This weekend's BC Lions playoff game will stop mid-match for moment of silence

The CFL has found a classy way to recognize an important moment in an unusual circumstance.

The league’s westernmost team, the BC Lions, will actually compete in the East Division playoffs this year. As the crossover team from the West, the Lions play in Hamilton this Sunday.

The game, which takes place on Remembrance Day beginning at 10 am Pacific Time, will stop momentarily for a moment of silence.

“Out of respect for our veterans and especially to honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms, and in recognition of fans watching the game in the British Columbia time zone, the Canadian Football League will pause this Sunday’s Eastern Semi-Final playoff game between the BC Lions and Hamilton Tiger-Cats in Hamilton for a moment of silence at 11 am Pacific Time (2 pm Eastern Time),” the CFL announced on Thursday.

Despite finishing the regular season with a better record, the BC Lions (9-9) are listed as slight underdogs against the 8-10 Tiger-Cats. That has everything to do with home field advantage, as the Lions are just 2-7 away from BC Place this season. Hamilton, meanwhile, is 4-5 at Tim Hortons Field, which includes a 40-10 beatdown of the Lions in Week 16.

At #BCLions practice: Solomon Elimimian says he’s committed and will start Sunday, but as a precaution rookie LB Ron Omara goes on roster as Micah Awe had virtually no defensive reps this week. Chris Rainey is a likely roster casualty. #cfl

— Lowell Ullrich (@FifthQtr) November 8, 2018

BC will get a boost though, as linebacker Solomon Elimimian is expected to play his first game since suffering an injury on July 14. A former Most Outstanding Player (2014), and a two-time Most Outstanding Defensive Player (2014 and 2016), the 32-year-old is arguably still the team’s most important member.

The Lions should also draw inspiration from their head coach, Wally Buono, who is retiring after this season and would love to go out on top with another Grey Cup.

See also

• CFL amends touchdown celebration rule after player chugs beer mid-game (VIDEO)
• Report: CFL could play regular season games in Mexico next season
• BC Lions will play in the CFL's East Division playoffs this year