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Sundry notes, notions and nuggets about the Canadian Football Hall of Fame and its Class of 2019 …

HOPPY DAYS

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Photo by Kevin Sousa/CFL / jpg

Kudos to the selection committee for the enshrinement of Jim Hopson as a builder.

During a decade as the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ president-CEO, Hopson was at the forefront of the team’s evolution into the CFL’s dominant franchise.

Equally at home at a barbecue or in the boardroom, Hopson’s amicable, approachable nature and business acumen were a perfect combination.

Rewinding much further, Hopson made his CFL debut as a player in 1973, when the Roughriders’ roster included Ron Lancaster, George Reed, Jack Abendschan, Bill Baker and Ed McQuarters.

Hopson, previously of the Regina Rams, joined the Roughriders after agreeing to contract terms with general manager Ken Preston.

It is fitting, then, that Hopson joins Preston, Lancaster, Reed, Abendschan, Baker and McQuarters in the Hall.