Many Happy Returns

Tonight at BC Place, one of the most popular BC Lions in recent memory makes his return to Vancity.

Jason Clermont, the good Canadian kid who played seven years with the Leos and is currently the sixth leading reciever in team history, returns wearing the green and white of the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

Clermont was always popular with Lions fans for the way he fearlessly went across the middle to catch a pass, game after game after game.



The guy is tough as nails and Lions fans loved him for it.

But it got me thinking about other "return engagements." You know the situation: a long time player and fan favourite, gets traded or signs as a free agent with another team, eventually returns wearing the visitors jersey.

The returns don't always go well, but sometimes, the returns DO live up to the hype:

When Wayne Gretzky made his first return to Edmonton wearing an LA Kings jersey, Oiler fans gave him a tremendous ovation. Then he kicked off the night by scoring on his first shift.

When Michael Jordan returned to Chicago as a member of the Washington Wizards, MJ got a 2:10 standing ovation. Then the Wizards crushed the Bulls 107-82 leaving Bulls fans sarcastically saying "gee, thanks Mike."

And recently, when Mats Sundin returned to Toronto as a member of the Vancouver Canucks, it was a memorable night indeed (not to mention Sundin scoring the shootout winning goal)



So if you are in The Dome tonight, put down your $9.50 beer, stop hassling Riders fans for a second, rise to your feet and please give Jason Clermont a well-deserved standing O.


BrockTalk