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- calendar_today November 8, 2026
Edmonton Elks Triumph in CFL West Final
The Edmonton Elks took a significant leap in their franchise revival on Saturday, November 7, 2026, by defeating the B.C. Lions 28-16 in the CFL West Final at Commonwealth Stadium. The victory propels the Elks into the Grey Cup game for the first time since 2015.
Elks to Face Montreal Alouettes in Grey Cup
The Elks will challenge the Montreal Alouettes in the championship match, scheduled for next Sunday in Calgary. This highly anticipated contest marks a return to the spotlight for a team that has experienced both adversity and transformation in recent years.
Transformative Journey for Edmonton
The Elks' path to success has not been without obstacles. Previously, the team endured six consecutive seasons without a playoff appearance and a 22-game home losing streak, leading to a notable drop in fan attendance. Major organizational changes occurred when Larry and Deb Thompson acquired the club, Chris Morris was installed as president, Ed Hervey became the general manager, and Mark Kilam stepped in as head coach. These changes are credited with setting the foundation for the club's resurgence.
Community and Leadership Reflected in Post-Game Remarks
Elks head coach Mark Kilam and quarterback Cody Fajardo emphasized the role of Edmonton's community following their victory. Kilam stated, “I want to give a shout-out to Edmonton because I got emotional when we first took the field; that place was unbelievable. Edmonton was unbelievable, and I want to shout them out for showing up.” The support from 40,182 fans at Commonwealth Stadium was especially meaningful to the squad.
Quarterback Cody Fajardo, who seeks his third Grey Cup win, said, “Hats off to the city, 40,000 is incredible. From where it was to where it is now, for us, that drove us to wanting to win that game more than anything else. 40,000 in the stands, you could hear them; they were the difference tonight.”
B.C. Lions Fall Short in West Division Final
The B.C. Lions were unable to overcome the energized Elks in Edmonton, marking the end of their playoff run. Adam Konar was among the Lions' defensive standouts, pursuing Fajardo during first-half action. Despite their efforts, the Lions could not keep pace with the revitalized home team.
Looking Ahead to the Championship Game
This Grey Cup appearance is particularly poignant for Cody Fajardo, who will lead Edmonton against Montreal, the team that released him a season after he guided them to a Grey Cup championship in 2023. The storyline adds further intrigue to the upcoming matchup in Calgary as the Elks aim to cap their season of renewal with a championship victory.
Source: globalnews.ca.
