Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau issued the follow statement following the conclusion of the 108th Grey Cup at Tim Hortons Field in Hamilton.
“After a hard-fought game that demonstrated the best of both teams, I congratulate the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on winning the 108th Grey Cup, their second consecutive championship, against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. This was Hamilton’s first time hosting the championship since the famous 1996 Snow Bowl, when players were up against heavy snow, frigid temperatures, and strong winds. Tonight, both teams played an incredible game, and reminded us how Canadian football can unite us all.
“This year’s Grey Cup was a special matchup, since the Canadian Football League had made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 championship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Even with health guidelines and efforts to make Grey Cup festivities as safe as possible, it has been heartwarming to see Canadians of all ages come back together to take part in one of our country’s favourite traditions. Whether we watched the game at home or from the stands, these players have continued to inspire us, encourage us, and make us proud.
“On behalf of all Canadians, I congratulate the players, their coaches and fans, and the entire Canadian Football League on a thrilling return to the game, and I thank the City of Hamilton for hosting an exciting Grey Cup.”
The Blue Bombers trailed 22-10 in the fourth quarter but battled back to take a 25-22 ahead of Hamilton’s final drive. Michael Domagala kicked a field goal with six seconds remaining, making Sunday’s title game the fourth in league history to go to overtime.
Darvin Adams caught a touchdown pass from Zach Collaros in Winnipeg’s first possession before an interception by Kyrie Wilson sealed the 33-25 victory for the Blue Bombers.
Winnipeg head coach Mike O’Shea suggested that his team never stopped believing they would win Sunday’s game as they defended their Grey Cup title from 2019.
Zach Collaros was named the game’s Most Valuable Player after throwing for 240 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions, while Nic Demski was named Most Valuable Canadian after recording six touches for 26 yards and a touchdown.
It’s the third time in franchise history the Bombers have won back-to-back Grey Cups, 1958 and 1959, 1961 and 1962 were the other two occasions. While Collaros is the second quarterback in team history to win two straight big silver trophies, Ken Ploen was the other in 1961 and 1962.
