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The Saskatchewan Roughriders unveiled a new-look Gainer the Gopher — again — before Saturday’s game against the Calgary Stampeders.

Gone are the intense green eyes that contributed to the controversy around the new Gainer, whose makeover was first revealed July 1 during a CFL home game against the Toronto Argonauts.

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The green eyes were replaced by black ones, which are similar to the ones that adorned the old Gainer.

The Riders reintroduced Gainer 2.0 during a “paws” in the action on Saturday at Mosaic Stadium with a short video that included the venerable mascot throwing his old green contacts into the garbage.

Gainer remained lean and trim — a look that is also part of this year’s makeover. The old version, introduced in 1977, was pear-shaped.

The introduction of Gainer wasn’t the only early highlight from Saturday’s game.

Tyler Bozak, Brayden Schenn and Jaden Schwartz of the Stanley Cup-champion St. Louis Blues were also at the game. The trio of Saskatchewan-born Blues received a large cheer from the crowd while lifting the Stanley Cup over their heads.

The three NHL players then removed their Blues sweaters, revealing Roughriders’ jerseys and eliciting another ovation from the fans.

mmccormick@postmedia.com

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