Laughs, giggles, and even the odd gasp were heard as Chris Walby shared stories of his experiences in sport.

The Canadian Football League (CFL) Hall of Famer and three-time Grey Cup Champion with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers spoke at the annual Portage Terriers Sportsman's Dinner and Auction yesterday at Canad Inns in Portage la Prairie.

From beers and brawls, to hard work and dedication, Walby recalled tales that ranged from knee-slapping to jaw-dropping about his journey through sport. All to inspire.

“It's fun to come out and share the things I've had to go through, tell some funny stories and talk about the things I've had to go through on my path to football,” the 6-foot-7, retired CFLer says. “Just to give all these young athletes some anecdotes and perspective in life.”

Walby says he was honoured to get the chance to speak to the Portage Terriers organization and its loyal following. And it was his past connection to junior hockey that made the opportunity so appealing.

"I was told I'm the first 'non-hockey speaker' you've had at this dinner," Walby grinned.

Known mostly for his work on the gridiron, it may look that way at first glance. But Walby laced up skates long before he ever manned an offensive line. It was actually hockey that led him to football.

He spent parts of two seasons in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League with the West Kildonan/Kildonan North Stars from 1975-77. While playing in the Turnbull Cup final against the Dauphin Kings during the 1976-77 season, Walby was kicked out of the league after an on-ice incident.

"Hockey ended and I had to find another passion, so I decided to try football," says Walby. "I tried it once before when I was 17, but I didn't really like it because I was a big, gangling, goofy kid."

"After hockey ended I was starting to get a lot bigger, so I decided to try it again," continues Walby. "But I had some rough times in the beginning of football."

Walby shared a story of being cut from a junior football team when he was transitioning into the sport. That experience served as one of his most powerful motivators.

"The coach looked at me and said flatly 'Chris, this is not the sport for you,'" Walby recalls.

That was what he needed to hear. Walby hit the gym, hard, building up his strength and improving his athletic ability. It was all uphill from there. He wound up getting a scholarship to Dickinson State, then his name was called fourth overall by the Montreal Alouettes at the 1981 CFL Draft. After being traded to the Bombers, 16 years, 12 division finals and three Grey Cups is where he ended up.

"I started late, but I blossomed at the end. And that's one of the things I always tell kids: 'it's not where you start, it's where you finish," Walby says. "It came around for me. I lucked out, played 16 years and played football as a professional until I was 40-years-old."

Walby says he hopes his telling his stories help show young athletes the value of sport. And the values sport can teach you.

"I don't care if it's curling, I don't care if it's badminton. Whatever the sport is, it teaches you," says Walby. "Together everyone achieves more. In sports you work together for a common goal."

"And that's just one lesson that you can adapt and accept, and put into your own life."