The CFL have released the first wave of Grey Cup Portal Games. This is an ‘On Demand’ Portal showcasing Grey Cup games from 1946 onwards.
The first installment includes championship games and highlights from 1946, 1948, 1949, 1950, 1952, 1954, 1955, 1956, 1957, 1958 and 1959.
It should be noted that the first five games, 1946, 1948, 1949, 1950, 1952 are news reels and highlights rather than full games.
Which means the first full games you can access are the 1954, 1955, 1956, 1957, 1958 and 1959 Grey Cup games.
The CFL does a nice job of introducing these Grey Cup Portal games and giving a little background to each one here.
The First Full Grey Cup Portal Games
The first full Grey Cup Portal Games are certainly an interesting look into the history of the game. And, if you are supporter of either Edmonton or Winnipeg they are well worth a look. Because they won five of those six games between them.
For Edmonton, the first of their ‘post-modern’ era Dynasties would come against Montreal in a threepeat covering 1954-1956.
For Winnipeg, their Dynasty would come in 1958-1959. Forming part of a larger dominant run from 1957 to 1962. A period that saw the Blue Bombers, led by Head Coach Bud Grant, record a 75-21 regular season run. Which translated into 5 Grey Cup appearances (they were runners up in 1957) and four wins.
I would suggest starting with the 1954 game. A surprisingly modern feeling game as Sam Etcheverry and Bernie Faloney led their teams to a then Grey Cup record combined 1,076 yards of offence. Plus the game features one of the most famous and controversial plays in Grey Cup history. Montreal’s Chuck Hunsinger threw a lateral that led to a Jackie Parker 90-yard scoop and score to tie the game.
You can find the Gey Cup Portal here. It’s well worth a look if you have an interest in the history of American Football, not just the CFL.
Further instalments are set to follow. The next being on February 11th when the 1960-1969 games will be opened up behind the Portal.
Banner Image: Edmonton celebrate a threepeat win in 1956 in one of the first CFL games released behind the CFL Portal. Image from wikipedia