Latest news with #Goveia
Toronto Star
4 days ago
- Sport
- Toronto Star
Ticats veteran quarterback Mitchell poised to reach 100-win milestone
HAMILTON - Bo Levi Mitchell is poised to join a very select group. The veteran quarterback chases his 100th career CFL regular-season win Saturday when the Hamilton Tiger-Cats visit the Calgary Stampeders in the season opener for both teams. And the Katy, Tex., native can achieve the milestone faster than any other player in league history. When Mitchell reaches the 100-win plateau, he'll become just the 10th player to do so and move into a tie with Hall of Famer Matt Dunigan for ninth all-time. A victory at McMahon would not only be Mitchell's first, it would come in his 141st career start, ahead of Hall of Famer Ron Lancaster (149). Ninety of Mitchell's wins came with Calgary (2012-22). He led the Stampeders to two Grey Cups (2014, 2018) and was twice named the CFL's outstanding player (2016, 2018) before being dealt to Hamilton. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW 'It means a lot just in general because I've always prided myself on winning,' Mitchell said. 'I've never been the most accurate, most efficient guy every game but for me it's always show up in the fourth quarter … when the right play needs to be made, making that play to help put your team in a position to win. 'I've been blessed to be part of many great teams and many of those obviously were in Calgary and so it would mean a lot to do it in that building. But our job is to start 1-0 and that's what we're focused on.' Anthony Calvillo has the most all-time wins (167), just ahead of Damon Allen (163). Mitchell, 35, returned to form in 2024 when he led the CFL in passing (5,451 yards) and TDs (32). More importantly, he appeared in all 18 regular-season games after injuries limited him to just six appearances in 2023. Still, Hamilton (7-11) finished fourth in the East Division to miss the playoffs. Scott Milanovich begins his second season as Hamilton's head coach/offensive co-ordinator. Ted Goveia was hired as GM to replace Ed Hervey, who left to rejoin the Edmonton Elks. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW In a story posted Friday on the club's website, Goveia, 55, revealed in April he was diagnosed 'with a serious form of cancer that's spread,' and will undergo treatment. The form of the disease wasn't divulged, but two sources said Goveia is battling Esophageal cancer. Goveia, who spent 11 seasons in Winnipeg's front office, didn't look far to tweak a Hamilton offence that last year led the CFL in net yards (406.1 per game), passing (332.1 yards), TD strikes (35) and was second in offensive points (26.5 per game) and TDs (52). Offensive lineman Liam Dobson, running back Johnny Augustine and receivers Drew Wolitarsky and Kenny Lawler — all former Bombers — were all signed as free agents, although Wolitarsky (ankle) opens the season on the injured list. Lawler and Wolitarsky joined a Hamilton receiving corps that included veteran Tim White (74 catches, 1,164 yards, eight TDs), Canadian Kiondre Smith (74 catches, 933 yards, seven TDs) and sophomore Shemar Bridges (83 catches, 933 yards, four TDs). Augustine backs up Greg Bell (625 yards, six TDs, 29 catches, 230 yards, TD), the full-time starter after platooning last season with James Butler (now with B.C.). 'I feel like we're way ahead of where we were last year,' Mitchell said. 'You can tell in the way Scott is talking to us he's more confident in what we're doing as a group, as a full unit … knowing what he's thinking. 'Me and him just being on the same page a lot more, on my side just seeing what he sees before he has to tell me.' Goveia's other off-season priority was shoring up Hamilton's secondary as he added veteran halfbacks DaShaun Amos (Toronto), Branden Dozier (Calgary) and Reggie Stubblefield (Montreal). Amos reunites with Ticats cornerback Jamal Peters as the two won a Grey Cup together with Toronto in 2022. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW Stubblefield (knee) also misses the season opener. Veteran kicker Marc Liegghio and punter Nikolas Constantinou both return. Given the combination of returning players and off-season talent added, it would appear Hamilton's early strength will be its offence. However, Milanovich didn't quite see it that way. 'The team needs to be the strength,' he said. 'I thought we played good defence in the pre-season and I feel good about all three phases right now.' 2024 record: 7-11, fourth, East Division Did you know?: Hamilton last won the Grey Cup in 1999 and sports the CFL's longest championship drought. Key additions: WRs Kenny Lawler and Drew Wolitarsky (both Winnipeg), OL Liam Dobson (Winnipeg), RB Johnny Augustine (Winnipeg), DB DaShaun Amos (Toronto). Key losses: OL David Beard (Edmonton), RB James Butler (released, now with B.C.), WR Steven Dunbar Jr. (Edmonton). Players to watch: Mitchell, WR Tim White, RB Greg Bell, DL Casey Sayles, CB Jamal Peters. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 6, 2025.
Hamilton Spectator
4 days ago
- Health
- Hamilton Spectator
Ticats GM says he has been diagnosed with 'a serious form of cancer'
Hamilton Tiger-Cats general manager Ted Goveia says he has been diagnosed with 'a serious form of cancer that's spread.' In a story posted on the club's website Friday, Goveia, 55, said the diagnosis was made in April. Although there was no specific mention as to the form of the disease, two league sources said Goveia is battling esophageal cancer. 'I wanted to keep my health condition in house until we had a chance to build our team and pick our final roster,' he said. 'I am grateful that we were able to focus on fielding the best team possible for 2025 and not have my health become a distraction. 'I let the players know that I'm not going to be here (at team facilities) every minute of the day, and I'm going to be in treatment and need to focus on my health. I'm still the general manager, but I'll not always be in the building. But in today's day and age, everything's downloaded to my laptop and there's always the phone.' Goveia, of Burlington, Ont., was named Hamilton's GM on Dec. 5, 2024, following 11 years with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. The appointment was a homecoming for Goveia, who played high school football at Assumption Secondary School and later coached there as well as other local organizations. Goveia's early days as Ticats' GM were long and busy as he put together a staff while looking to improve a roster that last year missed the CFL playoffs. All the while getting to know the people in his new workplace. But in March, Goveia told The Canadian Press he never had to look far to gain a sense of perspective or appreciation that he'd landed his dream job. 'The other morning I went into the office at 6:30 a.m.,' Goveia said. 'Got up, grabbed my coffee and drove over the (Burlington Skyway) bridge and I'm looking out and the sun was coming up. 'I just sat there smiling as I drove thinking, 'Man, I'm 17 minutes from home.' I do love southern Ontario and appreciate the opportunity to work back at home, for sure.' Hamilton (7-11) missed the 2024 CFL playoffs and last won the Grey Cup in 1999. Goveia began his tenure in Winnipeg as the club's assistant GM/player-personnel director before being promoted to senior assistant GM in 2019 following the franchise's 33-12 Grey Cup win over Hamilton. Goveia said being away from the team while undergoing treatment will only serve to motivate him in his fight. 'I enjoy being around our players and I will miss the daily interaction — it motivates me to kick this and get back with the team,' he said. 'I feel like we're in good shape, but I did have to meet with everybody in the building because I thought they had the right to know. 'As difficult a conversation as it is to have, I owe that to the players and to the people who are working here.' And Goveia said the Ticats are in very good hands at this time. 'I'm not at all concerned that we're going to be able to function well throughout this,' he said. 'I don't have one worry about that. 'I feel like we're in good shape, and I think we've got a bunch of rising stars (in football operations).' Goveia began his CFL career with the Toronto Argonauts in 2010, serving as running backs coach and director of Canadian scouting before being promoted to player-personnel director. Over his four seasons with the club (2010-13), it reached the playoffs three times and captured the 100th Grey Cup in 2012 under then-head coach Scott Milanovich, who's entering his second season as Hamilton's head coach/offensive co-ordinator. Goveia would later be on two Grey Cup-winning squads in Winnipeg (2019, 2021). Before making the move to the CFL, Goveia spent 15 years coaching Canadian university football, including stops at his alma mater, Mount Allison, McMaster, and the University of British Columbia. 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 .
Hamilton Spectator
4 days ago
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
Ticats veteran quarterback Mitchell poised to reach 100-win milestone
HAMILTON - Bo Levi Mitchell is poised to join a very select group. The veteran quarterback chases his 100th career CFL regular-season win Saturday when the Hamilton Tiger-Cats visit the Calgary Stampeders in the season opener for both teams. And the Katy, Tex., native can achieve the milestone faster than any other player in league history. When Mitchell reaches the 100-win plateau, he'll become just the 10th player to do so and move into a tie with Hall of Famer Matt Dunigan for ninth all-time. A victory at McMahon would not only be Mitchell's first, it would come in his 141st career start, ahead of Hall of Famer Ron Lancaster (149). Ninety of Mitchell's wins came with Calgary (2012-22). He led the Stampeders to two Grey Cups (2014, 2018) and was twice named the CFL's outstanding player (2016, 2018) before being dealt to Hamilton. 'It means a lot just in general because I've always prided myself on winning,' Mitchell said. 'I've never been the most accurate, most efficient guy every game but for me it's always show up in the fourth quarter … when the right play needs to be made, making that play to help put your team in a position to win. 'I've been blessed to be part of many great teams and many of those obviously were in Calgary and so it would mean a lot to do it in that building. But our job is to start 1-0 and that's what we're focused on.' Anthony Calvillo has the most all-time wins (167), just ahead of Damon Allen (163). Mitchell, 35, returned to form in 2024 when he led the CFL in passing (5,451 yards) and TDs (32). More importantly, he appeared in all 18 regular-season games after injuries limited him to just six appearances in 2023. Still, Hamilton (7-11) finished fourth in the East Division to miss the playoffs. Scott Milanovich begins his second season as Hamilton's head coach/offensive co-ordinator. Ted Goveia was hired as GM to replace Ed Hervey, who left to rejoin the Edmonton Elks. In a story posted Friday on the club's website, Goveia, 55, revealed in April he was diagnosed 'with a serious form of cancer that's spread,' and will undergo treatment. The form of the disease wasn't divulged, but two sources said Goveia is battling Esophageal cancer. Goveia, who spent 11 seasons in Winnipeg's front office, didn't look far to tweak a Hamilton offence that last year led the CFL in net yards (406.1 per game), passing (332.1 yards), TD strikes (35) and was second in offensive points (26.5 per game) and TDs (52). Offensive lineman Liam Dobson, running back Johnny Augustine and receivers Drew Wolitarsky and Kenny Lawler — all former Bombers — were all signed as free agents, although Wolitarsky (ankle) opens the season on the injured list. Lawler and Wolitarsky joined a Hamilton receiving corps that included veteran Tim White (74 catches, 1,164 yards, eight TDs), Canadian Kiondre Smith (74 catches, 933 yards, seven TDs) and sophomore Shemar Bridges (83 catches, 933 yards, four TDs). Augustine backs up Greg Bell (625 yards, six TDs, 29 catches, 230 yards, TD), the full-time starter after platooning last season with James Butler (now with B.C.). 'I feel like we're way ahead of where we were last year,' Mitchell said. 'You can tell in the way Scott is talking to us he's more confident in what we're doing as a group, as a full unit … knowing what he's thinking. 'Me and him just being on the same page a lot more, on my side just seeing what he sees before he has to tell me.' Goveia's other off-season priority was shoring up Hamilton's secondary as he added veteran halfbacks DaShaun Amos (Toronto), Branden Dozier (Calgary) and Reggie Stubblefield (Montreal). Amos reunites with Ticats cornerback Jamal Peters as the two won a Grey Cup together with Toronto in 2022. Stubblefield (knee) also misses the season opener. Veteran kicker Marc Liegghio and punter Nikolas Constantinou both return. Given the combination of returning players and off-season talent added, it would appear Hamilton's early strength will be its offence. However, Milanovich didn't quite see it that way. 'The team needs to be the strength,' he said. 'I thought we played good defence in the pre-season and I feel good about all three phases right now.' 2024 record: 7-11, fourth, East Division Did you know?: Hamilton last won the Grey Cup in 1999 and sports the CFL's longest championship drought. Key additions: WRs Kenny Lawler and Drew Wolitarsky (both Winnipeg), OL Liam Dobson (Winnipeg), RB Johnny Augustine (Winnipeg), DB DaShaun Amos (Toronto). Key losses: OL David Beard (Edmonton), RB James Butler (released, now with B.C.), WR Steven Dunbar Jr. (Edmonton). Players to watch: Mitchell, WR Tim White, RB Greg Bell, DL Casey Sayles, CB Jamal Peters. 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 .
Winnipeg Free Press
4 days ago
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Ticats veteran quarterback Mitchell poised to reach 100-win milestone
HAMILTON – Bo Levi Mitchell is poised to join a very select group. The veteran quarterback chases his 100th career CFL regular-season win Saturday when the Hamilton Tiger-Cats visit the Calgary Stampeders in the season opener for both teams. And the Katy, Tex., native can achieve the milestone faster than any other player in league history. When Mitchell reaches the 100-win plateau, he'll become just the 10th player to do so and move into a tie with Hall of Famer Matt Dunigan for ninth all-time. A victory at McMahon would not only be Mitchell's first, it would come in his 141st career start, ahead of Hall of Famer Ron Lancaster (149). Ninety of Mitchell's wins came with Calgary (2012-22). He led the Stampeders to two Grey Cups (2014, 2018) and was twice named the CFL's outstanding player (2016, 2018) before being dealt to Hamilton. 'It means a lot just in general because I've always prided myself on winning,' Mitchell said. 'I've never been the most accurate, most efficient guy every game but for me it's always show up in the fourth quarter … when the right play needs to be made, making that play to help put your team in a position to win. 'I've been blessed to be part of many great teams and many of those obviously were in Calgary and so it would mean a lot to do it in that building. But our job is to start 1-0 and that's what we're focused on.' Anthony Calvillo has the most all-time wins (167), just ahead of Damon Allen (163). Mitchell, 35, returned to form in 2024 when he led the CFL in passing (5,451 yards) and TDs (32). More importantly, he appeared in all 18 regular-season games after injuries limited him to just six appearances in 2023. Still, Hamilton (7-11) finished fourth in the East Division to miss the playoffs. Scott Milanovich begins his second season as Hamilton's head coach/offensive co-ordinator. Ted Goveia was hired as GM to replace Ed Hervey, who left to rejoin the Edmonton Elks. In a story posted Friday on the club's website, Goveia, 55, revealed in April he was diagnosed 'with a serious form of cancer that's spread,' and will undergo treatment. The form of the disease wasn't divulged, but two sources said Goveia is battling Esophageal cancer. Goveia, who spent 11 seasons in Winnipeg's front office, didn't look far to tweak a Hamilton offence that last year led the CFL in net yards (406.1 per game), passing (332.1 yards), TD strikes (35) and was second in offensive points (26.5 per game) and TDs (52). Offensive lineman Liam Dobson, running back Johnny Augustine and receivers Drew Wolitarsky and Kenny Lawler — all former Bombers — were all signed as free agents, although Wolitarsky (ankle) opens the season on the injured list. Lawler and Wolitarsky joined a Hamilton receiving corps that included veteran Tim White (74 catches, 1,164 yards, eight TDs), Canadian Kiondre Smith (74 catches, 933 yards, seven TDs) and sophomore Shemar Bridges (83 catches, 933 yards, four TDs). Augustine backs up Greg Bell (625 yards, six TDs, 29 catches, 230 yards, TD), the full-time starter after platooning last season with James Butler (now with B.C.). 'I feel like we're way ahead of where we were last year,' Mitchell said. 'You can tell in the way Scott is talking to us he's more confident in what we're doing as a group, as a full unit … knowing what he's thinking. 'Me and him just being on the same page a lot more, on my side just seeing what he sees before he has to tell me.' Goveia's other off-season priority was shoring up Hamilton's secondary as he added veteran halfbacks DaShaun Amos (Toronto), Branden Dozier (Calgary) and Reggie Stubblefield (Montreal). Amos reunites with Ticats cornerback Jamal Peters as the two won a Grey Cup together with Toronto in 2022. Stubblefield (knee) also misses the season opener. Veteran kicker Marc Liegghio and punter Nikolas Constantinou both return. Given the combination of returning players and off-season talent added, it would appear Hamilton's early strength will be its offence. However, Milanovich didn't quite see it that way. 'The team needs to be the strength,' he said. 'I thought we played good defence in the pre-season and I feel good about all three phases right now.' 2024 record: 7-11, fourth, East Division Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. Did you know?: Hamilton last won the Grey Cup in 1999 and sports the CFL's longest championship drought. Key additions: WRs Kenny Lawler and Drew Wolitarsky (both Winnipeg), OL Liam Dobson (Winnipeg), RB Johnny Augustine (Winnipeg), DB DaShaun Amos (Toronto). Key losses: OL David Beard (Edmonton), RB James Butler (released, now with B.C.), WR Steven Dunbar Jr. (Edmonton). Players to watch: Mitchell, WR Tim White, RB Greg Bell, DL Casey Sayles, CB Jamal Peters. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 6, 2025.
Winnipeg Free Press
4 days ago
- Health
- Winnipeg Free Press
Ticats GM says he has been diagnosed with 'a serious form of cancer'
Hamilton Tiger-Cats general manager Ted Goveia says he has been diagnosed with 'a serious form of cancer that's spread.' In a story posted on the club's website Friday, Goveia, 55, said the diagnosis was made in April. Although there was no specific mention as to the form of the disease, two league sources said Goveia is battling esophageal cancer. 'I wanted to keep my health condition in house until we had a chance to build our team and pick our final roster,' he said. 'I am grateful that we were able to focus on fielding the best team possible for 2025 and not have my health become a distraction. 'I let the players know that I'm not going to be here (at team facilities) every minute of the day, and I'm going to be in treatment and need to focus on my health. I'm still the general manager, but I'll not always be in the building. But in today's day and age, everything's downloaded to my laptop and there's always the phone.' Goveia, of Burlington, Ont., was named Hamilton's GM on Dec. 5, 2024, following 11 years with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. The appointment was a homecoming for Goveia, who played high school football at Assumption Secondary School and later coached there as well as other local organizations. Goveia's early days as Ticats' GM were long and busy as he put together a staff while looking to improve a roster that last year missed the CFL playoffs. All the while getting to know the people in his new workplace. But in March, Goveia told The Canadian Press he never had to look far to gain a sense of perspective or appreciation that he'd landed his dream job. 'The other morning I went into the office at 6:30 a.m.,' Goveia said. 'Got up, grabbed my coffee and drove over the (Burlington Skyway) bridge and I'm looking out and the sun was coming up. 'I just sat there smiling as I drove thinking, 'Man, I'm 17 minutes from home.' I do love southern Ontario and appreciate the opportunity to work back at home, for sure.' Hamilton (7-11) missed the 2024 CFL playoffs and last won the Grey Cup in 1999. Goveia began his tenure in Winnipeg as the club's assistant GM/player-personnel director before being promoted to senior assistant GM in 2019 following the franchise's 33-12 Grey Cup win over Hamilton. Goveia said being away from the team while undergoing treatment will only serve to motivate him in his fight. 'I enjoy being around our players and I will miss the daily interaction — it motivates me to kick this and get back with the team,' he said. 'I feel like we're in good shape, but I did have to meet with everybody in the building because I thought they had the right to know. 'As difficult a conversation as it is to have, I owe that to the players and to the people who are working here.' And Goveia said the Ticats are in very good hands at this time. 'I'm not at all concerned that we're going to be able to function well throughout this,' he said. 'I don't have one worry about that. Thursdays Keep up to date on sports with Mike McIntyre's weekly newsletter. 'I feel like we're in good shape, and I think we've got a bunch of rising stars (in football operations).' Goveia began his CFL career with the Toronto Argonauts in 2010, serving as running backs coach and director of Canadian scouting before being promoted to player-personnel director. Over his four seasons with the club (2010-13), it reached the playoffs three times and captured the 100th Grey Cup in 2012 under then-head coach Scott Milanovich, who's entering his second season as Hamilton's head coach/offensive co-ordinator. Goveia would later be on two Grey Cup-winning squads in Winnipeg (2019, 2021). Before making the move to the CFL, Goveia spent 15 years coaching Canadian university football, including stops at his alma mater, Mount Allison, McMaster, and the University of British Columbia. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 6, 2025.
