About 100 fans greeted the newly-crowned Grey Cup champions at Edmonton International Airport to celebrate Sunday's thrilling 38-35 overtime victory over the Montreal Alouettes at B.C. Place.
It marked Edmonton's second championship in three years and 13th overall.
"We preach team," Eskimos rookie head coach Danny Maciocia said.
Danny Maciocia disembarks with the Grey Cup and his daughter, Bianca. (CP Photo/John Ulan)
Upon arriving in Edmonton, the Eskimos took the Grey Cup on a pub crawl and will be feted with a noon-hour parade on Tuesday.
They'll also show off the trophy at Tuesday's NHL contest between the hometown Oilers and Colorado Avalanche at Rexall Place.
The Eskimos not only overcame six lead changes in defeating the stubborn Alouettes, but plenty of skepticism from critics who chided the team's 3-5 record in August and September.
"We took the hard road," Eskimos middle linebacker A.J. Gass said. "We had a rookie head coach, rookie defensive coaches ... 20 some-odd new faces in the locker room."
Ricky Ray, who was named the most valuable player of this year's Grey Cup, threw for a pair of touchdown passes after failing to notch one over the final two months of the regular season.
"Ricky Ray cannot make mistakes in this city," Eskimos wide receiver Ed Hervey said. "They want him to turn water into wine."
"I learned that you always have to believe in yourself," Ray acknowledged. "I'm sure there are going to be many more times in my career when I'm going to have to deal with adversity again."
Ray completed a record 35 of 45 pass attempts for 359 yards and two TDs.
"I knew he had it in him," Maciocia said. "I've said it all along, you've got to believe in your people."
Whereas Ray is expected back next season, the futures of cornerback Malcolm Frank and quarterback Jason Maas with the Eskimos remain uncertain.
"We'll just have to sit back and see what they say," said Frank, 37. "I still think I have another year."
Maas is rumoured to be headed to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats as compensation for recent acquisitions Troy Davis and Dan Comiskey.
"I would like to have someone start telling me more of what is going on," Maas said. "I have talked to the (Ticats) about it, but nothing is definitive."
"Jason and I are going to enjoy this one,' Maciocia said, preferring to avoid the issue for time being.
"Just let us enjoy this one for the next couple of days."
Bruce Beaton already confirmed that he is retiring and fellow offensive lineman Chris Morris is contemplating doing likewise.
with files from CP Online
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