A Homecoming with a Purpose
When Redha Kramdi, Joey Corcoran, and Kevens Clercius were drafted by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, there was one thing they didn’t expect: playing a playoff game in their hometown of Montreal. For these players, the opportunity to return to familiar territory comes with both excitement and pressure.
“When I got here I didn’t even know crossover was a thing,” Clercius said on Wednesday. This sentiment reflects the unique nature of the CFL’s playoff system, which allows a fourth-place team in one division to claim the third playoff spot in the other. The result is an East semifinal matchup between the Bombers and the Alouettes in Montreal on Saturday.
For Corcoran, a receiver who was a fifth-round draft pick from the University of New Hampshire this year, the chance to play in Montreal is more than just a homecoming. “It’s great to go home and have my mom in the stands,” he said. “But I’m going there to win. I want to kick ass.”
While his words might raise a few eyebrows, Corcoran knows that the support from his family and friends will be for the Blue Bombers. “Winnipeg, all the way,” he said. “They’re not allowed to cheer for Montreal.”
This sense of loyalty is shared by Kramdi, the elder statesman of the Montreal Mafia. For him, this will be the first time he’s on the road for a playoff game that isn’t a Grey Cup game. “It’s cool,” he said. “A bit dragging to manage all the tickets and have family coming. But always appreciative of the support.”
Kramdi estimates that around 20 family and friends will be in the crowd, all cheering for the Bombers. “They know when October comes around I’m not the most fun person to talk to,” he added. “I just got the most tickets I can, and spread it out.”
The Road to the Grey Cup
The path to the Grey Cup is not without its challenges. With star receiver Nic Demski sidelined due to a hamstring injury, the burden falls on younger players like Corcoran and Clercius. Corcoran has only caught 10 passes as a rookie, while Clercius has 40 in his second season.
Despite the pressure, both players are focused on the task at hand. “Now it’s more about ‘win,’ and less about my people at home,” Clercius said. “Now it’s go big or go home.”
For Kramdi, the focus remains on the business end of the trip. “The game could have been in Morris, I don’t care,” he said. “Morris, Montreal, Hamilton – it doesn’t matter. This year, all roads lead back to Winnipeg.”
A Unique Opportunity
The opportunity to play in Montreal is a rare one for the Bombers. It’s a chance for players to reconnect with their roots while still maintaining their competitive edge. For Corcoran, it’s the first step towards achieving a goal he’s had since arriving in Winnipeg.
“We love our chances,” he said. “It’s going to take all of us coming together, and that’s what we’ve been doing all week. We love it.”
As the team prepares for the matchup, the support from family and fans will play a crucial role. For Kramdi, it’s a reminder of the journey he’s been on. “All I’ve known is seasons that end with trips to the Grey Cup,” he said. “That’s all I care about this year, too.”
With the stakes high and the pressure on, the Bombers are ready to take on the challenge. Whether it’s in Montreal or anywhere else, the goal remains the same: to bring the Grey Cup back to Winnipeg.