Dickenson knew Stampeders were under pressure to win

CALGARY — Tired but happy Calgary Stampeders filed off the buses at McMahon Stadium with the Grey Cup in tow Monday.

The Stampeders defeated the Ottawa Redblacks 27-16 for the Canadian Football League’s championship trophy less than 24 hours earlier in Edmonton.

After two straight Grey Cup losses to underdog teams, Stampeder head coach Dave Dickenson’s emotions were a mixture of joy and relief. “It felt good, but I have to admit there was so much pressure and uneasiness, you know.”

“If you didn’t get it done for the third year, can you overcome that as an organization, as a team, as a coach? I just tried to really keep the guys focused.

“We stuck together, we believe in each other and guys did what they had to do to win. It’s great to win a championship. Even better to win it in Edmonton.”

The coaches pulled into McMahon’s parking lot just after noon. Dickenson stepped off the bus with the coveted trophy and hoisted it in the air for about 70 fans and media.

This is the former quarterback’s first Grey Cup victory as a head coach. Dickenson was the team’s offensive co-ordinator when Calgary won it in 2014.

Several players travelled separately with family members, including quarterback and Grey Cup MVP Bo Levi Mitchell, and were returning to Calgary later.

“I know the pressure Bo was under,” Dickenson said. “Everyone one was talking about how this game will define his legacy. I felt I had a little bit to do with that. I’m glad, because he wins me a lot of football games.”