Category:British Columbia Lions History

[edit] Franchise History

1951 A group, led by Ken Stauffer and Tiny Radar, inspired by Vancouver Sun columnist Andy Lyle, sent representatives to the off-season WlFU meetings to initiate Vancouver's bid for a team. The representatives (Radar and Orville Burke) were told to return to the meetings the following year with a $25,000 good-faith bond if they could generate sufficient interest at home. The first meetings were held at the Arctic Club in November and a committee headed by Burke and Harry Spring set out to sell memberships at $20 each.

1952 Even though Burke, Vic Spencer and John Davidson offered the good-faith bond to the WIFU the idea was rejected when both Winnipeg and Regina voted against the idea of a fifth team. The group in Vancouver did not give up and continued their efforts.

1953 The first annual meeting of the club, held on January 22, 1953 saw Arthur E. Mercer named as the first President, and later in the year Mercer, Bill Morgan, Bill Ralston and Whit Matthews went back to the WlFU meetings. This time they sold the idea of a fifth team on the West Coast, and Vancouver was granted a conditional franchise, on the requirements of a 15,000 seat stadium, selling 6,500 season tickets and guaranteed travel expenses of the visiting teams. All the pieces began to fall into place when it was announced that Vancouver would host the 1954 British Empire Games, and that it would mean the building of a new stadium – Empire Stadium. By Easter of ‘53, Annis Stukus was lured away from Toronto, to return to the West as the first Head Coach of the B.C. Lions.

1954 Stukus sold football fever on the streets and put together a team that made history when they stepped on the field for their first ever game on August 11 against Montreal. They lost 22-0 to the Alouettes and 12-0 to Hamilton in pre-season action. They opened their first regular season on Saturday, August 28 against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers before an enthusiastic crowd. By Bailey scored the first-ever touchdown in an 8-6 loss to Winnipeg, and it wasn't until the seventh game of the year that the Lions recorded their first, and only win of their initial season. September 18 was the date of the Lions' 9-4 triumph over Calgary. By Bailey scored the winning touchdown that set off a night of celebration in the streets of Vancouver.

1955 While the team record improved to 5-11, it didn't change the decision of the team directors, who asked Stukus to step down in October. Reaction to the move was loud and opinions divided, but Stukus asked the fans to continue to support the team, and his assistant Clem Crowe was elevated to Head Coach for 1956.

1956 Clem Crowe became the second Head Coach in team history when he replaced Annis Stukus as the new bench boss. Under Crowe the Lions finished fourth in the West, posting a 6 and 10 record. Although this was a one game improvement from last season, they ultimately missed the playoffs for the third straight season.

1957 New President Bill McMahan brought Kelowna native Herb Capozzi back from Montreal to become General Manager. On the field the club still struggled to find a winning combination, 4-11-1.

1958 After five straight losses opened the season, Crowe was replaced as Head Coach by Danny Edwards, who returned after playing with the club the previous year. Three late wins salvaged a season which saw the debuts of Tom Hinton and Sonny Homer.

1959 The hunt for a new Head Coach brought Wayne Robinson from Winnipeg. With a new rookie running back named Willie Fleming and a corps of veterans, a final game triumph at home over Calgary gave the Lions their first playoff spot and a winning record of 9-7. Two straight losses to Edmonton ended their playoff debut, but the future looked bright.

1960 Despite the addition of rookie talent Steve Cotter, Lonnie Dennis, Jim Catphin and Neal Beaumont, the high hopes faded as the team finished 5-9-2, and out of playoff contention. Beaumont won Rookie-of-the-Year honours in the WIFU, to become the Lions first major award winner.

1961 The year started with a major recruiting coup when Minnesota's Tom Brown was signed, but hard times on the field continued. In September, a bold gamble saw a major trade that sent four players to Calgary for quarterback Joe Kapp. A week after the trade, a coaching change was made as assistant Dave Skrien stepped up to replace Robinson. The year ended with a dismal 1-13-2 record.

1962 Dave Skrien took over as the team's head coach midway though the '61 season, and he would immediately begin to turn the clubs' fortunes around. He would serve as the Leos' bench boss until 1967, and although the team finished 7-9 in '62, there was noticeable improvement. After eight years of hard work, the Lions were on the verge of success for the first time.

1963 Following a year of improvement in all regards in 1962, new optimism was voiced about the Lions actually having a chance to make it to the Grey Cup game, which was to be played at Empire Stadium. With a great season from a veteran roster headlined by Kapp and Fleming, the Lions 12-4 record gave them first place (for the first time) and a 2-1 series victory over Saskatchewan put them in the Grey Cup. With injuries going in, and star player Fleming sent to the sidelines early by Angelo Mosca, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats took home the prize with a 21-10 victory, but the fans knew they would meet again. Tom Brown became the first Lion to win a Schenley award, winning the Defensive Player-of-the-Year award.

1964 Following an 11-2-3 season the Lions returned to the Grey Cup against the Ti-Cats, this time in Toronto. A two-touchdown, two-way starring performance by Bill Munsey, app and Fleming, and a touchdown from the field goal unit led the Lions to a 34-24 victory that ended 11 seasons of waiting for the faithful fans of British Columbia. Tom Brown repeated his Schenley Award as Defensive Player of the Year and also won the Jeff Nickin trophy as Most Valuable Player in the West.

1965 After two consecutive Grey Cup appearances and one title, the Lions immediately receded back towards the basement of the West Division. By Bailey has left the team the previous off-season, and the team was aging. Finishing 5-11, Dave Skrien would never again experience the same success as he had as the Lions head coach a year earlier. Any hopes for a dynasty were quickly dashed.

1966 The situation went from bad to worse in '66, as the Leos won only one game for the first time since 1961. Things got so bad that Herb Capozzi, who had served as General Manager since 1957 and had taken the Lions to consecutive Grey Cups just two years earlier, was fired. Willie Fleming and Tom Hinton retired, and Joe Kapp left the team.

1967 Capozzi was replaced by Denny Vietch as General Manager for 1967, and after three games and three losses, Coach Dave Skrien was relieved and a game later Jim hampion named as new Head Coach. Rookie Ted Gerela impressed with his kicking, but a 3-12-1 year was still the result. Gerela was named Rookie of the Year, the only player to earn any award that year. Jim Young was the other rookie to impress this year.

1968 Jackie Parker joined the staff as an assistant, but the club lost seven games by less than a touchdown to finish 4-11-1 and out of the playoffs. Parker even unretired to suit up for 8 games during the year.

1969 After 11 games, with a 1-10 record, Coach Champion was replaced by assistant Jackie Parker. The team responded by winning four of their last five games, and with a 5-11 record took third place and made the playoffs. They lost to Calgary, but individually Dave Easley won Rookie of the Year honours, and Jim Young was a Schenley Finalist, losing out to Russ Jackson for Canadian Player of the Year honours.

1970 The first artificial turf in Canada was installed at Empire Stadium. Jim Young became the first Lion to win the Schenley Outstanding Canadian Award, but the team finished 6-10 and in fourth place.

1971 A major off-season restructuring saw Parker elevated to the General Manager post, and former Saskatchewan coach Eagle Keys named the eighth Head Coach in club history. Don Moorhead was recruited at quarterback, and a total of fifty-three different players put on a Lions uniform in a year of change, including now movie/TV personality Carl Weathers. The final 6-9-1 record left the club still in fourth place.

1972 Schenley introduced their new Outstanding Rookie Award. New Lions' faces included Rocky Long, Johnny Musso, Ray Nettles and Al Wilson, but a 5-11 record dropped them to fifth. Jim Young wins his second Schenley as Outstanding Canadian.

1973 Linebacker Ray Nettles wins the Schenley Outstanding Defensive Player award, and the Lions 5-9-2 record is good enough to take third place, followed by a semi-final loss to Saskatchewan.

1974 Schenley added their fifth major award, the Outstanding Offensive Lineman and the Lions again returned to playoff action with an 8-8 record good enough for third place, and a return engagement in Saskatchewan where they lost the semi-final again. Second-year man Lou Harris replaces the injured Musso to lead the team in both rushing and receiving and wins All-Star honours. Annis Stukus is the first Lion elected to the Football Hall of Fame as a builder.

1975 With Eric Guthrie and Peter Liske relieving Moorhead at quarterback, the Lions lost five of their first six games before a major change was made in August. GM Parker and Coach Keys are both replaced, with Bob Ackles moving up from his assistant General Manager post and Cal Murphy elevated to Head Coach. The club played .500 football the rest of the way but the 6-10 record left them in fifth. Byron Bailey becomes the first BC player elected to the Football Hall of Fame.

1976 Prize rookie recruit John Sciarra became the second Lion to win the Schenley Rookie award, Bill Baker won the Schenley Defensive Player award and Al Wilson was runner-up for Schenley Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman, but a 5-9-2 record is only good enough for fourth place. Harry Spring is the second Lion elected to the Hall of Fame as a builder. Rookies Glen Jackson and Lui Passaglia both impressed the fans.

1977 A complete off-season change in the coaching staff brought Edmonton assistant Vic Rapp in as the 10th Head Coach. A revamped lineup included rookies Leon Bright, John Blain, Ken Hinton, and Jerry Tagge, and several newly acquired veterans. The Lions last-minute heroics earned them the label ‘the Cardiac Kids'. Their 10-6 record vaulted them to second place (the first time higher than third since ‘64), and a playoff upset over Winnipeg before losing the final in Edmonton. Bright captured the Schenley Rookie award and Wilson wins the Schenley Outstanding Offensive Lineman award, the first Lion to do so.

1978 After playing .500 football all year (7-7-2) but finishing fourth, the Lions were a better team but were facing tougher competition in the increasingly powerful West. Rookies John Henry White and Larry Key provided a much improved rushing game, but depth was still the missing ingredient.

1979 Tagge missed the second half of the season with an injury that would also end his playing career. Led by Joe Paopao, the Lions lost five, but finished third with a 9-6-1 record, before bowing out to Calgary in the semi-final. Jim Young retired at the end of the season, and Norm Fieldgate became the second Lions player to be inducted into the Football Hall of Fame. Rising costs and an aging Empire Stadium cast a shadow over future prospects. To head off a crisis, the directors, led by past-President Jack Farley, developed a plan to sell debentures and seek a strong partnership with a major corporate sponsor to keep operations viable while waiting for a new stadium.

1980 The Lions' consecutive playoff appearance streak ends at one, as coach Rapp led his team to an 8-7-1 record. The team missed the postseason. Off the field, the decision was made to begin construction of a new downtown indoor stadium.

1981 The Lions returned to third place with 10-6 mark in 1981, again upsetting Winnipeg in the semi-final before losing a 22-16 heartbreaker in the Final. Paopao and sophomore Roy Dewalt, have record setting Ty Grey as their big deep-threat receiver, and rookie Larry Crawford led the league in interceptions. Labatt's Breweries of B.C. is welcomed as the new major sponsor in a marketing agreement that brings financial aid to the club.

1982 Rookie receiver Merv Fernandez served notice that he was a star of the future, but is runner-up in the Schenley Rookie voting to Ottawa's Chris Isaac. Despite a 9-7 record, the Lions again finished in fourth out of the playoffs. At the end of the year it was decided a change was needed and the coaching staff is relieved of it's duties. The highlight of the year was Willie Fleming being inducted into the Football Hall of Fame.

1983 Former Edmonton Defensive Co-ordinator Don Matthews was appointed Head Coach in January. The combination of Dewalt to Fernandez led the attack and the defence sets a new CFL record of 42 interceptions as the Lions 11-5 record was the second-best in Club history and returned them to first place for the first time since 1964. The historic year also marked the construction of B.C. Place Stadium, the new home of the Lions which opened in June. B.C. Place is the sight of their Western Final victory over Winnipeg, and the ‘83 Grey Cup game where B.C. faced Toronto to end a 19-year absence from the classic. The Argos take a 18-17 victory to the anguish of hometown fans.

1984 The biggest trade since the Kapp deal brought all-star James Parker to the Lions defence from Edmonton. A number of new faces gave the club more depth than ever before, but a second straight first place finish was dampened by the late season loss of Dewalt to injury. In a repeat Western Final matchup at B.C. Place, Winnipeg triumphs and goes on to win the Grey Cup. Average crowds in excess of 40,000 in each of the first two years in the new stadium reversed the club's fortunes financially and debenture holders are receiving early repayment. Both Joe Kapp and Tom Brown were inducted into the Football Hall of Fame.

1985 While Fernandez shatters club received records again and sophomore receiver Jim Sandusky broke the 1,000 yards mark, defensive tackle Mike Gray was the most visible of several rookies and Clash returned punts for over 1,100 yards, just missing the league record. With depth and few injuries, the final season record of 13-3 was the best in club history, bringing its third consecutive first place finish and Western Final matchup with Winnipeg, who has won both regular season meetings. Fernandez was out for the playoffs with a leg injury, but the Lions rose to the occasion to beat the Bombers. A week later the same line-up played Hamilton at the Olympic Stadium in Montreal, and 21 years of waiting ended with a 37-24 Grey Cup championship victory over the Tiger-Cats. At the Schenley Awards Fernandez became the first Lion to win the Most Outstanding Player Award and Mike Gray wins the Outstanding Rookie award. Dewalt, Parker and Passaglia took the Grey Cup game awards, and the team returned home to a victory celebration that swept across the entire province.

1986 Defending their championship proved even harder than winning it the year before, as the Lions battled the Eskimos, Bombers, the injury bug and the newly extended 18 game regular season. The Lions reached the halfway mark at 7-2 losing at Edmonton and at home to Calgary, then ran their record to 9-2 before hitting a four game losing streak, started by back to back losses to Edmonton. In danger of finishing fourth in the tough West, the club rebounded to win back to back games from Winnipeg to end the season 12-6 and finish second. Under the new playoff format, the Lions met the Bombers for a third straight week, winning the semi-final and then travelling to Edmonton for their first Western Final game on the road in four years. Playing without Konar and Jackson, the Lions lost their fourth game of the year to the Eskimos, ending their hopes of defending their title in front of a home crowd at B.C.Place. Off the field, the big news and shocker of the year was the departure of GM Bob Ackles to the Dallas Cowboys, ending his 33 year association with the Club. He left in July, and was replaced by former Montreal GM Joe Galat in August.

1987 The Lions began the post-Mervyn era in impressive style disposing of their first four opponents. The team seemed to lack focus through the middle of the season, looking invincible in one game and lethargic the next. Entering the last half of the year, the Lions were still in contention for first place but not playing like a team driving for a title. When the team suffered a three-game losing streak, General Manager Joe Galat fired Don Matthews, the winningest coach in Lions history with just four games to go. They instantly responded to new Coach Larry Donovan, winning the final four games including a thrilling come-from-behind 33-32 victory over Edmonton at Commonwealth Stadium that many observers called the greatest comeback ever witnessed in the league. The win gave the Lions first place for the fourth time in five years. The home field advantage wasn't enough however to stave off an Eskimo team destined to win the finest Grey Cup game ever played.

1988 The competition cap forced the Lions to start the season with 22 new faces in their lineup, one of which was star quarterback Matt Dunigan who was acquired in a trade with Edmonton. Despite the large number of new players, the team jelled and finished the regular season with a 10-8 record. The club surged at the end of the season and entered the playoffs with momentum and being touted as the favourite to win the Grey Cup. The Leos managed hard-earned playoff victories over the Eskimos and Roughriders. That set the stage for the Grey Cup showdown in front of a crowd in excess of 50,000 in unseasonably mild but windy conditions in Ottawa. The lead changed hands several times during the game. B.C. drove to the Winnipeg seven-yard line in the dying minutes only to have Matt Dunigan's pass deflected by two defenders and intercepted to snuff out the drive, Winnipeg went on to win the contest 22-21.

1989 Buoyed by their Grey Cup appearance in 1988, the Lions entered the 1989 season with optimism. But the team opened with a loss to Edmonton in Commonwealth Stadium, going on to lose three more games before Coach Larry Donovan was released and replaced by General Manager Joe Galat. After dropping their fifth straight game to Edmonton, the Lions put together a four-game winning streak, fueling playoff hopes. However, in games 10 and 11, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers shattered those hopes, rolling over the Leos 53-34 in Winnipeg, and then edging the Lions 24-20 in overtime in Vancouver. The Lions never did get back on track and finished the year with a 7-11 record. The Lions missed the playoffs for the first time since 1982, despite breaking the club's scoring record. Bright spots included Darrell Wallace, who was voted Western Rookie-of-theYear (he was second in the CFL in total offensive yardage) and wide receiver David Williams, who made the Western All-Star Team.

1990 Under new Head Coach Lary Kuharich and General Manager Joe Kapp, the Lions generated a good deal of pre-season hype with the signings of quarterback Major Harris, who was fourth in Heisman Trophy balloting, former New York Jets star Mark Gastineau and Doug Flutie. However, the publicity did not translate into on-field victories and turmoil plagued the team. Two coaches left very early in the season amid controversy. The Lions tied their first game against Calgary in the dying seconds of the contest as Doug Flutie tossed a “Hail Mary” pass to Ray Alexander in the end zone. However, the team kept close in every game winning a tight one against Winnipeg at home on a last-second Passaglia field goal, and then losing one to Hamilton in the final seconds. The eastern road trip to Ottawa and Toronto, during which the Lions lost both games, spelled the beginning of the end for the coach and general manager. The following week the team dropped another one to Toronto 49-19 and one week later Jim Young was behind the bench as interim Head Coach. Bob O'Billovich took over as Vice President of Football Operations and Head Coach on Sept. 14 and promptly guided the team to a strong 34-4 victory over Hamilton. The team gained stability and although they missed the playoffs, “Obie's” charges went 4-3 over the last seven games of the season and their strong finish fuelled hopes for a much brighter 1991season. Highlights of the season included Lui Passaglia's new pro football scoring record as he booted his 2,238th point, finishing the year with 2,312 points. Lui also became the longest-playing Lion in history, appearing in a total of 236 games, overtaking Al Wilson's previous mark of 233 games.

1991 The 1991 season opened with promise. Although the team dropped a 39-34 decision to Calgary at home, the game was tight and the Lions were in it to the very end. It was a harbinger of things to come as Bob O'Billovich's young team – 12 rookies in the lineup – turned virtually every contest into a nail biter, playing in a CFL record six overtime contests, winning three and losing three. Behind the outstanding quarterbacking of Doug Flutie, the powerful running of rookie Jon Volpe, the receiving of rookie Matt Clark and veteran Ray Alexander, B.C. was capable of beating any team in the league. On August 1, the Lions faced the mighty Toronto Argonauts featuring Raghib “the Rocket” Ismail, at B.C. Place Stadium. A huge crowd of 53,527 was on hand. The Lions entered the game with a 2-1 record while Toronto was undefeated. After falling behind 21-3 in the first quarter, the Lions battled back and took control of the game in the final quarter. Toronto managed to tie the game but in overtime an electrifying kickoff return for a touchdown by Raymond Ethridge and terrific play by the Lions' special teams spelled the difference. B.C. won 52-41. Unfortunately, the following week arch rival and 1991 nemisis Calgary Stampeders stopped B.C. 34-30 in overtime. B.C.'s offence led the league in 11 different categories and the team was in a battle for first place right to the end of the season, putting Edmonton away at Commonwealth Stadium in overtime on October 20, 39-38. But every time Doug Flutie and the Lions needed to put Calgary away something went wrong. Entering the playoffs against the Stampeders in third place with an 11-7 record (best B.C. performance in four years), B.C. took a commanding 31-15 lead by the end of the first half. The team had never lost a game all year when leading at the half. But Calgary came back with an incredible third quarter scoring four touchdowns and then holding off the Lions to win 43-41. A disappointing loss which was partially offset by the fact that three B.C. Lions won outstanding player awards. Doug Flutie was named the CFL's Outstanding Player, Jon Volpe was the CFL's Outstanding Rookie, while Jim Mills became the Outstanding Offensive Lineman for the second consecutive year. Although Doug Flutie signed as a free agent with the Calgary Stampeders, the acquisition of Danny Barrett in late spring brought hope of good things to come.

1992 The team entered training camp in Kelowna with promise. Despite the loss of Doug Flutie, Danny Barrett had led Calgary to the Grey Cup in 1991, and was an excellent quarterback. But in the season opener against Edmonton, Danny struggled and was replaced by Tony Kimbrough in the second half. The Eskimos went on to a 37-26 victory. The next week, the Lions travelled to Toronto and in the first five minutes of the game marched down the field scoring on an impressive drive. Unfortunately, it was the only bright spot of the evening for B.C. as the Argonauts handed the Lions one of their worst defeats ever – 61-20. In the third game of the year against Doug Flutie and the Calgary Stampeders, the Lions were holding their own when Danny Barrett went down in the third quarter with a seperated shoulder. Flutie then guided Calgary to a 37-19 win and the Lions went downhill from there. The team lost eight straight before finally edging out Ottawa 33-27 on September 3 with Danny Barrett back at the helm. In fact, B.C. looked strong and confident in doing so. Unfortunately off-season problems emerged to swing focus from football to ownership. Team owner Murray Pezim and his company Prime Sports, declared bankruptcy and the League and Commissioner Larry Smith stepped in as the interim owners and the search for a new owner was launched. Three weeks later the new owner was found. Bill Comrie, owner of the Brick chain of furniture stores stepped in, saved the team and ushered in a new era. Unfortunately, the team didn't respond, losing the final seven games of the year after winning three straight, finishing the season with a 3-15 record. That spelled the end for Head Coach Bob O'Billovich. On December 12 a new General Manager – Eric Tillman – was announced and he in turn brought in Dave Ritchie, the Defensive Coordinator of the Ottawa Rough Riders, as his new Head Coach.

1993 The new B.C. Lions, under the guidance of Head Coach Dave Ritchie and General Manager Eric Tillman signed a number of proven CFL veterans including James “Wild” West, Danny McManus, Rob Smith, Less Browne, Tyrone Jones and Sean Foudy. Then exciting rookies such as Cory Philpot, draft pick Tom Europe, Derek Grier and a few others were added to the roster. A contract dispute with Jon Volpe kept him from training camp but by the time the second game rolled around against Toronto he was in the lineup. The team struck quickly with wins over Saskatchewan and Toronto before grinding to a stop in Winnipeg after only three days between road games. However, they would only lose two more through July, August, and midway through September cruising to an 8-3 record for the best start since 1987. Danny Barrett broke one of the most prestigious of all records – single-game passing yards – tossing 30 completions for 601 yards eclipsing a mark of 586 set back in 1954 by Sam “The Rifle” Etcheverry. The team entered the September 18 game in Calgary in a battle for first place. However, that night at McMahon Stadium Doug Flutie and the Stamps took a 24-11 halftime lead to go on to a 40-21 victory. That marked the turning point and the Lions would win only two of the next seven games, sliding to a 64-27 pounding against Sacramento in the regular season finale. Nevertheless, they made the playoffs and faced Calgary in the Western Semi-Final on November 14. Despite outplaying the Stampeders, generating twice as much offense, the team could not score a touchdown and fell 17-9 to the Stamps. However, the 10-8 record was a huge turnaround and gave promise for good things to come in 1994.

1994 The Lions entered the 1994 campaign with one of the finest quarterbacks in the history of the CFL at the helm. Kent Austin was acquired in the off-season in a trade involving Ottawa and Saskatchewan which saw Danny Barrett head to the eastern Rough Riders, and Tom Burgess move back to Saskatchewan. Ottawa also provided offensive guard Denny Chronopoulos, big defensive lineman Andrew Stewart and one of the CFL's finest rush linebackers – Angelo Snipes. A group of young, unknown, aggressive linebackers emerged at training camp – Henry Newby, Tyrone Chatman and Virgil Robertson – while the secondary was strengthened at camp with the addition of Charles Gordon and Enis Jackson. The team opened the season at home and gave a taste of things to come with a hard-fought 24-20 victory over Winnipeg. The Lions offensive power was amply demonstrated the following week with a 57-18 thumping of the Ottawa Rough Riders. By the end of August the Lions were 7-1-0, and had broken several single-game offensive records including points with a 67-15 win over Shreveport. During that period, the secondary was further bolstered with the signing of veteran NFLer James Jefferson while former Super Bowl hero Barry Wilburn joined the team in late September. Nevertheless, the team hit a dry spell, losing close battles to Winnipeg, Edmonton and Saskatchewan. Then, on October 22, Baltimore beat B.C. 48-31 and a playoff run looked out of the question. But a big win over Las Vegas (45-7) and a nail-biting 24-23 loss to Calgary, in a game the Lions should have won, gave new hope. The team travelled to Edmonton for the Western Semi-Final. The Lions had only once won a playoff game in Commonwealth Stadium. And with just over four minutes left, it looked as though they never would. But Charles Gordon's miraculous end-zone interception stopped the Eskimos in their tracks and gave new life to B.C. With Kent Austin at the helm, replacing an injured Danny McManus who had started, the Lions mounted a drive which ate up the clock and the field. Lui Passaglia kicked the winning field goal with 30 seconds to go to give the Lions a tough 24-23 come-from-behind victory. The following week, in the most memorable Western Final ever, and perhaps one of the best football games ever played, the Lions and Stampeders traded touchdowns and field goals all night at McMahon Stadium. Then, in the swirling snow with two minutes remaining and Calgary set to kick a field goal which would put the game out of reach, Ray Alexander leaped up and made an amazing block. Danny McManus, who had replaced Kent Austin in the second half after Austin re-injured a separated shoulder, staged a furious last-minute drive, hitting receivers all the way down the field, including an unbeleviable reception on the four yard line to set up an incredible finish. With Calgary leading 36-31, and four seconds left, McManus found Flutie all alone in the end zone to give the Lions their first playoff victory over Calgary in 30 years, and a berth in the Grey Cup against Baltimore in Vancouver. The dramatics continued the following week in the Grey Cup. With 55,097 cheering fans looking on, the Lions and Stallions staged another thriller with both teams playing great football. Baltimore took a 17-10 lead at halftime and extended it to 20-10 early in the third quarter. But Danny McManus entered the game and the Lions again staged a second-half rally. Seemingly stalled at the Baltimore 30 yard line, Lui Passaglia and Darren Flutie performed a fake field goal to perfection to gain a big first down and completely change the momentum of the game. Then McManus ran in from the two-yard line to score and the game was tied at 20-20. After the teams exchanged field goals and with the score tied at 23-23, McManus engineered another late-game drive to the Baltimore 37 yard line. This time Passaglia missed the field goal with just over one minute remaining. However, B.C.'s defence rose up and stopped Baltimore cold within their own five-yard line. After a punt and a couple of runs to set up the field goal unit, Passaglia trotted out on the field and with no time remaining and kicked the biggest field goal of his life to give the Lions an incredible 26-23 victory, the third Grey Cup in team history.

1995 The Lions entered the 1995 season with a new starting QB. Grey Cup hero Danny McManus became the first string pivot as Kent Austin was sent to Toronto. Shelton Quarles is added to a strong linebacker corps. The season started with an exciting late come from behind victory over the Baltimore Stallions at home 37-34. The Lions won their first three contests before suffering a set back in Calgary. The Leos got back on track with a strong performance over the eastern Riders and went on to a 7-1 record challenging the Stampeders in the North Division. The injury bug caught up to the Lions during a three game in 10 days road trip which resulted in several key players being sidelined. It was a situation the team couldn't recover from. A victory over Saskatchewan at home in the final regular season contest solidified 3rd place in the rugged Northern Division and a trip to Edmonton for the Play-offs. It wasn't a repeat of last year's playoffs as the Lions' season came to an end in a 26-15 loss to the Eskimos. Season highlights saw running back Cory Philpot break the CFL record for touchdowns in a season with 22. Lui Passaglia ended the season with 3,160 career points. Jamie Taras was named the Northern Division's Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman.

1996 It was a season of change and instability for the Lions. Former quarterback and fan favourite Joe Paopao returned to the Lions from the Edmonton Eskimos as the new Head Coach, replacing Dave Ritchie. The biggest change came on March 11th. That was the day owner Bill Comrie announced that the club had been sold to a group of 10 local businessmen headed by Nelson Skalbania and Michael Jensen. The Lions held training camp at UBC with over a hundred players invited. Mike McCarthy arrived in Vancouver to become the new Lions' President. On the field, the BC Lions started the season with 18 new faces in the line-up. Heisman Trophy winner Andre Ware was the new starting quarterback. The club went 0-4 to start the season. Damon Allen was signed to become the new QB. Once more the club lost, this time at home against Hamilton, but won in Hamilton the following week. Generally, it was a season of turmoil. August 31 marked the end of Nelson Skalbania and his group as owners of BC Lions. The team went into receivership. The bright spot of the season was an incredible against-all-odds 35-11 victory over Doug Flutie and the Toronto Argonauts, in September. On October 31st, Hamilton Businessman David Braley announced his intention to buy the football team. November 2nd marked the end of the season as the Lions defeated Ottawa 35-24 in what was the Rough Riders' final game in club history. December came and the Lions announced Glen Ringdal as the new team President. A season ticket campaign was started with the need to increase awareness and revenue for the franchise.

1997 Thie Lions made the playoffs for the 20th time in the 43 year club history. The game was the first time in CFL history that a Western Conference team is participating in the Eastern Semi-Final. The Lions finished in fourth place in the West with an 8-10 record. BC concluded their season losing their last four games and final six road games. It was 3-5 against Eastern opponents, beating Hamilton twice and Winnipeg. The Alouettes finished with the second best record in the CFL and second in the East with a 13-5 record. They were 8-1 at home (Loss against Edmonton) and 5-3 against Western opponents including two victories over the Lions.

1998 The B.C. Lions started the 1998 season off on the wrong foot, losing their first three games, before finally beating Saskatchewan in Week 4. The defence was holding their own, but the offensive side of the ball seemed to be struggling. August 9, was a low point for the year when the eventual Grey Cup champions came into BC Place Stadium and beat the hometown Leos 55-9. With a record of 3-6-0, Head Coach Adam Rita resigned, and gave the job to Greg Mohns. The no nonsense attitude of Mohns, seemed to spark the team as they went on a memorable six game winning streak (which the team had not done since 1986) and was the hottest team in the CFL heading into the playoffs. The Lions lost the playoff game to Edmonton in heartbreaking fashion but promised they would be the team to beat once 1999 rolled around.

1999 Following the team's outstanding finish in 1998 and with the Grey Cup game to be played in Vancouver, expectations were high for the Lions in 1999. Quality free agents such as slotback Don Blair and cornerback Eric Carter were brought in to add depth to an already impressive lineup, and with the likes of Robert Drummond and Jimmy “The Jet” Cunningham back in form following injury-plagued 1998 seasons, the team looked ready to roll. And roll it did right out of the gate, winning its first three games to set a new club record with nine straight regular season wins. Although the team would stumble at times and play down to its more weaker opponents, the Lions either held sole possession of first place or were tied with Calgary throughout the season. In the pivotal matches against the Stamps, the Lions won the first three and then lost in week 16 to tie things up again. But the Lions won the final two games at home and finished in first with a 13-5 record, the best since 1985. They won the Western Division for the first time since 1987 and would host their first playoff game in 12 years. Unfortunately, the dream season came to a premature end, as the Stamps beat the Lions 26-24 in an exciting but heartbreaking contest. There were 11 Western and four CFL all-stars on the team, Paul Lacoste was voted the CFL's top rookie, Daved Benefield was the West's top defensive player, and Jamie Taras was the West's top offensive lineman and won the Tom Pate Award for community service. But the year was not complete without a Grey Cup win, and the Lions were hoping the final piece of the puzzle would come together in Calgary on November 26, 2000.

2000 The B.C. Lions began the 2000 season with training camp in Chilliwack, and they had only one goal in mind: win the Grey Cup. Six months later, they would achieve that goal, but the path to it was one of the most adventurous, unpredictable and memorable ever in the Canadian Football League. The year started well enough with exciting victories over Hamilton and Saskatchewan, but a 35-2 loss to Calgary began a four-game losing streak and a lot of finger-pointing. A win over the Toronto Argonauts halted the slide, but following the game head coach Greg Mohns resigned to go to the XFL. Long-time CFL coach Steve Buratto, who joined the club only two weeks earlier as a receivers coach, was promoted to the top job, and got instant results with a huge 51-4 win over the Argos in the second of back-to-back games. Despite playing exciting football on offence and being close in every game, the Lions only won one of their next five to sit at 5-9 on Thanksgiving, and a playoff spot seemed questionable, let alone a Grey Cup win. It was put up or shut up time, and the Lions came together when it counted the most. They won three of their last four heading into the playoffs, the offence became the best in the CFL, Damon Allen broke Ron Lancaster's record for career passing yardage, Lui Passaglia played in a memorable “Luv Ya Lui” night final game at home, and also set a record for single season field goal percentage. The Lions finished the year 8-10 and in third place in the West, but everyone could see they were a dangerous team. A snarly defence started to show its grit, and the Lions roared into Edmonton a confident bunch and emerged with a 34-32 Western Semi-Final victory. Next came Calgary in the Western Final, and the Lions steamrolled to a decisive 37-23 win. The Cinderella season came to a close on November 26th in the Grey Cup, as B.C. won its fourth championship in team history with a nailbiting 28-26 victory. It was the only time a sub-.500 team in the regular season won the Grey Cup, and it signalled a marvelous end to Passaglia's 25-year CFL career.

2001 Coming off a 2000 CFL title, expectations were high in 2001. But the club never seemed to gel. Quarterback Damon Allen struggled, and the team hovered around the .500 mark all season. Finishing at 8-10, the Lions did make the playoffs, but were immediately bounced by Calgary in the Western Division Semi-Final. Matt Kellett became only the second full-time field goal kicker in 26 years, as he replaced Lui Passaglia. Rookie middle linebacker Barrin Simpson led the team in tackles and was named a first-team All-Star as well as the CFL's Rookie of the Year. Cornerback Eric Carter was the only other Lion to be named to the League's All-Star team.

2004 The year 2004 marked one of the Lions best regular season records in club history. Going 13-5, the 2004 Lions also set a team record for the most consecutive wins in a single season with eight. In addition to club records, the season brought an array of individual performances to the forefront. Quarterback Casey Printers set a CFL record for highest single game completion average of 90.9% (20-22) during the August 13 game against Hamilton. Not to be outdone, Geroy Simon tied three club records by receiving four touchdowns in that same game. After the conclusion of the regular season, Printers was deemed as the League's Most Outstanding Player while Jason Clermont won the Most Outstanding Canadian. The 2004 Lions, which featured three CFL All-Stars and eight Western Division All-Stars, won first place in the division, giving them a bye in the first round of the playoffs. In the Western Division Championship, the Lions faced one of their biggest rivals, the Saskatchewan Roughriders. In a nail biting finish, the Lions defeated the Roughriders by a score of 27 to 25 in overtime. The Lions were then pitted against the Toronto Argonauts in the Grey Cup Championship, a rematch from the 2003 semi-finals. The Lions would not exact their revenge, losing 27 to 19. Jason Clermont was a Grey Cup MVP, winning the Most Valuable Canadian award.

• Source - BC Lions Official Site