After a thrilling come-from-behind victory over the Calgary Stampeders last week, my beloved Saskatchewan Roughriders were hammered 45-18 by the B.C. Lions in the CFL Western Final this afternoon. No Saskatchewan-themed Grey Cup party this year, but at least I can look forward to all the tasty snacks we enjoy on Grey Cup Sunday. As long as Amanda has pot, she can handle watching my lone sports indulgence with nary a complaint (of course the aforementioned snacks, such as pepperoni sticks, crackers, cheese and assorted vegetables, help soothe her pain).

I've encountered a lot of resistance from my fellow artsy colleagues concerning my interest in sports. Aren't there many writers who romanticize about baseball or hockey? So why not have a Canadian writer, who hails originally from Saskatchewan, enjoy Canadian football? Methinks it makes me not a jock or some other boorish stereotype, but merely a well-rounded individual who appreciates the aerial strategy and execution of Canadian football.

Thanks for a roller-coaster year, Riders. And if Danny Barrett doesn't return as head coach next season then I must tip my non-existent hat to the man who brought back playoff contention, respectability and excitement to the province of Saskatchewan. Thanks, Danny.

Go Riders in 2007!