The weekend blast of winter in Calgary and the surrounding area may make it difficult to think warm thoughts, but here’s something that might put you in a sunnier frame of mind — as of today (Monday, Mar. 23) there are exactly 100 days remaining until the 2009 Canadian Football League campaign kicks off.

In case you haven’t already circled the date in big red marker on your calendar, the Stampeders ’09 regular season launches on July 1 at McMahon Stadium with a Canada Day/Grey Cup rematch bash against the Montreal Alouettes.

Of course, there’s plenty happening football-wise before then.

•    The Stampeders hold their open-tryout camp in Winter Springs, Fla., on Saturday, Apr. 4.

•    It’s a Snap, the Stamps’ annual ladies-only football seminar, runs on Tuesday, Apr. 21. Click here for more info and to register.

•    The CFL draft will be held on May 2. The Stamps have picks in all rounds including three selections in the fourth round.

•    Henry Burris’ All-Star Weekend runs on May 8 and 9. The event supports the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Calgary and Area.

•    The President’s Luncheon is slated for Thursday, May 14 at the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre. For a second straight year, quarterback Henry Burris will be honoured as the recipient of the Presidents’ Ring. More info here.

•    Saturday, May 30 is the date for Fanfest. The annual gathering serves as the unofficial launch for the new season. Follow this link to learn more.

•    The rookies and quarterbacks report for training camp on June 3. Main camp begins four days later on July 7.

•    Before facing the Larks in the lid-lifter, Calgary will tune up with a couple of exhibition games. The BC Lions are at McMahon on June 17 and the Stamps travel to Regina on June 23 to take on the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

So as you shovel your walks and brush the snow off your cars and fill up your windshield-washer-fluid reservoirs yet again, take heart that better days are just around the corner.