REGINA — Four more exemplary Saskatchewan Roughrider alums will be joining the all-time greats this year, as this year’s inductee class to the Plaza of Honour.
Sask. Roughrider Foundation Executive Director Cindy Fuchs announced Monday that the Plaza of Honour will be welcoming former players Chris Getzlaf and Andy Fantuz, alongside Gabe Patterson, who will be inducted posthumously.
Paul J. Hill, who served the club for more than two decades on the board and management council, will also be inducted this year as a Builder in recognition of “his tireless commitment to the Roughriders.”
“The selection committee has done an absolutely exceptional job selecting four inductees this year,” said Fuchs.
Fuchs said the Plaza of Honour is pleased to be welcoming all-Canadian talent to its ranks this year, with a special focus on the inclusion of Patterson who was the second Black player to take the field with the Riders and the first Black player in the club to be named an All-Star.
Patterson played two seasons with the Riders in 1946-47, in the roles of quarterback, running back, defensive back and kicker. Patterson led the team in points in 1947 and is said to have always been active within the community during his time in Regina.
“This is a special induction for this year, and we can’t wait for Rider Nation to learn a little bit more about Gabe,” said Fuchs.
Former receiver Fantuz played with the Riders from 2006-11, and still ranks second and fourth in all-time receiving yards in a single game. He was named the CFL’s Top Receiver, CFL All-Star and Most Outstanding Canadian in 2010, and is still one of only two players to score a touchdown in multiple Grey Cup games with the Riders.
Getzlaf, also a former receiver with the Green and White, is a Regina product that played 10 seasons with his hometown team, from 2007-2015 and then returning for 2017. He still ranks fifth in franchise history for receiving yards and is a two-time Grey Cup champion after playing with the team during the 2007 and 2013 victories.
“It’s kind of a surreal feeling,” said Getzlaf, about being included in the Plaza of Honour. “You get the opportunity to play for the team that you grew up watching, and to be a hometown guy playing on that team for as long as I did, that’s an honour.”
Getzlaf said the highlights from his career with the Riders are definitely the Grey Cup bids he took part in, as well as the opportunity to play on the team alongside a roster of talent.
He said he feels honoured to be included in the Plaza, alongside the greats that he once looked up to, as someone for the next generation of Saskatchewan-born Riders to do the same.
“It’s nice to be able to look back and know you’ve contributed enough, in all aspects of the game, in order to get your name written on that wall,” said Getzlaf.
The formal induction of all four alumni will take place on Oct. 9 during a new morning event, the 13th Fan Breakfast. Tickets for this event are on sale now.
