The Edmonton Elks have experienced a tumultuous week marked by both heart-wrenching on-field drama and personal tragedy off the field. As the team continues to fight for a place in the CFL playoff picture, they now grapple with the loss of their owner, Larry Thompson.
Game Recap: A Narrow Defeat
In their most recent outing, the Elks faced the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in a thrilling contest that ended with a 29-27 loss. This game was characterized by an intense back-and-forth battle, featuring a staggering ten lead changes. Despite the Elks' determination and competitive spirit, they fell short when Marc Liegghio kicked a 41-yard field goal on the final play, sealing Edmonton's fate. This defeat marks the Elks' second consecutive loss decided by a walk-off field goal, following a narrow 31-30 loss to the Toronto Argonauts just a week earlier.
The Elks will look to rebound when they return to Commonwealth Stadium to face the Saskatchewan Roughriders on September 27. Tickets for this crucial matchup are currently available, as the team aims to turn their fortunes around in front of the home crowd.
Mourning a Significant Loss
The Elks’ struggles have been compounded by the recent death of owner Larry Thompson. Thompson passed away due to complications from surgery, just a year after acquiring the team. His sudden departure has left a profound impact on the organization, as expressed by EE President and CEO Chris Morris. Morris shared his sorrow, stating, “Larry’s toughness and direct nature were matched only by his genuine care for the people around him.”
Thompson's legacy in the community and the franchise will undoubtedly be felt as the team moves forward. His leadership was pivotal during his short tenure, and many in the organization and fanbase are mourning the loss of a figure who had rapidly become integral to the team's identity.
Looking Ahead
As the Elks navigate this challenging period, they must channel their emotions into their upcoming games. With the playoffs on the horizon, every game becomes increasingly critical. The team hopes to honor Thompson's memory by striving for success on the field, beginning with their clash against the Roughriders.
TL;DR
- The Edmonton Elks lost to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats 29-27 in a game with ten lead changes.
- This marks the second consecutive game the Elks lost on a final-play field goal.
- The team mourns the passing of owner Larry Thompson due to surgery complications.
- Edmonton will face the Saskatchewan Roughriders next as they seek to turn their season around.