Latest news with #ChrisMorris
CBC
3 days ago
- Sport
- CBC
Edmonton Elks look to future by embracing past, including former team name
The winds of change blew through Commonwealth Stadium this winter, bringing in a new regime determined to return Edmonton's once-proud CFL franchise to its green-and-gold glory days. Part of that includes embracing the team's former name, Eskimos. The club rebranded as the Elks in 2021, following a broader movement among sports teams to move away from names considered racist or stereotypical, and amid pressure from sponsors who threatened to cut ties. The change proved divisive among Edmonton supporters. Regardless of which name Edmonton fans prefer, former players Chris Morris, now the team's president and CEO, and Ed Hervey, now general manager, have brought back the franchise motto: "Once an Eskimo, Always an Eskimo." A sign bearing the slogan has been restored above the entrance to the Elks' locker room. "Eskimos or Elks, it is the 'Double E' and we want our fans and the community to understand we are committed to winning and being a part of the community," Hervey said. And with that, both men are hoping the product on the field, headed by a new coaching staff led by Mark Kilam and an offence firmly in the hands of quarterback Tre Ford, will not only carry the team back into the playoffs but will lure missing fans into the stands. Despite the massive overhaul that began with the sale of the publicly-owned franchise to Larry Thompson, Kilam doesn't see any problems with all the new personnel meshing into a winning product. "It's not if you're vertically aligned, which we are, from ownership on down," he said. "When we have the same feelings about the way a professional football team should act, the way we think things should be run on a day-to-day basis, and the way we see things be played out on the field, it's pretty easy. "There's a fresh, new vibe," he continued. "There's been a lot of roster turnover; there's been a lot of turnover on the admin side; obviously the coaching staff has been turned over. So we are the new era of the Double E and we're looking forward to setting that standard." Doing that has to begin with a better start than the team has endured the last three years, when it began 0-5, 0-7 and 0-8 and suffered through a record 22-game home losing streak. "It's huge, it means everything," returning offensive lineman Jake Ceresna said of starting well. "But even if we stub our toe early, just have faith in us and have our backs because we're going to turn this ship around." The turnaround may have started last season when Ford got his chance at quarterback after the team started 0-7. The fourth-year Canadian sparked a dramatic turnaround that saw the Elks go 7-4 over their last 11 games. "We want to just keep going from where we stopped last year," said kick returner-running back Javon Leake. "We've got the players, we've got the coaches, now we just have to go out and play." The Elks are hoping Ford, 9-9 as a starter, will justify their faith in him, but traded for former Grey Cup MVP Cody Fajardo as a backup, just in case. Off-season roster changes have resulted in major revamping on both sides of the ball. Joining Ceresna on the defensive line are Robbie Smith and Jared Brinkman, members of Toronto's 2024 Grey Cup championship team. Behind them are linebackers Nyles Morgan and Nick Anderson along with a host of defensive backs led by Tyrell Ford and Royce Metchie. "From the top down, this is probably one of the best defences, talent-wise, that I've been around," said Ceresna. "We look fast; we look terrifying." But, he added, "it's all talk right now. Now it's up to us as players to go out and prove it." Offensively, Ford finds himself with a trio of top-notch receivers in Kurleigh Gittens, Jr., who led the team in receptions last year, newcomers Steven Dunbar Jr. and Kaion Julien-Grant and returnee Arkell Smith. "He's explosive," Kilam said of Smith. "His body, he looks like he's had a great off-season, he's put some time in, he has some familiarity with Tre." All-star centre Mark Korte returns and moves to left guard to make room for David Beard on an offensive line that allowed a league-low 29 sacks last season. The Elks led the CFL with 2,365 rushing yards in 2024 and are hoping the combination of Justin Rankin and Leake will offset the loss of Kevin Brown. With the number of major changes on and off the field, there was a high level of energy as the team prepared for its season opener June 7 in Vancouver against the B.C. Lions. "This is a whole new squad, a whole new era, a whole new tradition," said Leake. "Everything is new. I'm excited to finally get out there and show the rest of the CFL."
Hamilton Spectator
3 days ago
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
Elks look to future by embracing past, including former team name
EDMONTON - The winds of change blew through Commonwealth Stadium this winter, bringing in a new regime determined to return Edmonton's once-proud CFL franchise to its green-and-gold glory days. Part of that includes embracing the team's former name, 'Eskimos.' The club rebranded as the 'Elks' in 2021, following a broader movement among sports teams to move away from names considered racist or stereotypical, and amid pressure from sponsors who threatened to cut ties. The change proved divisive among Edmonton supporters. Regardless of which name Edmonton fans prefer, former players Chris Morris, now the team's president and CEO, and Ed Hervey, now general manager, have brought back the franchise motto: 'Once an Eskimo, Always an Eskimo.' A sign bearing the slogan has been restored above the entrance to the Elks' locker room. 'Eskimos or Elks, it is the 'Double E' and we want our fans and the community to understand we are committed to winning and being a part of the community,' Hervey said. And with that, both men are hoping the product on the field, headed by a new coaching staff led by Mark Kilam and an offence firmly in the hands of quarterback Tre Ford, will not only carry the team back into the playoffs but will lure missing fans into the stands. Despite the massive overhaul that began with the sale of the publicly owned franchise to Larry Thompson, Kilam doesn't see any problems with all the new personnel meshing into a winning product. 'It's not if you're vertically aligned, which we are, from ownership on down,' he said. 'When we have the same feelings about the way a professional football team should act, the way we think things should be run on a day-to-day basis, and the way we see things be played out on the field, it's pretty easy. 'There's a fresh, new vibe,' he continued. 'There's been a lot of roster turnover; there's been a lot of turnover on the admin side; obviously the coaching staff has been turned over. So we are the new era of the Double E and we're looking forward to setting that standard.' Doing that has to begin with a better start than the team has endured the last three years, when it began 0-5, 0-7 and 0-8 and suffered through a record 22-game home losing streak. 'It's huge, it means everything,' returning offensive lineman Jake Ceresna said of starting well. 'But even if we stub our toe early, just have faith in us and have our backs because we're going to turn this ship around.' The turnaround may have started last season when Ford got his chance at quarterback after the team started 0-7. The fourth-year Canadian sparked a dramatic turnaround that saw the Elks go 7-4 over their last 11 games. 'We want to just keep going from where we stopped last year,' said kick returner-running back Javon Leake. 'We've got the players, we've got the coaches, now we just have to go out and play.' The Elks are hoping Ford, 9-9 as a starter, will justify their faith in him, but traded for former Grey Cup MVP Cody Fajardo as a backup, just in case. Off-season roster changes have resulted in major revamping on both sides of the ball. Joining Ceresna on the defensive line are Robbie Smith and Jared Brinkman, members of Toronto's 2024 Grey Cup championship team. Behind them are linebackers Nyles Morgan and Nick Anderson along with a host of defensive backs led by Tyrell Ford and Royce Metchie. 'From the top down, this is probably one of the best defences, talent-wise, that I've been around,' said Ceresna. 'We look fast; we look terrifying.' But, he added, 'it's all talk right now. Now it's up to us as players to go out and prove it.' Offensively, Ford finds himself with a trio of top-notch receivers in Kurleigh Gittens, Jr., who led the team in receptions last year, newcomers Steven Dunbar Jr. and Kaion Julien-Grant and returnee Arkell Smith. 'He's explosive,' Kilam said of Smith. 'His body, he looks like he's had a great off-season, he's put some time in, he has some familiarity with Tre.' All-star centre Mark Korte returns and moves to left guard to make room for David Beard on an offensive line that allowed a league-low 29 sacks last season. The Elks led the CFL with 2,365 rushing yards in 2024 and are hoping the combination of Justin Rankin and Leake will offset the loss of Kevin Brown. With the number of major changes on and off the field, there was a high level of energy as the team prepared for its season opener June 7 in Vancouver against the B.C. Lions. 'This is a whole new squad, a whole new era, a whole new tradition,' said Leake. 'Everything is new. I'm excited to finally get out there and show the rest of the CFL.' 2024 record: 7-11, fourth in the West Division. Did you know: The Elks will introduce a new road jersey this week, featuring the Double E logo on the sleeves with gold and green stripes, green numbers with gold outlines and with EDMONTON spelled out on the front. Key additions: DB Royce Metchie (Toronto), DL Robbie Smith (Toronto), DL Jared Brinkman (Toronto), OL David Beard (Hamilton), QB Cody Fajardo (Montreal). Key losses: QB McLeod Bethel-Thompson (Montreal), WR Eugene Lewis (free agency-Ottawa), RB Kevin Brown (free agency) DB Kai Gray (released) Players to watch: QB Tre Ford, RB Javon Leake, WR Kurleigh Gittens, Jr. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 2, 2025.
CTV News
4 days ago
- Business
- CTV News
Elks look to future by embracing past, including former team name
B.C. Lions' Deontai Williams (33) chases Edmonton Elks quarterback Tre Ford (2) during first half CFL pre-season action in Edmonton, on Friday May 30, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson EDMONTON — The winds of change blew through Commonwealth Stadium this winter, bringing in a new regime determined to return Edmonton's once-proud CFL franchise to its green-and-gold glory days. Part of that includes embracing the team's former name, 'Eskimos.' The club rebranded as the 'Elks' in 2021, following a broader movement among sports teams to move away from names considered racist or stereotypical, and amid pressure from sponsors who threatened to cut ties. The change proved divisive among Edmonton supporters. Regardless of which name Edmonton fans prefer, former players Chris Morris, now the team's president and CEO, and Ed Hervey, now general manager, have brought back the franchise motto: 'Once an Eskimo, Always an Eskimo.' A sign bearing the slogan has been restored above the entrance to the Elks' locker room. 'Eskimos or Elks, it is the 'Double E' and we want our fans and the community to understand we are committed to winning and being a part of the community,' Hervey said. And with that, both men are hoping the product on the field, headed by a new coaching staff led by Mark Kilam and an offence firmly in the hands of quarterback Tre Ford, will not only carry the team back into the playoffs but will lure missing fans into the stands. Despite the massive overhaul that began with the sale of the publicly owned franchise to Larry Thompson, Kilam doesn't see any problems with all the new personnel meshing into a winning product. 'It's not if you're vertically aligned, which we are, from ownership on down,' he said. 'When we have the same feelings about the way a professional football team should act, the way we think things should be run on a day-to-day basis, and the way we see things be played out on the field, it's pretty easy. 'There's a fresh, new vibe,' he continued. 'There's been a lot of roster turnover; there's been a lot of turnover on the admin side; obviously the coaching staff has been turned over. So we are the new era of the Double E and we're looking forward to setting that standard.' Doing that has to begin with a better start than the team has endured the last three years, when it began 0-5, 0-7 and 0-8 and suffered through a record 22-game home losing streak. 'It's huge, it means everything,' returning offensive lineman Jake Ceresna said of starting well. 'But even if we stub our toe early, just have faith in us and have our backs because we're going to turn this ship around.' The turnaround may have started last season when Ford got his chance at quarterback after the team started 0-7. The fourth-year Canadian sparked a dramatic turnaround that saw the Elks go 7-4 over their last 11 games. 'We want to just keep going from where we stopped last year,' said kick returner-running back Javon Leake. 'We've got the players, we've got the coaches, now we just have to go out and play.' The Elks are hoping Ford, 9-9 as a starter, will justify their faith in him, but traded for former Grey Cup MVP Cody Fajardo as a backup, just in case. Off-season roster changes have resulted in major revamping on both sides of the ball. Joining Ceresna on the defensive line are Robbie Smith and Jared Brinkman, members of Toronto's 2024 Grey Cup championship team. Behind them are linebackers Nyles Morgan and Nick Anderson along with a host of defensive backs led by Tyrell Ford and Royce Metchie. 'From the top down, this is probably one of the best defences, talent-wise, that I've been around,' said Ceresna. 'We look fast; we look terrifying.' But, he added, 'it's all talk right now. Now it's up to us as players to go out and prove it.' Offensively, Ford finds himself with a trio of top-notch receivers in Kurleigh Gittens, Jr., who led the team in receptions last year, newcomers Steven Dunbar Jr. and Kaion Julien-Grant and returnee Arkell Smith. 'He's explosive,' Kilam said of Smith. 'His body, he looks like he's had a great off-season, he's put some time in, he has some familiarity with Tre.' All-star centre Mark Korte returns and moves to left guard to make room for David Beard on an offensive line that allowed a league-low 29 sacks last season. The Elks led the CFL with 2,365 rushing yards in 2024 and are hoping the combination of Justin Rankin and Leake will offset the loss of Kevin Brown. With the number of major changes on and off the field, there was a high level of energy as the team prepared for its season opener June 7 in Vancouver against the B.C. Lions. 'This is a whole new squad, a whole new era, a whole new tradition,' said Leake. 'Everything is new. I'm excited to finally get out there and show the rest of the CFL.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 2, 2025. John Korobanik, The Canadian Press
Winnipeg Free Press
4 days ago
- Business
- Winnipeg Free Press
Elks look to future by embracing past, including former team name
EDMONTON – The winds of change blew through Commonwealth Stadium this winter, bringing in a new regime determined to return Edmonton's once-proud CFL franchise to its green-and-gold glory days. Part of that includes embracing the team's former name, 'Eskimos.' The club rebranded as the 'Elks' in 2021, following a broader movement among sports teams to move away from names considered racist or stereotypical, and amid pressure from sponsors who threatened to cut ties. The change proved divisive among Edmonton supporters. Regardless of which name Edmonton fans prefer, former players Chris Morris, now the team's president and CEO, and Ed Hervey, now general manager, have brought back the franchise motto: 'Once an Eskimo, Always an Eskimo.' A sign bearing the slogan has been restored above the entrance to the Elks' locker room. 'Eskimos or Elks, it is the 'Double E' and we want our fans and the community to understand we are committed to winning and being a part of the community,' Hervey said. And with that, both men are hoping the product on the field, headed by a new coaching staff led by Mark Kilam and an offence firmly in the hands of quarterback Tre Ford, will not only carry the team back into the playoffs but will lure missing fans into the stands. Despite the massive overhaul that began with the sale of the publicly owned franchise to Larry Thompson, Kilam doesn't see any problems with all the new personnel meshing into a winning product. 'It's not if you're vertically aligned, which we are, from ownership on down,' he said. 'When we have the same feelings about the way a professional football team should act, the way we think things should be run on a day-to-day basis, and the way we see things be played out on the field, it's pretty easy. 'There's a fresh, new vibe,' he continued. 'There's been a lot of roster turnover; there's been a lot of turnover on the admin side; obviously the coaching staff has been turned over. So we are the new era of the Double E and we're looking forward to setting that standard.' Doing that has to begin with a better start than the team has endured the last three years, when it began 0-5, 0-7 and 0-8 and suffered through a record 22-game home losing streak. 'It's huge, it means everything,' returning offensive lineman Jake Ceresna said of starting well. 'But even if we stub our toe early, just have faith in us and have our backs because we're going to turn this ship around.' The turnaround may have started last season when Ford got his chance at quarterback after the team started 0-7. The fourth-year Canadian sparked a dramatic turnaround that saw the Elks go 7-4 over their last 11 games. 'We want to just keep going from where we stopped last year,' said kick returner-running back Javon Leake. 'We've got the players, we've got the coaches, now we just have to go out and play.' The Elks are hoping Ford, 9-9 as a starter, will justify their faith in him, but traded for former Grey Cup MVP Cody Fajardo as a backup, just in case. Off-season roster changes have resulted in major revamping on both sides of the ball. Joining Ceresna on the defensive line are Robbie Smith and Jared Brinkman, members of Toronto's 2024 Grey Cup championship team. Behind them are linebackers Nyles Morgan and Nick Anderson along with a host of defensive backs led by Tyrell Ford and Royce Metchie. 'From the top down, this is probably one of the best defences, talent-wise, that I've been around,' said Ceresna. 'We look fast; we look terrifying.' But, he added, 'it's all talk right now. Now it's up to us as players to go out and prove it.' Offensively, Ford finds himself with a trio of top-notch receivers in Kurleigh Gittens, Jr., who led the team in receptions last year, newcomers Steven Dunbar Jr. and Kaion Julien-Grant and returnee Arkell Smith. 'He's explosive,' Kilam said of Smith. 'His body, he looks like he's had a great off-season, he's put some time in, he has some familiarity with Tre.' All-star centre Mark Korte returns and moves to left guard to make room for David Beard on an offensive line that allowed a league-low 29 sacks last season. The Elks led the CFL with 2,365 rushing yards in 2024 and are hoping the combination of Justin Rankin and Leake will offset the loss of Kevin Brown. With the number of major changes on and off the field, there was a high level of energy as the team prepared for its season opener June 7 in Vancouver against the B.C. Lions. 'This is a whole new squad, a whole new era, a whole new tradition,' said Leake. 'Everything is new. I'm excited to finally get out there and show the rest of the CFL.' 2024 record: 7-11, fourth in the West Division. Thursdays Keep up to date on sports with Mike McIntyre's weekly newsletter. Did you know: The Elks will introduce a new road jersey this week, featuring the Double E logo on the sleeves with gold and green stripes, green numbers with gold outlines and with EDMONTON spelled out on the front. Key additions: DB Royce Metchie (Toronto), DL Robbie Smith (Toronto), DL Jared Brinkman (Toronto), OL David Beard (Hamilton), QB Cody Fajardo (Montreal). Key losses: QB McLeod Bethel-Thompson (Montreal), WR Eugene Lewis (free agency-Ottawa), RB Kevin Brown (free agency) DB Kai Gray (released) Players to watch: QB Tre Ford, RB Javon Leake, WR Kurleigh Gittens, Jr. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 2, 2025.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
EWCZ Q1 Earnings Call: Revenue Flat, Profitability Beats Expectations Amid Strategic Reset
Beauty and waxing service franchise European Wax Center (NASDAQ:EWCZ) missed Wall Street's revenue expectations in Q1 CY2025, with sales flat year on year at $51.43 million. Its non-GAAP profit of $0.13 per share was significantly above analysts' consensus estimates. Is now the time to buy EWCZ? Find out in our full research report (it's free). Revenue: $51.43 million (flat year on year) Adjusted EPS: $0.13 vs analyst estimates of $0.05 (significant beat) EBITDA guidance for the full year is $70 million at the midpoint, in line with analyst expectations Operating Margin: 20.6%, in line with the same quarter last year Locations: 1,062 at quarter end, up from 1,051 in the same quarter last year Same-Store Sales were flat year on year (-1.2% in the same quarter last year) Market Capitalization: $246.2 million European Wax Center's first quarter results reflected the early impact of a new leadership team's focus on operational basics and franchisee support. CEO Chris Morris emphasized that recent efforts to modernize the company's marketing approach and enhance data-driven guest acquisition strategies have begun to show incremental improvement in new guest trends and sales stability. The company's executive team highlighted actions such as upgrading digital marketing tools and refining brand messaging, which they believe are key to reaching higher-value guests. Additionally, management stressed that underperforming centers remain a primary challenge, largely due to lower average unit volumes, and that narrowing the performance gap between centers is a near-term operational priority. While progress has been made, Morris described 2025 as a 'reset year' for the brand, reflecting a cautious outlook regarding the pace of recovery. Looking forward, management's guidance for the year is built on plans to accelerate marketing initiatives and sharpen franchisee operational execution, particularly in the second half of 2025. CFO Tom Kim noted that the high end of guidance assumes new marketing strategies drive stronger traffic later in the year, while the low end assumes only modest improvements. The company is also actively addressing external risks such as tariffs on imported goods, with contingency plans underway to mitigate cost impacts. Morris stated, 'We are leaving no stone unturned' regarding cost control and supply chain alternatives, while reaffirming that the brand's Comfort Wax formula remains unchanged. European Wax Center's path to renewed unit growth hinges on effective guest acquisition, franchisee profitability, and disciplined expansion into underpenetrated markets, with management reiterating confidence in navigating a dynamic consumer and regulatory environment. Management linked first quarter outcomes to the rollout of new marketing technologies, stabilization in core guest behavior, and stepped-up franchisee engagement. Several strategic and operational priorities shaped results. Marketing and guest acquisition: The company implemented a digital-first marketing engine, including new data analytics tools to improve advertising effectiveness and lower customer acquisition costs. Early signs show improved new guest trends on a two-year basis, with ongoing efforts to refine messaging for high-value customer segments. Franchisee operational support: European Wax Center increased the capacity of its franchisee support team and deployed enhanced tracking tools, aiming to close performance gaps between underperforming centers and the broader network. Management reported that these actions have led to key performance indicator (KPI) improvements in challenged locations. Brand identity and research: Management conducted extensive research to redefine its target guest profile and brand identity, identifying new high-value customer groups. This effort is intended to support more effective marketing campaigns, with new creative assets set to launch ahead of the peak summer season. Network rationalization: The company is prioritizing the health of its franchise network by focusing on supporting strong performers and managing the closure of persistently underperforming centers. Management attributed recent closures to prior overexpansion and underwhelming sales at certain locations, and expects closures to affect results in the near term. Leadership and structural changes: Several key executives, including a Chief Commercial Officer and Chief Information and Digital Officer, joined during the quarter. Their roles are focused on executing strategic priorities in marketing, digital operations, and franchisee success. Management's outlook for the coming quarters centers on revitalizing guest traffic, mitigating cost pressures, and preparing for a return to unit growth by late 2026. Marketing initiatives and guest targeting: The company's guidance relies on the success of new marketing strategies to drive traffic and guest acquisition, particularly targeting higher-value customers. The high end of expectations assumes these efforts gain traction in the second half of the year, while persistent transaction declines would keep results at the lower end of guidance. Cost management and tariff mitigation: Facing increased tariffs on certain imported supplies, management is pursuing alternative sourcing and efficiency measures to contain input costs. While the proprietary Comfort Wax will not change suppliers, other products and medical supplies are under review for potential cost-saving alternatives. Franchisee profitability and network optimization: The company is working to improve profitability at the center level through enhanced operational support, refined site selection, and improved market analytics. These changes are expected to help stabilize closures and lay the groundwork for sustainable net unit growth by late 2026. Going forward, the StockStory team will closely monitor (1) the impact of new marketing campaigns on guest acquisition and frequency, (2) the pace and effectiveness of underperforming center closures and subsequent sales transfers, and (3) the company's ability to manage tariff-related cost pressures without eroding franchisee margins. Execution on digital initiatives and the outcome of upcoming franchisee conventions will also serve as indicators of strategic progress. European Wax Center currently trades at a forward P/E ratio of 18.4×. At this valuation, is it a buy or sell post earnings? Find out in our full research report (it's free). The market surged in 2024 and reached record highs after Donald Trump's presidential victory in November, but questions about new economic policies are adding much uncertainty for 2025. While the crowd speculates what might happen next, we're homing in on the companies that can succeed regardless of the political or macroeconomic environment. Put yourself in the driver's seat and build a durable portfolio by checking out our Top 5 Strong Momentum Stocks for this week. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 183% over the last five years (as of March 31st 2025). Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,545% between March 2020 and March 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-micro-cap company Kadant (+351% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today. Sign in to access your portfolio
