GAME DAY: Riders welcome Stampeders in hopes of stopping skid

The Saskatchewan Roughriders are hoping that a change in perspective will help them pick up their first win of the year.

The Riders are home to the Calgary Stampeders on Saturday as they once again try to win their first game of the season.

After the team’s final walkthrough of the week, head coach Corey Chamblin actually took the team into section 26 on the east sideline for a little chat.

“I want them to see it from the fans perspective. This is the entertainment business. They pay to see a top performance, you’re paid to perform and perform at a high level.” – Chamblin

“When you look at the football field, whatever you leave out on the football field becomes truth. If you’re saying you’re the best returner in the league, you have to show it. You can talk about your potential but you have to show your production. “he said.

“The other thing, I want them to see it from the fans perspective. This is the entertainment business. They pay to see a top performance, you’re paid to perform and perform at a high level.”

The move is another trick the coach is trying to get his team over hump and finally win a game.

For his part, Chamblin feels his team has been entertaining despite their struggles and constantly changing roster.

The players seemed to take more than just Chamblin’s message from the experience.

“I never really sat in the stands (before),” said defensive back Terrell Maze.

“I just imagined myself making plays. It was kind of cool.”

The Riders will be trying to entertain a sold-out crowd for the first time this season.

SPECIAL NIGHT

This game is not only important because it renews a great rivalry between the Riders and Stampeders but it’s also the Hall of Fame game.

Some members of the Canadian Football Hall of Fame class of 2015, including former Riders Gene Makowsky and Eddie Davis will be in attendance.

“They’re both amazing teammates for sure,” said offensive lineman Chris Best.

“I had a chance to play beside Geno for two years. I tried to learn as much as I could. Eddie Davis was always the leader of the D.”

The inductees will be honoured at half-time.

ROSTER CHECK

The Riders roster looks very different than it did heading into their game against the Argonauts.

In all, eight names have been removed with another eight added. There will also be six new starters compared to that game.

Added to the 46-man roster:

• Defensive back Marshay Green
• Defensive back Paul Woldu
• Defensive back Junior Mertile
• Defensive back Don Unamba
• Safety Keenan MacDougall
• Running back Anthony Allen
• Offensive lineman Randy Richards
• Fullback Scott McHenry

Removed from the 46-man roster:

• Defensive back Geoff Tisdale (released)
• Defensive back Michael Carter (released)
• Linebacker Jake Doughty (six-game injured list)
• Linebacker Nathan Kanya (six-game injured list)
• Defensive lineman Andre Monroe
• Receiver Korey Williams
• Receiver Chris Getzlaf (one-game injured list)
• Offensive lineman Levy Adcock (six-game injured list)

The Riders scratches will likely be Allen and defensive back Alex Suber.

Kick-off is at 5 p.m. on TSN. 

The Green Zone Game Day begins at 1 p.m. on News Talk Radio with Game Day with Wray featuring guest host Warren Woods followed by the Green Zone Pre-Game Show.

During the game, stay up-to-date with Scotty and the King during the Fan Zone.

After the game, it’s your turn to be the star by calling the Green Zone Post-Game Show at 1-877-300-7275.