Make it 50: Mandrusiak returns to Double E
Longtime equipment manager rejoining Club in joint community and historian role
%201.png "Mandrusiak speaks at the Salute to 75 Dinner after being announced as the newest member of the EE Builders Wall. He was formally added to the wall at last season's EE home opener.")
EDMONTON – A Green and Gold icon is coming home, as the Edmonton Elks proudly announced Monday that longtime equipment manager Dwayne Mandrusiak is returning to the Club. 2025 will mark Mandrusiak's 50th season with the Double E, as he rejoins the organization in a joint community and historian role.
"I'm excited to return to the team where I had the best seat in the house for 49 years," said Mandrusiak. "I'm grateful to the ownership group led by Larry and Deb Thompson and to President and CEO Chris Morris for bringing this together. I can't wait to get to work during what is sure to be an exciting season."
Mandrusiak started his career as a ball boy with the Eskimos in 1971 and was on the sidelines for 18 Grey Cup appearances and was part of 11 championships during his first stint with the Club.
Inducted into the EE Builders Wall of Honour last year – the Club’s highest acknowledgment for a non-player – Mandrusiak’s return is part of the Club’s ongoing commitment to honouring the past, while looking to the future.
“Dwayne’s return is an important step in respecting our roots and bringing an Edmonton icon back where he belongs,” said Elks President and CEO Chris Morris. “Dwayne’s career with the Eskimos and the accomplishments of those teams represented excellence, toughness, pride and an unwavering commitment to the community we serve. We are so proud to bring Dwayne back as we celebrate a legacy that means so much to our alumni and community.”
“He epitomized that ‘Once an Eskimo, Always an Eskimo’ was never just a slogan – it was a brotherhood, a way of life. We aim to honour that spirit as we write the next chapter of this franchise.”
MANDRUSIAK PRESS CONFERENCE
- WHO:
- Chris Morris - President and CEO, Edmonton Elks
- Dwayne Mandrusiak - Community Ambassador & Team Historian, Edmonton Elks
- WHAT: Press conference announcing Dwayne Mandrusiak's return
- WHERE: Play Alberta Field at Commonwealth Stadium (EE locker room)
- NOTE: Media can park in front of the Commonwealth Community Recreation Centre and meet near the Elks Team Store.
- WHEN: Monday, May 26 at 2:00 p.m.
- The press conference will commence at 2:00 p.m. Media are encouraged to arrive beginning at 1:30 p.m.
Part of the Club’s plans to honour the past is through the reinstallation of the ‘Once an Eskimo, Always an Eskimo’ sign, which was proudly displayed inside the team’s locker room for decades. The team is also welcoming back the iconic fire truck to game day, which has been updated, while maintaining key historical elements.
Mandrusiak’s endless knowledge of the Club will be on display throughout the season, showcasing the return of these historic elements to new generations of fans, sharing countless stories, while also being part of key community activations.
