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October 25, 2016

Full house of poker faces

2016 Stampeders Ambassadors Charity Poker Tournament (Photo by Jenn Pierce)

Members of the Stamps did their best to play their cards right on Monday evening.

While their skill and experience varied, 15 players and three coaches attended the second annual Stampeders Ambassadors Charity Poker Tournament presented by TD Canada Trust.

The Grey Eagle Resort & Casino hosted approximately 245 poker participants including Joshua Bell, Rob Cote, Dan Federkeil, Bakari Grant, Charleston Hughes, Marquay McDaniel, Bo Levi Mitchell, Rene Paredes, Charlie Power, Alex Singleton, Brandon Smith, Adam Thibault, Jamar Wall, Derek Wiggan and Spencer Wilson.

Team president and general manager John Hufnagel was also in attendance along with senior director of business operations Mike Franco. Members of the coaching staff included defensive backs coach Kahlil Carter, defensive coordinator DeVone Claybrooks and linebackers/strength and conditioning coach Brent Monson. Head coach Dave Dickenson made a brief appearance, too.

Other celebrity players were chairman and CFL governor Ken King, executive committee member John Bean and Stamps alumnus J.T. Hay.

Quick Six, the Stampeders touchdown horse, was on hand to greet registrants as they arrived.

Delivering an onstage performance before the dealing of the cards was a contingent of the Outriders, presented by Century Downs. A buffet dinner was then made available midway through the tournament.

A raffle, silent auction and a live auction were featured throughout. Team-signed merchandise from all CFL clubs, a wide variety of gift certificates and a highly-coveted Stamps road trip were all up for grabs. Jerseys from all four teams within the Calgary Sports and Entertainment Organization were awarded during the event in addition to an autographed print of McDaniel.

In total, more than $90,000 was raised for the Stampeders Foundation, which supports minor football, education and health and wellness projects in order to improve the lives Southern and Central Albertans. The sum generated was a $40,000 increase over the funds brought in from last year’s inaugural tournament.

Tournament sponsors and those with individual playing spots were in contention to be crowned the champion, as well. Grant was the last member of the Red and White to be eliminated, but Monier Borhot ultimately took home the trophy along with $2,500 and an exclusive Stampeders package featuring sideline passes to a future home game.

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