1945 in Canadian football

Football returned to relative normal in 1945 following the conclusion of World War II. Two rivals from the pre-war years met once again in the annual Grey Cup, but on this occasion, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers were no match for the Toronto Argonauts. For Winnipeg, it was the worst loss by a western team in the Grey Cup since 1923 when Queen's University routed the Regina Roughriders 54–0.[1]

Canadian Football News in 1945

On Thursday, September 27 a new football team was formed in Calgary.[2] On October 10, it was decided that the new team would play as the Calgary Stampeders.[3] The Stampeders joined the WIFU with blue and gold colours.

The IRFU would resume play, but the WIFU still suspended operations.

Regular season

Final regular season standings

Note: GP = Games Played, W = Wins, L = Losses, T = Ties, PF = Points For, PA = Points Against, Pts = Points

Western Interprovincial Football Union

  • NO LEAGUE PLAY
  • Bold text means that they have clinched the playoffs.

Grey Cup playoffs

Note: All dates in 1945

Semifinals

WIFU semifinals – game 1
Calgary Stampeders @ Regina Roughriders
DateAwayHome
October 27Calgary Stampeders 3Regina Roughriders 1
WIFU semifinals – game 2
Regina Roughriders @ Calgary Stampeders
DateAwayHome
November 3Regina Roughriders 0Calgary Stampeders 12

Finals

IRFU Finals – Game 1
Toronto Argonauts @ Ottawa Rough Riders
DateAwayHome
November 3Toronto Argonauts 27Ottawa Rough Riders 8
IRFU Finals – Game 2
Toronto Argonauts @ Ottawa Rough Riders
DateAwayHome
November 10Toronto Argonauts 6Ottawa Rough Riders 10
  • Toronto won the total-point series by 33–18. Toronto will play the Toronto Balmy Beach Beachers (ORFU Champions) in the Eastern finals.
WIFU Finals
Winnipeg Blue Bombers @ Calgary Stampeders
DateAwayHome
November 10Winnipeg Blue Bombers 9Calgary Stampeders 6
  • Winnipeg advances to the Grey Cup game.
ORFU Finals – Game 1
Toronto Indians @ Toronto Balmy Beach Beachers
DateAwayHome
November 14Toronto Indians 1Toronto Balmy Beach Beachers 2
ORFU Finals – Game 2
Toronto Balmy Beach Beachers @ Toronto Indians
DateAwayHome
November 17Toronto Balmy Beach Beachers 15Toronto Indians 0
  • Toronto won the total-point series by 17–1. Toronto will play the Toronto Argonauts (IRFU Champions) in the Eastern finals.

Eastern Finals

Toronto Argonauts @ Toronto Balmy Beach Beachers (ORFU)
DateAwayHome
November 17Toronto Argonauts 14Toronto Balmy Beach Beachers (ORFU) 2
  • Toronto advances to the Grey Cup game.

Playoff bracket

Quarterfinals Semifinals Grey Cup final
         
IRFU Ottawa Rough Riders 8-10
IRFU Toronto Argonauts 27-6
IRFU Toronto Argonauts 14
EAST
ORFU Toronto Balmy Beach 2
ORFU Toronto Indians 1-0
ORFU Toronto Balmy Beach 2-15
IRFU Toronto Argonauts 35
WIFU Winnipeg Blue Bombers 0
WIFU Winnipeg Blue Bombers
WIFU BYE
WIFU Winnipeg Blue Bombers 9
WEST
WIFU Calgary Stampeders 6
WIFU Calgary Stampeders 3-11
WIFU Regina Roughriders 1-0

Grey Cup Championship

December 1

33rd Annual Grey Cup Game: Varsity StadiumToronto, Ontario

WIFU ChampionIRFU Champion
Winnipeg Blue Bombers 0Toronto Argonauts 35
The Toronto Argonauts are the 1945 Grey Cup Champions
  • Note: WIFU semifinal playoff dates are not confirmed, nor is Eastern Final date. However, since the regular season in the East ended October 27, and all other playoff dates, as well as Grey Cup date are accurate, it is reasonable to assume the above dates are accurate.

1945 Interprovincial Rugby Football Union All-Stars

NOTE: During this time most players played both ways, so the All-Star selections do not distinguish between some offensive and defensive positions.

1945 Ontario Rugby Football Union All-Stars

NOTE: During this time most players played both ways, so the All-Star selections do not distinguish between some offensive and defensive positions.

  • QB – Bill Stukus, Toronto Indians
  • HB – Doug Pyzer, Toronto Indians
  • HB – Ross McKelvey, Toronto Indians
  • DB – Sam Sward, Toronto Balmy Beach Beachers
  • E – Len Wright, Hamilton Wildcats
  • E – Johnny Farmer, Toronto Indians
  • FW – Fred Kijek, Toronto Indians
  • C – Bob Cosgrove, Toronto Balmy Beach Beachers
  • G – George Mountain, Hamilton Wildcats
  • G – Len Staughton, Toronto Balmy Beach Beachers
  • G – Harry "Suze" Turner, Toronto Balmy Beach Beachers
  • T – George Sprague, Ottawa Trojans
  • T – Don Durno, Toronto Indians

1945 Canadian Football Awards

References

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