At the start of the week, the 98th edition of the CFL championship looked like a lock to set the record for coldest Grey Cup.
The teeth-chattering deep freeze that sent temperatures down to the minus-30 C range let up after mid-week, with rather comfortable conditions the norm over the last few days.
The weatherman is expected to co-operate again for Sunday's game between Montreal and Saskatchewan, with the forecast calling for a high of -8 C with a few clouds and a chance of flurries.
Not bad for late November in central Alberta.
The Alouettes and Roughriders wore sweatsuits under their uniforms for Saturday's light walkthrough sessions at Commonwealth Stadium. Als linebacker Diamond Ferri said his team will be ready to go -- no matter what the weather.
"You could put us in minus 42 and we're still going to go out there and kick some ass," Ferri said. "We're here for one reason. This is a business trip for us."
Large heaters are in place beside the bench areas and the snow has been cleared from the artificial turf at Commonwealth Stadium. However, the field could become slick with some light snow.
Als head coach Marc Trestman said his staff is constantly talking to the players about the importance of proper footwear.
"A guy slips in this game -- it could be a difference-maker," he said.
Montreal's explosive kick returner, Tim Maypray, returned two missed field goals for touchdowns against the Roughriders this season.
He bounced a bit on the turf Saturday and pronounced it a non-factor in the game.
"The last two practices I didn't feel I was slipping or anything, so I think it's going to be just fine," he said.
It should be an enjoyable experience for the nearly 60,000 fans who will pack the stands Sunday. Most will come armed with gloves, hats and blankets and hot chocolate sales should be brisk.
Chilly conditions don't seem to intimidate the weather-hardened fans in these parts.
"It's what the CFL is all about," said Edmonton resident Troy Harness. "Watching it growing up, it was snow and blistering winds and the guys just play in it for the love of the game."
A good example of the city's tough stock was on display Saturday. Morley Johnsen was one of a few dozen workers who has spent the week clearing snow from the aisles and steps inside the stadium. While most people around him were bundled up in the -10 C conditions, Johnsen didn't even feel the need to wear gloves.
"Nah, they get in the way," Johnsen said with a chuckle. "I wore 'em the other day when it was 40 below out here with that wind chill. Now that was chilly."
The coldest Grey Cup game was played in 1991 at Winnipeg, when the temperature was -17 C. That was six degrees colder than the previous record, which was set way back in 1931 in Montreal.
"We're prepared for all the elements," Ferri said. "It doesn't matter if we're playing in rain, it doesn't matter if we're playing in snow, it doesn't matter if this turf field was a bunch of mud and dirt. We're going to go out and prepare the same way and we're going to try and get on that Rider butt.
"We have a goal and they're in our way."
It was 0 C when Edmonton last hosted the CFL title game in 2002. The weather won't be an issue next year. The 2011 Grey Cup will be played indoors at B.C. Place in Vancouver.
