It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

You know, aside from any part of autumn, June has to be my favourite month of the year. The Summer Solstice, marking the longest day the Northern Hemisphere experiences on the calendar, falls in June. The Stanley Cup is usually decided for another season -- congratulations to the Los Angeles Kings, by the way. And for those of us who love the hard hitting, smashmouth action of the gridiron, the birth of a new CFL season occurs.

Once again, our beloved Ti-Cats will be swinging open the doors to the venerable Bastion on Balsam for another campaign. However, this season will hold some extra significance, as the old gal will be spending it's final days between now, and hopefully sometime in November; when the Black and Gold might hold a home playoff game for it's final hurrah. Barring that, the wire-fence gates on Balsam, Beechwood, and Melrose will swing open for the last time on Saturday, October 27th; when the Ti-Cats will host their division rivals, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

I'll admit, I only became an invested resident of Tigertown a mere three years ago, so my memories of one of Steeltown's most noted landmarks are limited. Regardless, in that short time, I have developed some memories from my perch in Section 22: the offensive skills of wideouts like Prechae Rodriguez, Dave Stala, and Chris Williams; the clutch kicking from Justin "Mr. Money in the Bank" Medlock, and, of course, our remarkable defensive corps that showcased the likes of Jamal Johnson, Otis Floyd, and Stevie Baggs.

This year, the Black and Gold will welcome some new faces into the mix. Henry Burris, Luca Congi, Kevin Eiben, and the crowd jewel of off-season acquisitions, Andy Fantuz, will hopefully provide those of us within Tigertown something we've been longing for since that magical 1999 season; when Danny McManus and the legendary General, Ron Lancaster, brought Earl Grey's Mug to Ti-Cat fans young and old. I don't think there would be a better send-off to IWS than to have it return for one more time.

What's On Tap: Tonight marks the first pre-season game of the 2012 campaign when the Boys on Balsam take on their long-standing rivals, the Toronto Argonauts. Kickoff is at 7 p.m., and for a treat to those who weren't able to score a ducat to the contest, TSN will be broadcasting the game as the first half of a pre-season doubleheader. Back this year, will be my commen-tweeting of the Black and Gold. During games at IWS (unless some unforseen circumstances arise), I will be giving my two cents about the action on the field from my seat in Section 22. Follow along on Twitter at @DiefOnCats.  Hope to see you at a sold-out Ivor Wynne. Oskee wee wee!