL Draft. This was the first NFL workout for Elgersma since August 27, when he was flown in by the New York Giants.

Elgersma was waived by Green Bay after training camp, then went unclaimed and became an NFL free agent. The 23-year-old completed 16-of-23 passes for 166 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions while playing in three NFL preseason games with the Packers, recording a 104.6 QB rating.

The six-foot-five, 227-pound passer signed with the team as an undrafted free agent in May following a rookie mini-camp tryout, becoming the fourth Canadian university QB to sign with an NFL team and the first since 1987. He threw a touchdown pass during the Packers Family Night scrimmage on Saturday, August 2 and flashed despite limited reps in training camp.

Houston Texans work out Canadian LB Devin Veresuk
3Down Staff 3downnation.com December 3, 2025

The Houston Texans worked out Canadian linebacker Devin Veresuk on Wednesday.

The native of Windsor, Ont. was the second overall pick in the 2025 CFL Draft and made 15 regular-season starts at middle linebacker for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats this season. He amassed 66 defensive tackles, three special team tackles, two sacks, two touchdowns, one forced fumble, and one interception. He was named the East Division’s nominee for Most Outstanding Rookie.

The 24-year-old played collegiately at the University of Windsor where he registered 160 total tackles, 14 tackles for loss, nine sacks, five pass knockdowns, two forced fumbles, and one interception returned for a touchdown. He was named an OUA all-star in 2024.

The six-foot-two, 240-pound defender attended the University at Buffalo pro day earlier this year where he ran a blazing 4.47-second 40-yard dash. He also recorded a 4.47-second shuttle, 7.19-second three-cone drill, 27 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press, a 36-inch vertical jump, and a 10-foot, four-inch broad jump.

This was Veresuk’s second NFL workout so far this offseason as he also visited the New Orleans Saints.

[elly63]

Bill Hewitt, very early Don Cherry helping with colour, a defunct NHL team, a goalie who played in the mid 1960s, top loading VCR commercials and the best main follow camera position in sports, what's not to like.

Hard to believe, this was almost half a century ago.

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[Djeffery]

Western Mustangs and former MacMaster Marauders and Hamilton Tiger-Cats football coach Greg Marshall retired this week, after 18 years and a couple Vanier Cup championships. Job already posted in case anyone is interested lol. Our financial advisor was a Mustangs player in the 80's and his son more recently so, and told us Greg was the first Mustangs football coach who that was their only job with the university, prior coaches also had teaching or other jobs there. I wonder how many Canadian university football coaches are hired specifically for that job now. I imagine the big schools do now but I would have to think that some of the smaller schools still can't afford that.

https://www.uwo.ca/hr/working/football-c...WSdizK_7dblqV_aem_rRi_vtO63ujpi9HBLKCCMw

[elly63]

Canadian college football is much more "professional" these days than when I was a kid. You're seeing much more personnel movement between it and the CFL, with a prominent more recent example being the Elks CEO Chris Morris.

There must have been somebody before him but it seems to me Greg Marshall was one of the first prominent Canadian college coaches to get to the CFL at a time when the league still preferred American coaches and managers. Edit: I read he was the first (below) I still remember his first year in Hamilton where he inherited a terrible team and brought back some respectability.

I'd like to think Marshall had something to do with helping change that as the last time I checked (could be wrong now) that there are more Canadian head coaches and GMs than American.

I was going to post this but you beat me to it.

Legendary U Sports coach Greg Marshall retiring after 18 years at Western University
3Down Staff 3downnation.com December 17, 2025

Greg Marshall has announced his retirement as the head coach at Western University.

The 66-year-old spent the past 18 years with the Mustangs, winning two Vanier Cups, nine Yates Cups, six David ‘Tuffy’ Knight Awards as the OUA Coach of the Year, and two U Sports Coach of the Year honours.

“I love what I do, but it’s the right time for me,” Marshall said in a statement. “I’ll have a chance to say my goodbyes and support the team through the transition before ending this chapter. I want to ensure I leave the Mustangs in a good spot.”

Marshall played fullback at Western from 1978 to 1981 under head coach Darwin Semotiuk, helping the team win three provincial titles. He was a two-time OUA all-star, the Most Valuable Player of the Yates Cup in 1980, and won the Hec Crighton Trophy the same year.

The native of Guelph, Ont. played three seasons with the Edmonton Football Team and won a Grey Cup in 1982, though his career was cut short by knee injuries. He returned to Western as a volunteer coach in 1985 and was promoted to offensive coordinator in 1992, a role he held for five seasons.

“Greg’s energy and passion for the game is like no other, but what makes him so special is how much he truly cares,” said director of sports and recreation Christine Stapleton.

“The hours he puts into planning and preparation are only matched by how much he looks out for his student-athletes, coaches and support staff. He truly bleeds purple, and we are so grateful for everything he has done for the program, our department and the university community.”

In 1997, Marshall became head coach of the McMaster Marauders and won four-straight Yates Cups. In 2004, he was hired as the head coach of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and spent three seasons with the team, posting a 14-25-1 record with one playoff berth. He was the first Canadian-born and first U Sports coach to be named directly to a head coaching position within the CFL and was named the league’s Coach of the Year in 2004.

“When you first start coaching, you think it’s about winning,” Marshall said. “Part of your growth as a coach is realizing it’s something more than that. It’s about building a culture of caring for people, looking after them and being respectful and inclusive. Winning happens when you create that environment.”

“I always tell my players, ‘You’re going to win games, you’re going to lose games, and you’ll soon realize it’s just a game. It’s a sport,’ but what’s neat is you develop these amazing friendships because of your association with this sport. That’s what’s most important.”

As a player and coach, Marshall won four Vanier Cups, 23 Yates Cups, three U Sports Coach of the Year awards, seven OUA Coach of the Year awards, one Grey Cup, one CFL Coach of the Year award, and one Hec Crighton Trophy.

“As head coach for almost two decades, Greg has made a tremendous impact on Mustangs Football,” said Western University president Alan Shepard. “Beyond his dedication and love for the win, he shows incredible leadership on and off the field – our heartfelt thanks for his deep commitment to Western.”

Marshall will remain head coach until his replacement is recruited and plans to support the team through the transition. He and his wife, Joan, plan to travel and spend lots of time with their children and grandchildren.

[elly63]

Originally Posted by Djeffery;10527514J

Job already posted in case anyone is interested

Candidates to be Western University Mustangs’ next head football coach
3Down Staff December 18, 2025

This won’t be your typical U Sports coaching search. Jobs at blue-blood programs rarely come open — and the top job at Western never does. In the last 50 years, the Mustangs have only had three head coaches, all legends in their own right: Darwin Semotiuk, Larry Haylor, and Marshall.

With that context in mind, here are ten people who could be hired as Western’s next head coach, as sourced by 3DownNation reporters Justin Dunk, John Hodge, and JC Abbott.

THE No. 1 candidate

Michael Faulds — head coach, Wilfrid Laurier University

Coaches with Western ties

Chris Bertoia — head coach, University of Waterloo
Stevenson Bone — head coach, University of Alberta
Jean-Paul Circelli — head coach, University of Windsor
Mickey Donovan — special teams coordinator, Toronto Argonauts
Steve Snyder — head coach, Queen’s University

Internal candidates

Paul Gleason — defensive coordinator, Western University
Gaetan Richard — offensive coordinator, Western University

Up-and-comers

Mark Surya — head coach, University of Guelph
Todd Galloway — offensive coordinator, Wilfrid Laurier University
Mason Nyhus — assistant head coach & offensive coordinator, University of Saskatchewan

[elly63]

These videos keep popping up as recommendations and I am finding all sorts of new to me discoveries when I watch them.

Here's a couple: I was under the impression that the first coloured goalie mask was Doug Favell's orange Halloween mask in 1970 (not counting the Cheever's stitch mask) but here you see the Montreal goalie Tony Esposito with what looks like a red mask two years earlier.

Also notice the very clear banana blade on Stan Mikita's stick, obviously predating the stick blade curve rule

Interesting that Esposito would end up in Chicago and Chicago's goalie Dave Dryden's brother Ken would land in Montreal in three years. While on the subject of masks, Dave Dryden was the co inventor of the combo mask (fiberglass mask with a wire cage covering a cut-out area)

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[Airboy]

More and More Olympic Teams are being named, only a short time before Milano Cortina Winter Olympics and Paralympics .

[Djeffery]

Hamilton is getting a hockey team again. Lots of talk last year that the Marlies were going to relocate from Toronto. It looks like it's actually the Bridgeport Islanders from Connecticut relocating to the Hammer. Hasn't been officially announced by the league yet. The team is owned by the NHL club, so they will stay as the Islanders affiliate.