Jacqueline Blackwell
BCLions.com Staff

After a relatively laidback start to Grey Cup week on Wednesday, the Lions woke up bright and early on Thursday morning for a day packed with meetings, media availability and practice followed by the CFL Player Awards at the Vancouver Convention Centre that evening.

Alternating with the ‘Bombers throughout the week, it was the Lions’ turn to hit the field at BC Place for the morning practice which was once again by all accounts a disciplined and spirited session. 

Shortly after practice, the team congregated in the ballroom at the club’s hotel in downtown Vancouver for the CFL’s annual media luncheon.  As Thursday’s practice session was a closed session, the meal was an opportunity for local and national media members to chat with the Leos in an informal, relaxed setting.

With three Lions (Travis Lulay, Paul McCallum and Jovan Olafioye) nominated for CFL Player Awards this season, a large contingent of the club including owner David Braley, president Dennis Skulsky and GM/head coach Wally Buono along with a number of players were in attendance at the annual awards show held at the Vancouver Convention Centre. 

Both Lulay and McCallum took home the hardware, making the Lions the only club to have two of the league’s Outstanding Players on their roster this season.  Watch backstage interviews with Lulay and McCallum here and check out the photo gallery here.

As soon as the final award was handed out, the show wrapped up with the Blakes After Party at the convention centre where guests in attendance were treated to tasty treats and flowin’ drinks late into the night.

With Thursday in the books, the Leos looked ahead to a third full day of practices and meetings on Friday as the countdown to Grey Cup Sunday continued to march on.