Gainer won’t be going to Calgary for West Final

He is known for whipping the crowd at Mosaic Stadium into a cheering frenzy, but the loveable mascot known as Gainer the Gopher will not be making the trip to Calgary for the CFL’s West Final.

Maybe it was a case of poking his head where it didn’t belong but there was somewhat of a controversy back in 2006 when Gainer was apparently banned from McMahon Stadium. The crowd in Calgary always has a large presence of green and white fans to the point where it is often close to being split down the middle in terms of fan support.

Just as he does at home, it was reported there was worry he would use his animal-like ability to rev up the crowd and muffle the Stampeder’s mascot Ralph the Dog.

The Stampeder’s organization calls that an urban legend, explaining that Gainer was never completely banned; he just wasn’t allowed on the field. But it looks as if one of the biggest instigators of applause for the green and white won’t be doing that on Sunday in the semi-foreign territory of Calgary.