Latest news with #B.C.Lions
Vancouver Sun
3 hours ago
- Vancouver Sun
Vancouver police ramp up weekend presence to deter crime, provide 'assurance'
The Vancouver Police Department said it is boosting the number of officers in the city this weekend, including at the B.C. Lions kickoff game on Saturday and at Italian Day on Commercial Drive on Sunday. Police spokesman Sgt. Steve Addison acknowledged some people may be feeling anxious about public safety given Thursday night's car- ramming incident at the Pacific Coliseum during a Cirque du Soleil show and the vehicle attack at the Lapu Lapu Day festival in east Vancouver on April 26 that killed 11. But he reassured people that police will be out in full force this with an additional 300 officers deployed from Friday to Sunday. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. 'We will have a high-visibility presence throughout the city at a variety of events, and we're doing this to provide comfort and assurance to people, to deter crime, and … to respond immediately if something happens,' he said. Police will be using new Archer barriers at the Lions' season opener at B.C. Place and at Italian Day on the Drive, which are expected to draw hundreds of thousands of people to the city. The Archer barriers replaces heavy vehicles like dump trucks used by VPD as barricades at large-scale events such as the Celebration of Light fireworks or the Taylor Swift concerts last year. The police department ordered 16 of the anti-ram barriers from U.S.-based Meridian Rapid Defense Group soon after the New Year's Day attack in New Orleans, where a 42-year-old man used a pickup truck to ram into a crowd on historic Bourbon Street, killing 15 people. The devices arrived last month. Each barrier weighs about 320 kilograms and they are linked with heavy steel cables specifically designed to stop unauthorized vehicles at roadways, construction sites and public events. The barriers 'can be deployed and moved around as needed,' said Addison. 'When they're set up, they're designed to prevent vehicle incursions into large crowds.' Road closures will be in effect around Robson and Beatty Streets downtown for the Lions' game and Commercial Drive from Venables to Broadway will be closed to vehicles for the Italian Day festival. There will also be a heightened police presence on beaches, which are expected to be busy with people enjoying the hot weather, and in Gastown, Yaletown and the Granville Street entertainment district. Addison said the 'seemingly random and unpredictable' nature of the recent ramming incidents can cause anxiety but police cannot 'cage the city.' 'Please know we are doing everything that we can, working with our partners, to mitigate risks and make this summer and these events as safe as possible,' he said, adding that people can call police if something seems suspicious or out of place, or if they feel unsafe. chchan@
The Province
4 hours ago
- Sport
- The Province
Less stress, more swagger: B.C. Lions' QB Nathan Rourke aiming to have fun this season
With a full training camp behind him and new head coach Buck Pierce at the helm, the 27-year-old Rourke believes this year could be different. Published Jun 06, 2025 • Last updated 11 minutes ago • 4 minute read Nathan Rourke at B.C. Lions training camp at Hillside Stadium in Kamloops on May 11. Brian Johnson photo, B.C. Lions. Photo by Brian Johnson Nathan Rourke is trying to add a little something to his game this season — the B.C. Lions quarterback wants to have more fun. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors 'That's a little bit of a goal for myself, trying to play a little bit more loose and not take things so seriously. So, trying to have a little bit more fun out there,' he said. 'And when you try to have fun, you probably end up doing that and actually have fun.' Last season didn't go the way Rourke or the Lions expected. The Canadian QB wasn't on B.C.'s roster to start the campaign as he worked to land a permanent job in the NFL. He re-signed with the Lions — where he had a standout campaign in 2022 — in mid-August, but struggled in his return. B.C. finished with a 9-9 regular-season record. Vancouver hosted the Grey Cup, but hopes of a home-team win were quashed when the Saskatchewan Roughriders downed the Lions in the West semifinal. Essential reading for hockey fans who eat, sleep, Canucks, repeat. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. B.C. will kick off a new campaign on Saturday when they host a revamped Edmonton Elks side. With a full training camp behind him and new head coach Buck Pierce at the helm, the 27-year-old Rourke believes this year could be different. 'I feel good. Body feels good. I'm excited about Buck's offence,' he said. 'It's been fun to practice these last couple of days and in training camp. Guys are excited about it. So hopefully that excitement just continues and turns into points.' Pierce, a former CFL quarterback and longtime assistant coach with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, was named B.C.'s head coach and offensive coordinator in December, replacing Rick Campbell. B.C. Lions head coach Buck Pierce stands on the sideline during the first half of a preseason CFL football game against the Calgary Stampeders, in Langford May 19. Photo by Darryl Dyck / THE CANADIAN PRESS The league has long envied the offence Pierce crafted for the Blue Bombers, said Lions defensive back Garry Peters. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'They've been our rivals for so long, so I've admired him from afar. For him to finally be on my side, I can just pick his brain and learn as much as I can about the way they did things over there. Because obviously they're a championship program,' he said. 'For him to bring that over here and instil that in us, it gets me excited and gives me hope that we can do special things this year.' Pierce helped the Bombers to five straight Grey Cup appearances, including wins in 2019 and 2021. Having him in charge has injected a new sense of confidence into the Lions' players, said receiver Keon Hatcher. 'I feel like, especially in the offensive, the skill positions, we're very excited about what he's bringing to the table as an offensive coordinator, as a head coach, calling the plays and stuff like that,' he said. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'I feel like he puts us in a great position to make plays. And I just can't say enough about how excited we are just to learn this offence and be able to go out there and put on a display during the season.' After nearly a month getting to know his team at training camp in Kamloops, Pierce believes what could set his team apart this season is their competitive spirit. 'Ever since training camp got here, they're pushing each other. I think when you look at the way they interact, the way they communicate, they're really doing a good job of talking to each other, putting themselves in positions to be successful,' the coach said. 'Everybody's talented at this level. And we have talented guys, just like everybody else. That's what I keep talking to them about — what are we willing to do that other teams aren't willing to do? If you want to be successful, you've got to put the work in. And I'm proud of this group because they're workers.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. B.C. also made changes to its front office in December, elevating Ryan Rigmaiden from assistant general manager to general manager. He responded with a series of off-season moves, including dealing veteran QB Vernon Adams Jr. to the Calgary Stampeders, signing former Toronto Argonaut Dejon Allen to add size and toughness to the offensive line in free agency, and bringing running back James Butler back into the fold following two seasons with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. The current group is a good mix of young talent and veteran leaders, said Peters, who's heading into his 10th season with the Lions. 'Every year, everybody thinks their team is going to go to the Grey Cup. And it's no different this year for us,' he said. 'But just us going through the process and focusing more on the details, the details are the most important thing. So for me, seeing all the guys focusing more on the details, it just gets me excited for what's to come.'
Vancouver Sun
4 hours ago
- Sport
- Vancouver Sun
Less stress, more swagger: B.C. Lions' QB Nathan Rourke aiming to have fun this season
Nathan Rourke is trying to add a little something to his game this season — the B.C. Lions quarterback wants to have more fun. 'That's a little bit of a goal for myself, trying to play a little bit more loose and not take things so seriously. So, trying to have a little bit more fun out there,' he said. 'And when you try to have fun, you probably end up doing that and actually have fun.' Last season didn't go the way Rourke or the Lions expected. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. The Canadian QB wasn't on B.C.'s roster to start the campaign as he worked to land a permanent job in the NFL. He re-signed with the Lions — where he had a standout campaign in 2022 — in mid-August, but struggled in his return. B.C. finished with a 9-9 regular-season record. Vancouver hosted the Grey Cup, but hopes of a home-team win were quashed when the Saskatchewan Roughriders downed the Lions in the West semifinal. B.C. will kick off a new campaign on Saturday when they host a revamped Edmonton Elks side. With a full training camp behind him and new head coach Buck Pierce at the helm, the 27-year-old Rourke believes this year could be different. 'I feel good. Body feels good. I'm excited about Buck's offence,' he said. 'It's been fun to practice these last couple of days and in training camp. Guys are excited about it. So hopefully that excitement just continues and turns into points.' Pierce, a former CFL quarterback and longtime assistant coach with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, was named B.C.'s head coach and offensive coordinator in December, replacing Rick Campbell. The league has long envied the offence Pierce crafted for the Blue Bombers, said Lions defensive back Garry Peters. 'They've been our rivals for so long, so I've admired him from afar. For him to finally be on my side, I can just pick his brain and learn as much as I can about the way they did things over there. Because obviously they're a championship program,' he said. 'For him to bring that over here and instil that in us, it gets me excited and gives me hope that we can do special things this year.' Pierce helped the Bombers to five straight Grey Cup appearances, including wins in 2019 and 2021. Having him in charge has injected a new sense of confidence into the Lions' players, said receiver Keon Hatcher. 'I feel like, especially in the offensive, the skill positions, we're very excited about what he's bringing to the table as an offensive coordinator, as a head coach, calling the plays and stuff like that,' he said. 'I feel like he puts us in a great position to make plays. And I just can't say enough about how excited we are just to learn this offence and be able to go out there and put on a display during the season.' After nearly a month getting to know his team at training camp in Kamloops, Pierce believes what could set his team apart this season is their competitive spirit. 'Ever since training camp got here, they're pushing each other. I think when you look at the way they interact, the way they communicate, they're really doing a good job of talking to each other, putting themselves in positions to be successful,' the coach said. 'Everybody's talented at this level. And we have talented guys, just like everybody else. That's what I keep talking to them about — what are we willing to do that other teams aren't willing to do? If you want to be successful, you've got to put the work in. And I'm proud of this group because they're workers.' B.C. also made changes to its front office in December, elevating Ryan Rigmaiden from assistant general manager to general manager. He responded with a series of off-season moves, including dealing veteran QB Vernon Adams Jr. to the Calgary Stampeders, signing former Toronto Argonaut Dejon Allen to add size and toughness to the offensive line in free agency, and bringing running back James Butler back into the fold following two seasons with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. The current group is a good mix of young talent and veteran leaders, said Peters, who's heading into his 10th season with the Lions. 'Every year, everybody thinks their team is going to go to the Grey Cup. And it's no different this year for us,' he said. 'But just us going through the process and focusing more on the details, the details are the most important thing. So for me, seeing all the guys focusing more on the details, it just gets me excited for what's to come.'
Toronto Star
9 hours ago
- Sport
- Toronto Star
Less stress, more swagger: QB Nathan Rourke aiming to have fun with new-look Lions
VANCOUVER - Nathan Rourke is trying to add a little something to his game this season — the B.C. Lions quarterback wants to have more fun. 'That's a little bit of a goal for myself, trying to play a little bit more loose and not take things so seriously. So, trying to have a little bit more fun out there,' he said. 'And when you try to have fun, you probably end up doing that and actually having fun.' Last season didn't go the way Rourke or the Lions expected. The Canadian QB wasn't on B.C.'s roster to start the campaign as he worked to land a permanent job in the NFL. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW He re-signed with the Lions — where he had a standout campaign in 2022 — in mid-August, but struggled in his return. B.C. finished with a 9-9 regular-season record. Vancouver hosted the Grey Cup, but hopes of a home-team win were quashed when the Saskatchewan Roughriders downed the Lions in the West semifinal. B.C. will kick off a new campaign on Saturday when they host a revamped Edmonton Elks side. With a full training camp behind him and new head coach Buck Pierce at the helm, the 27-year-old Rourke believes this year could be different. 'I feel good. Body feels good. I'm excited about Buck's offence,' he said. 'It's been fun to practice these last couple of days and in training camp. Guys are excited about it. So hopefully that excitement just continues and turns into points.' Pierce, a former CFL quarterback and longtime assistant coach with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, was named B.C.'s head coach and offensive coordinator in December, replacing Rick Campbell. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW The entire league has long envied the offence Pierce crafted for the Blue Bombers, said Lions defensive back Garry Peters. 'They've been our rivals for so long, so I've admired him from afar. For him to finally be on my side, I can just pick his brain and learn as much as I can about the way they did things over there. Because obviously they're a championship program,' he said. 'For him to bring that over here and instil that in us, it gets me excited and gives me hope that we can do special things this year.' Pierce helped the Bombers to five straight Grey Cup appearances, including wins in 2019 and 2021. Having him in charge has injected a new sense of confidence into the Lions' players, said receiver Keon Hatcher. 'I feel like, especially in the offensive, the skill positions, we're very excited about what he's bringing to the table as an offensive coordinator, as a head coach, calling the plays and stuff like that,' he said. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW 'I feel like he puts us in a great position to make plays. And I just can't say enough about how excited we are just to learn this offence and be able to go out there and put on a display during the season.' After nearly a month getting to know his team at training camp in Kamloops, B.C., Pierce believes what could set his team apart this season is their competitive spirit. 'Ever since training camp got here, they're pushing each other. I think when you look at the way they interact, the way they communicate, they're really doing a good job of talking to each other, putting themselves in positions to be successful,' the coach said. 'Everybody's talented at this level. And we have talented guys, just like everybody else. That's what I keep talking to them about — what are we willing to do that other teams aren't willing to do? If you want to be successful, you've got to put the work in. And I'm proud of this group because they're workers.' B.C. also made changes to its front office in December, elevating Ryan Rigmaiden from assistant general manager to general manager. He responded with a series of off-season moves, including dealing veteran QB Vernon Adams Jr. to the Calgary Stampeders, signing former Toronto Argonaut Dejon Allen to add size and toughness to the offensive line in free agency, and bringing running back James Butler back into the fold following two seasons with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW The current group is a good mix of young talent and veteran leaders, said Peters, who's heading into his 10th season with the Lions. 'Every year, everybody thinks their team is going to go to the Grey Cup. And it's no different this year for us,' he said. 'But just us going through the process and focusing more on the details, the details are the most important thing. So for me, seeing all the guys focusing more on the details, it just gets me excited for what's to come.' 2024 record: 9-9-0, third, West Division Did you know?: Rap icon and noted sports fan Snoop Dogg will perform before the Lions' season opener on Saturday. More than 50,000 fans are expected to take in the concert — and the game — at B.C. Place. Key additions: RB James Butler (Hamilton), OL Dejon Allen (Toronto), LB Micah Awe (Calgary), QB Jeremiah Masoli (Ottawa) Key losses: QB Vernon Adams Jr. (Calgary), WR Alexander Hollins (free agent), FB David Mackie (retired), RB William Stanback (Ottawa), LB Ryder Varga (Toronto) Players to watch: Rourke, Butler, DL Mathieu Betts, WR Justin McInnis This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 6, 2025.
Hamilton Spectator
10 hours ago
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
Less stress, more swagger: QB Nathan Rourke aiming to have fun with new-look Lions
VANCOUVER - Nathan Rourke is trying to add a little something to his game this season — the B.C. Lions quarterback wants to have more fun. 'That's a little bit of a goal for myself, trying to play a little bit more loose and not take things so seriously. So, trying to have a little bit more fun out there,' he said. 'And when you try to have fun, you probably end up doing that and actually having fun.' Last season didn't go the way Rourke or the Lions expected. The Canadian QB wasn't on B.C.'s roster to start the campaign as he worked to land a permanent job in the NFL. He re-signed with the Lions — where he had a standout campaign in 2022 — in mid-August, but struggled in his return. B.C. finished with a 9-9 regular-season record. Vancouver hosted the Grey Cup, but hopes of a home-team win were quashed when the Saskatchewan Roughriders downed the Lions in the West semifinal. B.C. will kick off a new campaign on Saturday when they host a revamped Edmonton Elks side. With a full training camp behind him and new head coach Buck Pierce at the helm, the 27-year-old Rourke believes this year could be different. 'I feel good. Body feels good. I'm excited about Buck's offence,' he said. 'It's been fun to practice these last couple of days and in training camp. Guys are excited about it. So hopefully that excitement just continues and turns into points.' Pierce, a former CFL quarterback and longtime assistant coach with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, was named B.C.'s head coach and offensive coordinator in December, replacing Rick Campbell. The entire league has long envied the offence Pierce crafted for the Blue Bombers, said Lions defensive back Garry Peters. 'They've been our rivals for so long, so I've admired him from afar. For him to finally be on my side, I can just pick his brain and learn as much as I can about the way they did things over there. Because obviously they're a championship program,' he said. 'For him to bring that over here and instil that in us, it gets me excited and gives me hope that we can do special things this year.' Pierce helped the Bombers to five straight Grey Cup appearances, including wins in 2019 and 2021. Having him in charge has injected a new sense of confidence into the Lions' players, said receiver Keon Hatcher. 'I feel like, especially in the offensive, the skill positions, we're very excited about what he's bringing to the table as an offensive coordinator, as a head coach, calling the plays and stuff like that,' he said. 'I feel like he puts us in a great position to make plays. And I just can't say enough about how excited we are just to learn this offence and be able to go out there and put on a display during the season.' After nearly a month getting to know his team at training camp in Kamloops, B.C., Pierce believes what could set his team apart this season is their competitive spirit. 'Ever since training camp got here, they're pushing each other. I think when you look at the way they interact, the way they communicate, they're really doing a good job of talking to each other, putting themselves in positions to be successful,' the coach said. 'Everybody's talented at this level. And we have talented guys, just like everybody else. That's what I keep talking to them about — what are we willing to do that other teams aren't willing to do? If you want to be successful, you've got to put the work in. And I'm proud of this group because they're workers.' B.C. also made changes to its front office in December, elevating Ryan Rigmaiden from assistant general manager to general manager. He responded with a series of off-season moves, including dealing veteran QB Vernon Adams Jr. to the Calgary Stampeders, signing former Toronto Argonaut Dejon Allen to add size and toughness to the offensive line in free agency, and bringing running back James Butler back into the fold following two seasons with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. The current group is a good mix of young talent and veteran leaders, said Peters, who's heading into his 10th season with the Lions. 'Every year, everybody thinks their team is going to go to the Grey Cup. And it's no different this year for us,' he said. 'But just us going through the process and focusing more on the details, the details are the most important thing. So for me, seeing all the guys focusing more on the details, it just gets me excited for what's to come.' 2024 record: 9-9-0, third, West Division Did you know?: Rap icon and noted sports fan Snoop Dogg will perform before the Lions' season opener on Saturday. More than 50,000 fans are expected to take in the concert — and the game — at B.C. Place. Key additions: RB James Butler (Hamilton), OL Dejon Allen (Toronto), LB Micah Awe (Calgary), QB Jeremiah Masoli (Ottawa) Key losses: QB Vernon Adams Jr. (Calgary), WR Alexander Hollins (free agent), FB David Mackie (retired), RB William Stanback (Ottawa), LB Ryder Varga (Toronto) Players to watch: Rourke, Butler, DL Mathieu Betts, WR Justin McInnis This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 6, 2025. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
