by Gene Kosowan
Neither rain nor snow (especially snow) nor gloom of night shall keep these athletes and spectators from the swift enjoyment of their recreational faves. After all, this is Edmonton and, with that in mind, snow or shine, here are 10 sporting events worth checking out. [Image credit: iStock.com/Aksonov]
Edmonton Eskimos
The final regular season game for the CFL Esks on Nov. 5 at 2 p.m. at Commonwealth Stadium sees them hosting the Toronto Argonauts, a team they previously beat 46-23 back in August. Given Edmonton’s slide from its Grey Cup champ status last year, playoff hopes could still ride on this match.
E-ville Roller Derby
Rock ‘em, sock ‘em action isn’t entirely relegated to male domain. Women can scrap with the best of the lot and nowhere is that more evident than in roller derby, a guilty pleasure relic that had its salad days in the ‘70s. E-ville Roller Derby celebrates a decade of mayhem Nov. 5 at 7 pm at Edmonton Sportsdome when teams like the E-Ville Dead, Living Dead, Berserkhers, Las Pistolas, Slice Girls and Ref’d For Dead go cruisin’ for a bruisin.’
Canadian Finals Rodeo
Saddle up, cowpokes. The Big Kahuna of rodeos, the CFR, charges out of the chutes at Rexall Place Nov. 9-13, marking the end of the season for diehards of the sport. Up for grabs are national titles in bareback, saddle bronc, barrel racing, team roping, tie-down roping, steer wrestling and bull riding, as well as a total of $1.5 million in cash awards. For everyone else, expect a bucking good time.
Heritage Ranch Rodeo
As part of the activities at Farmfair, watch for a rodeo of a different sort, Nov. 9-11 at the Edmonton EXPO Centre. The focus is on more traditional rural activities that double as intense competitions in such areas as cow milking, team doctoring and, to cap it all off, a wild horse race.
Crestwood Ladies Fall Classic
Week 13 of the World Curling Tour sees the women dig out the brooms and slide out of the hack Nov. 11-13 at the Crestwood Curling Club, aiming for a cash prize worth $11,000. With teams hitting the city from all over the world, it should be noted that a squad led by Edmontonian Kristen Streifel took last year’s Crestwood title.
Golden Bears/Pandas Hockey
Clare Drake Arena is the place to be for intercollegiate hockey when the women who don the jerseys for the University of Alberta Pandas host the University of Regina (Nov. 4 -5) and the University of Lethbridge (Nov. 25-26). Meanwhile, the men’s Bears face off against the University of Calgary (Nov. 11) and the University of Manitoba (Nov. 18 & 19).
Edmonton Oil Kings
If watching the NHL Oilers live is taxing on the wallet, hit Rogers Place to catch the WHL Oil Kings, whose hockey prowess is every bit as entertaining, while you get to see where the next crop of big-league talent emerge through the ranks. The Kings are at home for three games this month, playing against Saskatoon (Nov. 10), Kootenay (Nov. 12) and Regina (Nov. 16).
Edmonton Oilers
With a new arena and a new captain answering to Connor McDavid, the Oil’s hopes for a playoff berth have been elevated, even though the regular season is barely a month old. This month sees Edmonton hosting Dallas (Nov 11). NY Rangers (Nov. 13), Chicago (Nov. 21) Arizona (Nov. 27 and Toronto (Nov. 29).
Golden Bears/Pandas Volleyball
It’s bump, set and spike for the men and women of the University of Alberta Golden Bears and Pandas, respectively, when they hit the court in the Saville Community Sports Centre to serve up some action against MacEwan University (Nov. 11) and the University of Winnipeg (Nov. 25 & 26).
Harness Racing
The trotters take to the track with sulkies in tow at Northlands Park for four days (Nov. 18, 19, 25 & 26). Whether the snow flies or not, expect the Standardbred to offer a mile of excitement with each race.
Whether indoors or out, Edmonton enjoys its winter sports. And if worse comes to worse, the weather’s only a minor factor. No roof? No heat? No problem!
