Latest news with #Demski
Global News
9 hours ago
- Sport
- Global News
Winnipeg Blue Bombers' Nic Demski, CFL's top offensive player for Week Two
The Canadian Football League's top offensive player for Week Two of the 2025 regular season is Nic Demski of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. The veteran slotback earned his spot on the 'CFL Honour Roll' by hauling in four catches for 53 yards and two touchdowns in the Blue Bombers' impressive 34-20 season opening victory versus the BC Lions on Thursday, June 12, before a sixth straight sellout crowd at Princess Auto Stadium . 'It was some good football, definitely a great way to start the year,' said Demski on the 680 CJOB Post Game Show that evening. 'You know, there was some mistakes on all three phases but at the end of the day we bounced back and I thought we kept momentum the whole game — we finished it right.' Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Demski capped off Winnipeg's first offensive drive of the season with a 20-yard touchdown reception with the game barely two and a half minutes old. His second major — off a four-yard corner rout deep in the BC end zone — finished off a six-play, 65-yard Bomber drive that began late in the third quarter and ended early in the fourth to put the game out of reach. Story continues below advertisement 'The first one, we definitely saw some stuff on film where we thought it could have popped. Strev just delivered a great ball. I just ran as fast as I could and took the middle of the field and caught it,' said Demski of the pass thrown by Chris Streveler for Winnipeg's opening touchdown. 'The second one basically was just a read. If they had two on two to the field, corner route go in — which you know I love to do — Strev just threw it and let me go make my money.' The 31 year old Winnipegger is now in his 10th CFL season, including the last seven with his hometown Blue Bombers after playing the first three years of his pro career with Saskatchewan. Winnipeg begins this campaign looking to make their sixth consecutive appearance in the Grey Cup and will attempt to take the next step towards achieving that goal when they visit Vancouver on Saturday to complete the two-game regular season series versus the Lions. The broadcast on 680 CJOB with Derek Taylor and Doug Brown gets underway with the pregame show at 4 p.m. CT, followed by the play-by-play at 6 p.m. CT from BC Place Stadium.
Hamilton Spectator
5 days ago
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
Bombers look for another trip to the Grey Cup, this time as hosts
WINNIPEG - Dalton Schoen doesn't care who throws him the ball, he just wants to make a meaningful catch. The Blue Bombers' talented receiver will get that chance when he returns from a season-ending injury to face the B.C. Lions in Winnipeg's CFL season-opener Thursday. 'It feels great,' Schoen said after Wednesday's walk-through practice. 'It's kind of hard to describe, you get so used to the process of it that when it's taken away you go, 'Wow, that goes quick.'' Schoen suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in the third game last season, nixing a chance to put up a trio of consecutive 1,000-yard campaigns. His return to action will be key for a revamped Blue Bombers receiving corps. Schoen and 10-year CFL veteran Nic Demski will lead a group that's lost some veteran pass catchers such as Kenny Lawler and Drew Wolitarsky. Thursday's test will also include hauling in passes from quarterback Chris Streveler as starting quarterback Zach Collaros was suspended for one game after failing to respond to an off-season drug-testing request. 'We've got some familiar faces, but we've definitely got some new faces,' said Demski, who's in his seventh year with his hometown team. 'We've got some guys stepping up into different roles, so everybody's just got to make the most of their opportunities and come together and play great.' Lawler and Wolitarsky both left for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, while Ontaria Wilson signed with the NFL New York Jets after catching 71 passes for 1,026 yards in his rookie three-down season. Winnipeg's starting five against the Lions (1-0) will feature Demski and Schoen with sophomores Keric Wheatfall and Kevens Clercius and rookie Jerreth Sterns. Dillon Mitchell was a big off-season signing after the third-year receiver was released by the Edmonton Elks, but he's on the one-game injured list. 'We have pretty good chemistry in the room,' Schoen said of his fellow receivers. 'I think we communicate pretty well with each other and so I think it's going to be fun to get out there with those guys.' Winnipeg's defence also has some new looks as the club aims to make it to a sixth straight Grey Cup and end a three-game losing streak in the championship game. Manitoba's capital city is hosting this year's Grey Cup on Nov. 16. 'It's a huge motivation,' Bombers defensive end Willie Jefferson said. 'To have the biggest game of the season to be in your home, it's an honour.' Jefferson will have a different rush end on the line after James Vaughters was signed following four seasons during two stints with the Calgary Stampeders. 'We got a chance to build our camaraderie, build that chemistry, a little bit of togetherness,' Jefferson said of the defence in training camp. 'Running new plays, new defences, new personalities and things like that. Now we've got the chance to put that work that we built during camp and put that out here with live bullets.' The defence will be going up against Lions quarterback Nathan Rourke, who claimed the league's top offensive honour for Week 1 after throwing for 324 yards and three touchdowns in a 31-14 victory over Edmonton. While running back Brady Oliveira should be Winnipeg's workhorse again, the team signed tailback Peyton Logan. He's expected to return kicks, but is on the one-game injured list. Rookie defensive back Trey Vaval will get the chance to shine in that role against the Lions. Winnipeg fans will see another familiar face on the field Thursday, but on a different sideline. Former Bombers offensive co-ordinator Buck Pierce left to become the Lions' head coach. 'Probably a little of both,' Pierce said with a smile when asked if he expects to be heckled or congratulated by Winnipeg fans. 'But that's expected. The passion of the fanbase here and the excitement for a new season, I'm sure I'll hear both sides of that.' Winnipeg 2024 record: 11-7, first West Division, lost Grey Cup to Toronto Did you know?: Nic Demski is coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons. The last time a Canadian Bombers receiver racked up three of those milestone campaigns in a row was Gerald Wilcox in 1993-95. Key additions: RB/KR Peyton Logan (Calgary), Rec Dillon Mitchell (Edmonton), DE James Vaughters (Calgary) Key losses: Brandon Alexander (not re-signed), LB Adam Bighill (not re-signed), DB Tyrell Ford (Edmonton), Rec Kenny Lawler (Hamilton), Rec Drew Wolitarsky (Hamilton) Players to watch: RB/KR Peyton Logan, RB Brady Oliveira, Rec Dalton Schoen, DE James Vaughters This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 11, 2025.
Global News
6 days ago
- Sport
- Global News
Winnipeg Blue Bombers look for another trip to the Grey Cup, this time as hosts
Dalton Schoen doesn't care who throws him the ball, he just wants to make a meaningful catch. The Blue Bombers' talented receiver will get that chance when he returns from a season-ending injury to face the B.C. Lions in Winnipeg's CFL season-opener Thursday. 'It feels great,' Schoen said after Wednesday's walk-through practice. 'It's kind of hard to describe, you get so used to the process of it that when it's taken away you go, 'Wow, that goes quick.'' Schoen suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in the third game last season, nixing a chance to put up a trio of consecutive 1,000-yard campaigns. His return to action will be key for a revamped Blue Bombers receiving corps. Schoen and 10-year CFL veteran Nic Demski will lead a group that's lost some veteran pass catchers such as Kenny Lawler and Drew Wolitarsky. Story continues below advertisement Thursday's test will also include hauling in passes from quarterback Chris Streveler as starting quarterback Zach Collaros was suspended for one game after failing to respond to an off-season drug-testing request. 'We've got some familiar faces, but we've definitely got some new faces,' said Demski, who's in his seventh year with his hometown team. 'We've got some guys stepping up into different roles, so everybody's just got to make the most of their opportunities and come together and play great.' Lawler and Wolitarsky both left for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, while Ontaria Wilson signed with the NFL New York Jets after catching 71 passes for 1,026 yards in his rookie three-down season. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Winnipeg's starting five against the Lions (1-0) will feature Demski and Schoen with sophomores Keric Wheatfall and Kevens Clercius and rookie Jerreth Sterns. Dillon Mitchell was a big off-season signing after the third-year receiver was released by the Edmonton Elks, but he's on the one-game injured list. 'We have pretty good chemistry in the room,' Schoen said of his fellow receivers. 'I think we communicate pretty well with each other and so I think it's going to be fun to get out there with those guys.' Winnipeg's defence also has some new looks as the club aims to make it to a sixth straight Grey Cup and end a three-game losing streak in the championship game. Story continues below advertisement Manitoba's capital city is hosting this year's Grey Cup on Nov. 16. 'It's a huge motivation,' Bombers defensive end Willie Jefferson said. 'To have the biggest game of the season to be in your home, it's an honour.' Jefferson will have a different rush end on the line after James Vaughters was signed following four seasons during two stints with the Calgary Stampeders. 'We got a chance to build our camaraderie, build that chemistry, a little bit of togetherness,' Jefferson said of the defence in training camp. 'Running new plays, new defences, new personalities and things like that. Now we've got the chance to put that work that we built during camp and put that out here with live bullets.' The defence will be going up against Lions quarterback Nathan Rourke, who claimed the league's top offensive honour for Week 1 after throwing for 324 yards and three touchdowns in a 31-14 victory over Edmonton. While running back Brady Oliveira should be Winnipeg's workhorse again, the team signed tailback Peyton Logan. He's expected to return kicks, but is on the one-game injured list. Rookie defensive back Trey Vaval will get the chance to shine in that role against the Lions. Winnipeg fans will see another familiar face on the field Thursday, but on a different sideline. Story continues below advertisement Former Bombers offensive coordinator Buck Pierce left to become the Lions' head coach. 'Probably a little of both,' Pierce said with a smile when asked if he expects to be heckled or congratulated by Winnipeg fans. 'But that's expected. The passion of the fanbase here and the excitement for a new season, I'm sure I'll hear both sides of that.' Winnipeg 2024 record: 11-7, first West Division, lost Grey Cup to Toronto Did you know?: Nic Demski is coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons. The last time a Canadian Bombers receiver racked up three of those milestone campaigns in a row was Gerald Wilcox in 1993-95. Key additions: RB/KR Peyton Logan (Calgary), Rec Dillon Mitchell (Edmonton), DE James Vaughters (Calgary) Key losses: Brandon Alexander (not re-signed), LB Adam Bighill (not re-signed), DB Tyrell Ford (Edmonton), Rec Kenny Lawler (Hamilton), Rec Drew Wolitarsky (Hamilton) Players to watch: RB/KR Peyton Logan, RB Brady Oliveira, Rec Dalton Schoen, DE James Vaughters
Toronto Star
6 days ago
- Sport
- Toronto Star
Bombers look for another trip to the Grey Cup, this time as hosts
WINNIPEG - Dalton Schoen doesn't care who throws him the ball, he just wants to make a meaningful catch. The Blue Bombers' talented receiver will get that chance when he returns from a season-ending injury to face the B.C. Lions in Winnipeg's CFL season-opener Thursday. 'It feels great,' Schoen said after Wednesday's walk-through practice. 'It's kind of hard to describe, you get so used to the process of it that when it's taken away you go, 'Wow, that goes quick.'' ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW Schoen suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in the third game last season, nixing a chance to put up a trio of consecutive 1,000-yard campaigns. His return to action will be key for a revamped Blue Bombers receiving corps. Schoen and 10-year CFL veteran Nic Demski will lead a group that's lost some veteran pass catchers such as Kenny Lawler and Drew Wolitarsky. Thursday's test will also include hauling in passes from quarterback Chris Streveler as starting quarterback Zach Collaros was suspended for one game after failing to respond to an off-season drug-testing request. 'We've got some familiar faces, but we've definitely got some new faces,' said Demski, who's in his seventh year with his hometown team. 'We've got some guys stepping up into different roles, so everybody's just got to make the most of their opportunities and come together and play great.' Lawler and Wolitarsky both left for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, while Ontaria Wilson signed with the NFL New York Jets after catching 71 passes for 1,026 yards in his rookie three-down season. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW Winnipeg's starting five against the Lions (1-0) will feature Demski and Schoen with sophomores Keric Wheatfall and Kevens Clercius and rookie Jerreth Sterns. Dillon Mitchell was a big off-season signing after the third-year receiver was released by the Edmonton Elks, but he's on the one-game injured list. 'We have pretty good chemistry in the room,' Schoen said of his fellow receivers. 'I think we communicate pretty well with each other and so I think it's going to be fun to get out there with those guys.' Winnipeg's defence also has some new looks as the club aims to make it to a sixth straight Grey Cup and end a three-game losing streak in the championship game. Manitoba's capital city is hosting this year's Grey Cup on Nov. 16. 'It's a huge motivation,' Bombers defensive end Willie Jefferson said. 'To have the biggest game of the season to be in your home, it's an honour.' Jefferson will have a different rush end on the line after James Vaughters was signed following four seasons during two stints with the Calgary Stampeders. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW 'We got a chance to build our camaraderie, build that chemistry, a little bit of togetherness,' Jefferson said of the defence in training camp. 'Running new plays, new defences, new personalities and things like that. Now we've got the chance to put that work that we built during camp and put that out here with live bullets.' The defence will be going up against Lions quarterback Nathan Rourke, who claimed the league's top offensive honour for Week 1 after throwing for 324 yards and three touchdowns in a 31-14 victory over Edmonton. While running back Brady Oliveira should be Winnipeg's workhorse again, the team signed tailback Peyton Logan. He's expected to return kicks, but is on the one-game injured list. Rookie defensive back Trey Vaval will get the chance to shine in that role against the Lions. Winnipeg fans will see another familiar face on the field Thursday, but on a different sideline. Former Bombers offensive co-ordinator Buck Pierce left to become the Lions' head coach. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW 'Probably a little of both,' Pierce said with a smile when asked if he expects to be heckled or congratulated by Winnipeg fans. 'But that's expected. The passion of the fanbase here and the excitement for a new season, I'm sure I'll hear both sides of that.' Winnipeg 2024 record: 11-7, first West Division, lost Grey Cup to Toronto Did you know?: Nic Demski is coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons. The last time a Canadian Bombers receiver racked up three of those milestone campaigns in a row was Gerald Wilcox in 1993-95. Key additions: RB/KR Peyton Logan (Calgary), Rec Dillon Mitchell (Edmonton), DE James Vaughters (Calgary) Key losses: Brandon Alexander (not re-signed), LB Adam Bighill (not re-signed), DB Tyrell Ford (Edmonton), Rec Kenny Lawler (Hamilton), Rec Drew Wolitarsky (Hamilton) Players to watch: RB/KR Peyton Logan, RB Brady Oliveira, Rec Dalton Schoen, DE James Vaughters This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 11, 2025.
Winnipeg Free Press
6 days ago
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Bombers look for another trip to the Grey Cup, this time as hosts
WINNIPEG – Dalton Schoen doesn't care who throws him the ball, he just wants to make a meaningful catch. The Blue Bombers' talented receiver will get that chance when he returns from a season-ending injury to face the B.C. Lions in Winnipeg's CFL season-opener Thursday. 'It feels great,' Schoen said after Wednesday's walk-through practice. 'It's kind of hard to describe, you get so used to the process of it that when it's taken away you go, 'Wow, that goes quick.'' Schoen suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in the third game last season, nixing a chance to put up a trio of consecutive 1,000-yard campaigns. His return to action will be key for a revamped Blue Bombers receiving corps. Schoen and 10-year CFL veteran Nic Demski will lead a group that's lost some veteran pass catchers such as Kenny Lawler and Drew Wolitarsky. Thursday's test will also include hauling in passes from quarterback Chris Streveler as starting quarterback Zach Collaros was suspended for one game after failing to respond to an off-season drug-testing request. 'We've got some familiar faces, but we've definitely got some new faces,' said Demski, who's in his seventh year with his hometown team. 'We've got some guys stepping up into different roles, so everybody's just got to make the most of their opportunities and come together and play great.' Lawler and Wolitarsky both left for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, while Ontaria Wilson signed with the NFL New York Jets after catching 71 passes for 1,026 yards in his rookie three-down season. Winnipeg's starting five against the Lions (1-0) will feature Demski and Schoen with sophomores Keric Wheatfall and Kevens Clercius and rookie Jerreth Sterns. Dillon Mitchell was a big off-season signing after the third-year receiver was released by the Edmonton Elks, but he's on the one-game injured list. 'We have pretty good chemistry in the room,' Schoen said of his fellow receivers. 'I think we communicate pretty well with each other and so I think it's going to be fun to get out there with those guys.' Winnipeg's defence also has some new looks as the club aims to make it to a sixth straight Grey Cup and end a three-game losing streak in the championship game. Manitoba's capital city is hosting this year's Grey Cup on Nov. 16. 'It's a huge motivation,' Bombers defensive end Willie Jefferson said. 'To have the biggest game of the season to be in your home, it's an honour.' Jefferson will have a different rush end on the line after James Vaughters was signed following four seasons during two stints with the Calgary Stampeders. 'We got a chance to build our camaraderie, build that chemistry, a little bit of togetherness,' Jefferson said of the defence in training camp. 'Running new plays, new defences, new personalities and things like that. Now we've got the chance to put that work that we built during camp and put that out here with live bullets.' The defence will be going up against Lions quarterback Nathan Rourke, who claimed the league's top offensive honour for Week 1 after throwing for 324 yards and three touchdowns in a 31-14 victory over Edmonton. While running back Brady Oliveira should be Winnipeg's workhorse again, the team signed tailback Peyton Logan. He's expected to return kicks, but is on the one-game injured list. Rookie defensive back Trey Vaval will get the chance to shine in that role against the Lions. Winnipeg fans will see another familiar face on the field Thursday, but on a different sideline. Former Bombers offensive co-ordinator Buck Pierce left to become the Lions' head coach. 'Probably a little of both,' Pierce said with a smile when asked if he expects to be heckled or congratulated by Winnipeg fans. 'But that's expected. The passion of the fanbase here and the excitement for a new season, I'm sure I'll hear both sides of that.' Winnipeg 2024 record: 11-7, first West Division, lost Grey Cup to Toronto Thursdays Keep up to date on sports with Mike McIntyre's weekly newsletter. Did you know?: Nic Demski is coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons. The last time a Canadian Bombers receiver racked up three of those milestone campaigns in a row was Gerald Wilcox in 1993-95. Key additions: RB/KR Peyton Logan (Calgary), Rec Dillon Mitchell (Edmonton), DE James Vaughters (Calgary) Key losses: Brandon Alexander (not re-signed), LB Adam Bighill (not re-signed), DB Tyrell Ford (Edmonton), Rec Kenny Lawler (Hamilton), Rec Drew Wolitarsky (Hamilton) Players to watch: RB/KR Peyton Logan, RB Brady Oliveira, Rec Dalton Schoen, DE James Vaughters This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 11, 2025.
