The future of the Canadian Football League looks bright.

In a game that showcased the very best Canadian Interuniversity Sport football has to offer, special teams prevailed as the East team came out on top 12-9, earning its second victory in the eight year history of the East-West Bowl.

Weather was a major factor, as the teams were forced to play through heavy rain, wind upwards of 50 kilometres per hour and even brief spurts of snow, making it tough for either side to muster any offence.

In a game that was filled with errors, including four fumbles and two interceptions, special teams was the difference, with Laval kicker Christopher Milo putting 10 points on the board for the East.

“The game was definitely a special team’s battle,” East and Queen’s Gaels head coach Pat Sheahan said. “Better weather would’ve been great, but the whole week has been a great experience for everyone involved.”

University of Regina quarterback Marc Mueller kept the West team in the game, throwing 16-of-34 for 227 yards and the game’s only touchdown in his two quarters of action.

“The whole week has been a great experience,” Mueller said. “It’s a chance you have to relish and take full advantage playing against the best players the [CIS] has to offer.”

Nick Cicchini, an offensive lineman from the University of Windsor, echoed Mueller’s thoughts.

“Going up against the best players in the country— you get to see how you stack up against them. You get to see what it takes, and having so many coaches here you learn a lot from their experience and knowledge,” he said.

The game is also crucial for the CFL scouts to see the potential of the CIS athletes.

“The game’s a great way to look at talent,” Tim Fleiszer, representative of the Gil Scott Sports Agency, said. “You can only look at so much game tape. Everything is pretty vanilla on both sides of the ball, so it’s a great way to see how guys react on their own skill. It’s also the only game where you have the best players of the CIS playing, so it’s important for everyone involved.”

If there’s one person who knows what it takes to make it to the CFL, it’s Fleiszer. The former first overall pick in the 1998 CFL draft went on to win four Grey Cups in his nine-year career.

The players are also aware of the importance of this game. With 24 players from last year’s game being selected in the 2010 CFL draft, any player with hopes of being drafted can improve their draft stock with a good showing during the week.

“Every time the players get on the field and work hard they improve their chances of being noticed and moving on to the next level,” West and University of Calgary head coach Blake Nill said.

“The scouting adds a little pressure, but it’s great,” Mustang defensive back Craig Butler said. “It adds a level of seriousness to [the game] and the testing during the week teaches you what to improve on.”

Western was well represented with five players on the West roster, including Mustangs linebacker John Surla who led the defence with 9.5 tackles and a sack. Butler contributed 4.5 tackles in a strong defensive effort.

“A different outcome would’ve been great, but the whole week has been a great experience on and off the field,” Butler said. “You talk with guys throughout the country, get different viewpoints on your game, and see what you need to improve on to help your team and move on to the next level.”

Mustangs head coach Greg Marshall had previously stated a desire to bring the game back to TD Waterhouse Stadium and everyone involved was quick to praise the first class manner in which the entire event was run.

“The game certainly helps player development and they all learn from one another,” Sheahan said. “It’s great for the CFL, university programs and the players.”