Latest news with #Milanovich
Hamilton Spectator
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
Ticats set to face archrival Argos in first exhibition game for both teams
HAMILTON - After nearly two weeks of beating upon one another, Kiondre Smith and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats can look forward to hitting players in different coloured jerseys. The Ticata will host the archrival Toronto Argonauts at Hamilton Stadium on Saturday in the first CFL exhibition game for both teams. Since the start of camp May 11, Smith and the Ticats have had to make do with competing against one another. 'I always want to hit a different coloured jersey to be honest with you,' Smith told reporters at Ron Joyce Field. 'And I think everyone kind of mimics that thought. 'We love competing against each other because we have such a good team, top to bottom, offensively and defensively. But it would be nice to see how that translates against everyone else.' The two teams will conclude their exhibition season May 30 at Alumni Stadium in Guelph, Ont. Both squads will open the regular season on the road as Toronto visits the Montreal Alouettes on June 6 while Hamilton is in Calgary the following nigh to face the Stampeders. But whether veterans like Smith will suit up Saturday — and if they do, how much game action they'll see — is a delicate balancing act for Hamilton head coach/offensive co-ordinator Scott Milanovich. 'Well, I think any time we strap it up we want to win,' Milanovich said. 'The problem with pre-season is with a limited roster what becomes a problem at times is banged-up guys. 'That's kind of what we're looking at: Determining how much we're going to play our starters Saturday. I'd like to take them into the third quarter but that's all going to be determined on how healthy we are, to be honest with you.' Hamilton (7-11) finished fourth in the East Division last season to miss the CFL playoffs. But the Ticats were 3-0 versus the Grey Cup-champion Argos during the regular campaign. And the 2024 season was Smith's best since joining the Ticats in 2002. The six-foot-one, 180-pound former Guelph Gryphon established career highs in catches (74), yards (933), yards after catch (295) and touchdowns (seven). Smith, 25, of Markham, Ont., was part of an important element of a Hamilton offence that led the CFL in net yards (406.1 per game), passing yards (332.1) and touchdowns (35). Hamilton quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell also led the CFL in passing yards (5,451) and touchdowns (32). And in the off-season, Hamilton added veteran receivers Kenny Lawler and Drew Wolitarsky, who both earned two Grey Cup rings while with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (2019, 2021, both wins over the Ticats). 'Honestly, I'm probably the most excited I've ever been being in this organization,' Smith said. 'We brought in Grey Cup champion experience, more all-star experience.... 'I appreciate his (Lawler's) veteran presence, I appreciate Tim (Ticats receiver Tim White) doing everything he's doing to stay consistent, picking me up when I'm having a bad day. Everyone is making strides and continuing to get better.' Milanovich said Smith, a '22 fourth-round pick by Hamilton, has had a solid camp thus far. 'He looks good,' Milanovich said. 'Like everybody else, he looks good on some things, a little rusty on others. 'Good football player … excited to have him back.' But as important as the passing game is to Hamilton's offence, receivers are also called upon to be effective blockers in the ground attack. And the incentive to do that is knowing running back Greg Bell can kick into a higher gear once he breaks the line of scrimmage and finds running room. Smith said blocking is a challenge all Ticats receivers relish taking on. Smith comes by his football prowess honestly as his father, Adrion, was a standout defensive back/returner with Hamilton (1994), Memphis (1995) and Toronto (1996-97, '98-'05), earning four league all-star nods while winning three Grey Cups (1996-97, '04) with the Argos. 'Any time you can dominate the other team physically you're going to have more fun,' he said. 'No one likes being pushed around, everyone likes to rather be the bully, be the hammer not the nail. 'Being in Hamilton, being that tough-assed team that's what you want to do.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 22, 2025.
Winnipeg Free Press
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Ticats set to face archrival Argos in first exhibition game for both teams
HAMILTON – After nearly two weeks of beating upon one another, Kiondre Smith and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats can look forward to hitting players in different coloured jerseys. The Ticata will host the archrival Toronto Argonauts at Hamilton Stadium on Saturday in the first CFL exhibition game for both teams. Since the start of camp May 11, Smith and the Ticats have had to make do with competing against one another. 'I always want to hit a different coloured jersey to be honest with you,' Smith told reporters at Ron Joyce Field. 'And I think everyone kind of mimics that thought. 'We love competing against each other because we have such a good team, top to bottom, offensively and defensively. But it would be nice to see how that translates against everyone else.' The two teams will conclude their exhibition season May 30 at Alumni Stadium in Guelph, Ont. Both squads will open the regular season on the road as Toronto visits the Montreal Alouettes on June 6 while Hamilton is in Calgary the following nigh to face the Stampeders. But whether veterans like Smith will suit up Saturday — and if they do, how much game action they'll see — is a delicate balancing act for Hamilton head coach/offensive co-ordinator Scott Milanovich. 'Well, I think any time we strap it up we want to win,' Milanovich said. 'The problem with pre-season is with a limited roster what becomes a problem at times is banged-up guys. 'That's kind of what we're looking at: Determining how much we're going to play our starters Saturday. I'd like to take them into the third quarter but that's all going to be determined on how healthy we are, to be honest with you.' Hamilton (7-11) finished fourth in the East Division last season to miss the CFL playoffs. But the Ticats were 3-0 versus the Grey Cup-champion Argos during the regular campaign. And the 2024 season was Smith's best since joining the Ticats in 2002. The six-foot-one, 180-pound former Guelph Gryphon established career highs in catches (74), yards (933), yards after catch (295) and touchdowns (seven). Smith, 25, of Markham, Ont., was part of an important element of a Hamilton offence that led the CFL in net yards (406.1 per game), passing yards (332.1) and touchdowns (35). Hamilton quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell also led the CFL in passing yards (5,451) and touchdowns (32). And in the off-season, Hamilton added veteran receivers Kenny Lawler and Drew Wolitarsky, who both earned two Grey Cup rings while with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (2019, 2021, both wins over the Ticats). 'Honestly, I'm probably the most excited I've ever been being in this organization,' Smith said. 'We brought in Grey Cup champion experience, more all-star experience…. 'I appreciate his (Lawler's) veteran presence, I appreciate Tim (Ticats receiver Tim White) doing everything he's doing to stay consistent, picking me up when I'm having a bad day. Everyone is making strides and continuing to get better.' Milanovich said Smith, a '22 fourth-round pick by Hamilton, has had a solid camp thus far. 'He looks good,' Milanovich said. 'Like everybody else, he looks good on some things, a little rusty on others. 'Good football player … excited to have him back.' Thursdays Keep up to date on sports with Mike McIntyre's weekly newsletter. But as important as the passing game is to Hamilton's offence, receivers are also called upon to be effective blockers in the ground attack. And the incentive to do that is knowing running back Greg Bell can kick into a higher gear once he breaks the line of scrimmage and finds running room. Smith said blocking is a challenge all Ticats receivers relish taking on. Smith comes by his football prowess honestly as his father, Adrion, was a standout defensive back/returner with Hamilton (1994), Memphis (1995) and Toronto (1996-97, '98-'05), earning four league all-star nods while winning three Grey Cups (1996-97, '04) with the Argos. 'Any time you can dominate the other team physically you're going to have more fun,' he said. 'No one likes being pushed around, everyone likes to rather be the bully, be the hammer not the nail. 'Being in Hamilton, being that tough-assed team that's what you want to do.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 22, 2025.
Hamilton Spectator
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
Ticats head coach Milanovich confirms Greg Bell as club's starting running back
HAMILTON - Scott Milanovich quickly removed any doubt regarding who will be the Hamilton Tiger-Cats' starting running back this season. The Ticats' head coach emphatically stated Monday following the club's second day of training camp that job belongs to Greg Bell. And only an injury to the six-foot, 200-pound sophomore will change that. 'Greg is the starter as long as he's healthy,' Milanovich said. 'There's no doubt about that.' Bell, 26, had many flashes of brilliance last season, his first in the CFL. In just eight games with Hamilton, the California native rushed for 625 yards (6.6-yard average) and six TDs while adding 29 catches for 230 yards and a touchdown platooning with veteran James Butler. Bell's play resulted in Hamilton releasing Butler, who quickly re-signed with the B.C. Lions. Butler spent his first two CFL seasons in Vancouver (2021-22) before joining the Ticats as a free agent in 2023. Bell's dual-threat ability was on full display in Hamilton's 47-22 home loss to Edmonton on Aug. 17. He ran for 85 yards and a TD on 12 carries while also registering six receptions for 88 yards and a touchdown. 'He's dynamic, he's explosive,' Milanovich said of Bell. 'He's a threat in the run game ... he's a threat in the pass game and does a good job protecting. 'He's an all-around back. He has a chance to have a really good year if he stays healthy.' Milanovich, also Hamilton's offensive co-ordinator, was critical of his unit Monday for committing multiple turnovers during the team period. 'I was pleased with today but I wasn't pleased with the offence holding on to the football,' said Milanovich, whose displeasure was clearly audible at McMaster's Ron Joyce Stadium. 'Offensively, we've got to grasp real quickly that it doesn't matter how many good things you do, if you turn the ball over, it washes everything out.' Butler was the last Ticat to rush for 1,000 yards, finishing with a career-high 1,116 in 2023. Before him, DeAndra' Cobb did it in back-to-back seasons in 2009 and 2010 (1,203 and 1,173). Bell credits Butler with mentoring him and helping ease his transition to the Canadian game. 'I learned everything from him,' Bell said. 'Just being tough, learning the CFL game and being a hard-nosed running back. 'I'm way more comfortable (now), I know the offence, I know everybody on the team, I'm good to be out there and be myself. I can have a really good year. We have a great offence, really explosive, so I feel we're all going to have a really good year.' Bell's blocking prowess is impressive given how often he must engage bigger players. 'He can improve but he's not bad at it,' Milanovich said. 'Ball security is another (area for improvement), he tends to carry it low at times. 'But I'm glad he's here, let's put it that way.' Hamilton (7-11) finished fourth in the East Division last season to miss the CFL playoffs. Like all quality running backs, Bell gets into his rushing lane quickly. However, once he breaks the line of scrimmage, he can kick into another gear that makes him very difficult to track down and catch. 'I'm trying to get into the end zone every time I touch the ball,' Bell said. 'Once I get past the linebackers, I'm just trying to run at full speed and get to the end zone, for sure.' Certainly, much of Bell's running ability comes naturally. But he works diligently at being a solid receiver. 'I try to work on my hands every day … so I can be comfortable catching,' he said. 'Catching the ball is going to expand the offence for me and everybody.' And true to his word, following Monday's session, Bell took extra reps at the Jugs machine, which throws passes between five and 80 yards and can swivel 360 degrees to mimic any passing drill. Bell played collegiately at Arizona Western (2016-17), Nebraska (2018) and San Diego State (2019-20). He joined the Aztecs as a walk-on in 2019 with no scholarships available, then missed the entire season due to a weightlifting injury. Bell opened 2020 with four straight 100-yard performances, finishing with 637 yards on 113 carries (5.6-yard average) and six touchdowns. He came to Hamilton after NFL stints with Detroit (2022) and Pittsburgh (2023). His primary goal this season is a very simple one. 'Winning,' he said. 'I just want to win.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 12, 2025.
Winnipeg Free Press
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Ticats head coach Milanovich confirms Greg Bell as club's starting running back
HAMILTON – Scott Milanovich quickly removed any doubt regarding who will be the Hamilton Tiger-Cats' starting running back this season. The Ticats' head coach emphatically stated Monday following the club's second day of training camp that job belongs to Greg Bell. And only an injury to the six-foot, 200-pound sophomore will change that. 'Greg is the starter as long as he's healthy,' Milanovich said. 'There's no doubt about that.' Bell, 26, had many flashes of brilliance last season, his first in the CFL. In just eight games with Hamilton, the California native rushed for 625 yards (6.6-yard average) and six TDs while adding 29 catches for 230 yards and a touchdown platooning with veteran James Butler. Bell's play resulted in Hamilton releasing Butler, who quickly re-signed with the B.C. Lions. Butler spent his first two CFL seasons in Vancouver (2021-22) before joining the Ticats as a free agent in 2023. Bell's dual-threat ability was on full display in Hamilton's 47-22 home loss to Edmonton on Aug. 17. He ran for 85 yards and a TD on 12 carries while also registering six receptions for 88 yards and a touchdown. 'He's dynamic, he's explosive,' Milanovich said of Bell. 'He's a threat in the run game … he's a threat in the pass game and does a good job protecting. 'He's an all-around back. He has a chance to have a really good year if he stays healthy.' Milanovich, also Hamilton's offensive co-ordinator, was critical of his unit Monday for committing multiple turnovers during the team period. 'I was pleased with today but I wasn't pleased with the offence holding on to the football,' said Milanovich, whose displeasure was clearly audible at McMaster's Ron Joyce Stadium. 'Offensively, we've got to grasp real quickly that it doesn't matter how many good things you do, if you turn the ball over, it washes everything out.' Butler was the last Ticat to rush for 1,000 yards, finishing with a career-high 1,116 in 2023. Before him, DeAndra' Cobb did it in back-to-back seasons in 2009 and 2010 (1,203 and 1,173). Bell credits Butler with mentoring him and helping ease his transition to the Canadian game. 'I learned everything from him,' Bell said. 'Just being tough, learning the CFL game and being a hard-nosed running back. 'I'm way more comfortable (now), I know the offence, I know everybody on the team, I'm good to be out there and be myself. I can have a really good year. We have a great offence, really explosive, so I feel we're all going to have a really good year.' Bell's blocking prowess is impressive given how often he must engage bigger players. 'He can improve but he's not bad at it,' Milanovich said. 'Ball security is another (area for improvement), he tends to carry it low at times. 'But I'm glad he's here, let's put it that way.' Hamilton (7-11) finished fourth in the East Division last season to miss the CFL playoffs. Like all quality running backs, Bell gets into his rushing lane quickly. However, once he breaks the line of scrimmage, he can kick into another gear that makes him very difficult to track down and catch. 'I'm trying to get into the end zone every time I touch the ball,' Bell said. 'Once I get past the linebackers, I'm just trying to run at full speed and get to the end zone, for sure.' Certainly, much of Bell's running ability comes naturally. But he works diligently at being a solid receiver. 'I try to work on my hands every day … so I can be comfortable catching,' he said. 'Catching the ball is going to expand the offence for me and everybody.' And true to his word, following Monday's session, Bell took extra reps at the Jugs machine, which throws passes between five and 80 yards and can swivel 360 degrees to mimic any passing drill. 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. Bell played collegiately at Arizona Western (2016-17), Nebraska (2018) and San Diego State (2019-20). He joined the Aztecs as a walk-on in 2019 with no scholarships available, then missed the entire season due to a weightlifting injury. Bell opened 2020 with four straight 100-yard performances, finishing with 637 yards on 113 carries (5.6-yard average) and six touchdowns. He came to Hamilton after NFL stints with Detroit (2022) and Pittsburgh (2023). His primary goal this season is a very simple one. 'Winning,' he said. 'I just want to win.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 12, 2025.
