CALGARY – In a move intended to honour the team’s origins, the CFL’s Calgary Stampeders have announced that, moving forward, in lieu of the national anthem, stadium visitors will be treated to a rendition of “Minstrel Gypsy” by rock trio The Stampeders.
“A lot of people think that the team is named after the our city’s world-famous Rodeo and not Canada’s favourite 1970s hit makers,” explained coach and general manager Dave Dickenson, “particularly because we predate them by over 20 years”.
He continued “but, in reality, our founding coincides with the average birth year of most of its past and present members. Apparently, someone in the organisation predicted that a collection of local rugrats would go on to make the whole country whistle along to ‘Sweet City Woman'”.
“This is a decision we’ve made for our fans. It’s our way of saying that we want them with us, because it’s only with them that we’re stars”.
While a move to replace the anthem might seem controversial to many, Dickenson expressed little concern, noting the change appears to have wide support. “Dude, this is Alberta, we’re run by people who openly HATE this country!”.
“Besides, does anyone even know why we play ‘O Canada’ at sporting events in the first place?”