By Nic Sgaggi
Stampeders.com

On Labour Day, Stamps fans will have the chance to see a coming-out party.

University of Saskatchewan product Charlie Power is set to make his Canadian Football League debut on Monday after spending part of last season and all of this season to date on the practice roster.

“I’m excited,” said Power, a fullback. “It’s been a long time coming. I spent seven weeks or so on the practice roster last year and then this year. It’s just excitement. I’m ready to play football.”

Having grown up in Okotoks, Power is aware of the significance of Labour Day to Alberta football fans and is excited to be getting his first CFL opportunity on such a momentous day.

“It’s exciting that it’s going to be that kind of atmosphere surrounding the game,” Power said. “I’m focusing on what I’ve got to do and putting on a good show for my first time out.”

He reminisced of his time growing up in the Calgary area and attending a few Labour Day Classics as a spectator.

“I have a few (memories) from when I was a kid coming out to Labour Day games,” Power said. “I remember coming to the games and it was always exciting — the back-to-back with Edmonton. Everyone would always be talking about it around school. It’s exciting that this is my first opportunity to get out there for sure. I’m looking forward to it.”

The linebacker-turned-fullback will look to go back to his defensive roots and make a few key special-teams plays early in this week’s contest with the Edmonton Eskimos.

Though the Stamps won’t expect Power to see any touches on offence, their bizarre history in the backfield this season suggests that anything could happen.

“I highly doubt it,” Power said with a grin. “Strange things have happened this year and we’ve had a lot of guys step up which is good, but no, I don’t think you’ll see me back there. But I’d welcome the opportunity.”