Latest news with #ShawnBurke
CTV News
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- CTV News
What's happening in Ottawa this weekend: May 30-June 1
In this photo taken using a drone, TD Place is seen in Ottawa Wednesday, June 2, 2021 in Ottawa. Located at Lansdowne Park, TD Place is the home of the Ottawa REDBLACKS CFL team. (Adrian Wyld /THE CANADIAN PRESS) looks at things to do in Ottawa and eastern Ontario this weekend. Ottawa Redblacks Your first chance to see the 2025 Ottawa Redblacks is Friday night at TD Place. The Redblacks host the Montreal Alouettes in pre-season action at 7 p.m. For tickets, visit The Ottawa Redblacks are hosting an open practice and hot stove on Sunday at TD Place. Practice begins at 10:45 a.m., followed by a meet and greet with Redblacks president Adrian Sciarra and general manager Shawn Burke. Admission to the hot stove and practice is free. Ribfest on Sparks Street The smell of ribs and chicken will fill the air around Sparks Street this weekend for Ottawa Ribfest. Enjoy award-winning ribs, mouth-watering BBQ, live entertainment and more until Sunday. For more information, visit Ottawa Chinatown Night Market The Ottawa Chinatown Night Market is this weekend in Ottawa's Chinatown Neighbourhood. Somerset Street will be transformed into a colourful night market, with vendors offering street food, live performances and more. For more information, visit Ottawa Asian Festival Night Market The 11th annual Ottawa Asian Fest Night Market runs until Sunday at Tanger Outlets in Kanata. Admission is free. Vendors will offer handmade goods, antiques and eats. City of Om Ottawa's largest health and wellness festival runs Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Lansdowne. City of Om is a festival for people interested in deepening their passion for overall wellness. There will be more than 75 classes and workshops during the festival. For more information, visit Eid Expo The Eid Expo runs Saturday and Sunday at the Nepean Sportsplex. The expo is open both days from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Adapt Expo Ottawa Ottawa's official expo dedicated to accessibility, adaptability and inclusion is Saturday. Over 90 exhibitors will be on display at Carleton University's Fieldhouse. Shawarma Festival Ottawa's first ever Shawarma Festival is Sunday in the ByWard Market Check out the best local shawarma vendors, enjoy live music and entertainment from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Le Grand Poutinefest It's a weekend for poutine lovers at Le Grand Poutinefest in Gatineau. The festival features poutine-beverage pairings and food trucks. The festival is at 320 Saint-Joseph Boulevard in Gatineau Friday, Saturday and Sunday. NCC bike days National Capital Commission's weekend bikedays continue all weekend. The NCC will close the parkways and Queen Elizabeth Driveway to vehicles for active use. Here is a look at what's open for cyclists, runners, walkers and other active use: Kichi Zībī Mīkan (Vimy Place to Carling Avenue): 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway (Aviation Parkway to St. Joseph Boulevard): 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday Queen Elizabeth Driveway (Fifth Avenue to Somerset Street): 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. National Arts Centre Here's a look at what's happening at the National Arts Centre this weekend. Friday-Saturday: Broadway Across Canada presents Beetlejuice Friday-Sunday: Beaded Vamp and Moccasin Workshop Friday: Jeffery Straker Saturday: The Rise of BlingBling – Le diptyque Saturday: Toronto Comedy All Stars Meridian Theatres at Centrepointe Here's a look at what's happening at the Meridian Theatres at Centrepointe this weekend: Friday-Saturday: Cradling Our Culture – Svitanok Dance Friday-Sunday: The Music Man Ride the Cyclone The Lost Baggage Musical Theatre presents Ride the Cyclone. See the production at the Gladstone Theatre on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. 613flea 613flea returns to Lansdowne Park on Saturday. Check out 150 vendors between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Admission is free. Lansdowne Farmers Market The Lansdowne Farmers Market is back at Lansdowne on Sunday. Connect with over 85 local vendors in the historic Aberdeen Square from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Main Street Farmers Market The Main Street Farmers Market is open for the season. The market is open on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Grande Allee Park. Carp Farmers Market The Carp Farmers Market is open every Saturday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday is pollinator day, with opportunities to learn about pollinators and the important role they play in our environment. The Ottawa Seed Library will also be at the Carp Farmers Market. Metcalfe Farmers Market The Metcalfe Farmers Market has kicked off a new season. The market is every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Metcalfe Fairgrounds. Westboro Farmers' Market The Westboro Farmers Market is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The market is located in Byron Linear Park. Glengarry Renaissance Festival The Glengarry Renaissance Festival runs Saturday and Sunday at the Maxville fairgrounds. Step back in time and enjoy the Knights of Valour, Cut and Run, unique vendors and more. Fantastic Fibres and Terrific Textiles The Upper Canada Village in Morrisburg hosts 'Fantastic Fibres and Terrific Textiles' this weekend. Drop In at the Main Barn on Loucks Farm to see and learn about sheep shearing, then visit the McDiarmid House and Asselstine's water-powered Woolen Factory to learn more about the washing of fleece, carding, spinning and weaving by hand. Museums Click on the links for the schedule at museums in Ottawa and eastern Ontario: Parliament of Canada Tours Enjoy a free, guided tour of the Senate at the Senate of Canada Building, the House of Commons in the West Block and the East Block. For tickets and tour times, visit Parliament: The Immersive Experience Explore the main Parliament Building, also called Centre Block, in this innovative experience. Parliament: The Immersive Experience at 211 Sparks Street includes an exhibition and a 360-degree multimedia show that takes you on a tour through Centre Block, which has been closed since 2019. The self-guided tour is 45 minutes. Tickets are available at no cost at visit Events Happening in Kingston this weekend Sunday: Call Me By Name at the Kingston Grand Theatre Night in Nashville Kick up your boots for a night of fun at Night in Nashville at the Brockville Memorial Centre. It's a night of dancing, delicious apps, a cash bar, a silent auction and more in support of Senior Support Services. Night in Nashville is Friday. Cornwall Motor Speedway Sunday is race night at the Cornwall Motor Speedway Enjoy racing around the quarter-mile dirt track, with the first race at 6 p.m.
Globe and Mail
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Globe and Mail
With Dru Brown leading the offence, Redblacks look to take another step in 2025
After reaching the CFL playoffs last year for the first time since 2018, the Ottawa Redblacks are focused on taking the next step. The building blocks for the upcoming season are being laid down at training camp on campus at Queen's University in Kingston, Ont., and the foundation starts at quarterback. After his first full season with the Redblacks the team will once again turn to Dru Brown to lead the offence. 'There's just comfort now,' general manager Shawn Burke said from camp in a phone interview. 'Everything's not new any more. He knows the playbook, he knows the guys around him. You saw the progression last year. His leadership is steady.' Brown was limited to 15 games last year due to injury but provided the Redblacks with the most consistent play under centre since Trevor Harris led the offence from 2016-18. Brown completed 312 passes for 3,959 yards and 18 touchdowns in the regular season, then completed a playoff-record 46 passes for 476 yards and three touchdowns in Ottawa's loss to eventual Grey Cup champion Toronto in the East Division final. The Redblacks extended Brown through 2026, but wanted to ensure proper depth should something happen. Ottawa added seven-year veteran Matt Shiltz to its quarterback room where he will be joined by Dustin Crum and Tyree Adams, who will be battling to move up the depth chart. 'It's a big camp for Tyree,' Burke said. 'Last year, he missed most of it with injury, and that limited his chances. Now he's getting the reps he needs, and we're eager to see where he fits.' Last season Burke and head coach Bob Dyce identified a need to have a more physical run game and made a key addition signing bruising rusher William Stanback. 'William's looked great so far,' Burke said. 'We want to be a physical football team, and that starts with the run game. We talked about it a lot after last season. It needed to be better. William and [Canadian running back] Daniel Adeboboye give us a solid one-two punch.' Stanback's signing was just one piece of a larger effort to solidify the Redblacks offence. The team turned heads after signing Eugene Lewis, a three-time 1,000-yard receiver. 'When a guy like Geno [Lewis] wants to come to your team, it says something,' Burke said. 'His energy, his professionalism, it's impressive to watch every day. He wanted to be here. We've talked before in free agency, and it finally lined up.' Lewis joins an already impressive cast. The Redblacks announced Monday they had re-signed Kalil Pimpleton to an extension through the 2027 season. With veterans Justin Hardy, who had 1,343 receiving yards, and Bralon Addison, the Redblacks are looking to be a force in the East Division. The offensive line, often a source of instability in recent years, is shaping into a dependable unit. Dino Boyd will be returning from injury and handle duties at left tackle, while Zack Pelehos, a product of the University of Ottawa, has solidified his role on the right side. Veteran guards Drew Desjarlais and Dariusz Bladek will flank centre Peter Godber 'Continuity matters,' said Burke. 'Five guys working as one. And now we've got that blend of experience and youth. I like the identity this line is starting to form.' For the seventh straight season Lewis Ward will anchor the kicking game. The 32-year-old has been one of the league's most consistent performers. 'I can tell you without a doubt, it's a great asset,' Burke said. 'Just to know Lewis is going to be back there, you know what you're going to get out of him. The team doesn't blink when he goes out there, when the game's on the line and just who he is as a person and a leader for the organization. You know it's something that I don't take for granted.' The Redblacks open their preseason next week when they take on the Montreal Alouettes.
Calgary Herald
13-05-2025
- Sport
- Calgary Herald
Things to watch for as Ottawa Redblacks form CFL roster that should contend for Grey Cup
Article content The Ottawa Redblacks had a taste of success last season when they made the CFL playoffs for the first time since 2018. Article content Article content Now they're hungry for more. Article content The team's main training camp began Sunday at Queen's University in Kingston, with the roster moulding continuing through two pre-season games — Saturday, May 24 (4 p.m.) in Montreal and a return match with the Alouettes at TD Place on Friday, May 30 (7 p.m.) — before the Redblacks open their 2025 schedule in Regina against the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Thursday, June 5 at 9 p.m. (EDT). Article content Article content Players, coaches and management are anxious to build on last year's 9-8-1 record and redeem themselves after a 58-38 loss to the Toronto Argos in the East semifinal. Article content Article content This season, the Redblacks should be considered a Grey Cup contender. Article content 'It's exciting whenever something new begins,' GM Shawn Burke said from his camp vantage point in Kingston. 'You're excited to see the returns on your hard work in the off-season. Coach (Bob) Dyce and his staff, and the personnel staff, did a lot to put this group together, and you're excited to get out there and see it. Article content 'It's the start of the 2025 Redblacks' journey,' added Burke. 'Everyone talks about previous seasons being good or bad, but the reality is, everyone in the league right now is undefeated and winless, and you just want to get out there and see what you have.' Article content As is the case with every team, much will rest on the pitching arm of the No. 1 quarterback. Article content Despite missing some time with injuries, Dru Brown established himself as a strong leader last season, his first as a starter. Article content Article content The 28-year-old former Winnipeg Blue Bomber backup was third in league passing yards (3,959) with a 67.2 completion rate, 18 touchdown tosses and 10 interceptions. Article content Article content Deeming him the answer to the problems they've had at the position since Trevor Harris led the team to the Grey Cup game seven years ago, the Redblacks signed Brown to a contract extension that runs through the 2026 season. Article content 'We have a strong belief in him,' said Burke. 'I think with him coming in now, his second year in the city, knowing the organization, knowing the offence, knowing his teammates … he expects to make strides. Dru's a very process-oriented quarterback that doesn't leave any page unturned, and we're excited to see him pick up where he left off and continue to grow.'
Vancouver Sun
13-05-2025
- Sport
- Vancouver Sun
Things to watch for as Ottawa Redblacks form CFL roster that should contend for Grey Cup
The Ottawa Redblacks had a taste of success last season when they made the CFL playoffs for the first time since 2018. Now they're hungry for more. The team's main training camp began Sunday at Queen's University in Kingston, with the roster moulding continuing through two pre-season games — Saturday, May 24 (4 p.m.) in Montreal and a return match with the Alouettes at TD Place on Friday, May 30 (7 p.m.) — before the Redblacks open their 2025 schedule in Regina against the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Thursday, June 5 at 9 p.m. (EDT). Players, coaches and management are anxious to build on last year's 9-8-1 record and redeem themselves after a 58-38 loss to the Toronto Argos in the East semifinal. 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. This season, the Redblacks should be considered a Grey Cup contender. 'It's exciting whenever something new begins,' GM Shawn Burke said from his camp vantage point in Kingston. 'You're excited to see the returns on your hard work in the off-season. Coach (Bob) Dyce and his staff, and the personnel staff, did a lot to put this group together, and you're excited to get out there and see it. 'It's the start of the 2025 Redblacks' journey,' added Burke. 'Everyone talks about previous seasons being good or bad, but the reality is, everyone in the league right now is undefeated and winless, and you just want to get out there and see what you have.' As is the case with every team, much will rest on the pitching arm of the No. 1 quarterback. Despite missing some time with injuries, Dru Brown established himself as a strong leader last season, his first as a starter. The 28-year-old former Winnipeg Blue Bomber backup was third in league passing yards (3,959) with a 67.2 completion rate, 18 touchdown tosses and 10 interceptions. Deeming him the answer to the problems they've had at the position since Trevor Harris led the team to the Grey Cup game seven years ago, the Redblacks signed Brown to a contract extension that runs through the 2026 season. 'We have a strong belief in him,' said Burke. 'I think with him coming in now, his second year in the city, knowing the organization, knowing the offence, knowing his teammates … he expects to make strides. Dru's a very process-oriented quarterback that doesn't leave any page unturned, and we're excited to see him pick up where he left off and continue to grow.' Here are a few things to watch for from the Redblacks as they battle for jobs at camp: Replacing Jeremiah Masoli as the veteran in the QB room is Matt Shiltz, a 32-year-old who spent last year in Calgary, where he missed seven games with an ankle injury, but played in 10 and started two. It was his first season out west after the previous two with Hamilton and the first five of his CFL career with the Alouettes. He'll compete for the role of Brown's primary backup, but he'll get pushed by returnees Dustin Crum and Tyree Adams, who lacks pro experience, but has the most raw ability of the bunch. After spending last year battling back from a torn Achilles he suffered in off-season training, former 1,000-yard rusher Devonte Williams decided to retire in April to pursue business opportunities in the U.S. Fortunately, the Redblacks addressed their need for a dependable ball carrier when they signed William Stanback, a 30-year-old Virginian. Stanback was second in league rushing last year with 1,175 yards for the Lions. It was his third CFL season in triple digits as he also hit the milestone in 2019 (1,048) and 2021 (1,176) with the Als. At 6-feet, 200 pounds, he'll carry the load, and be a load, for Ottawa. Battling for the backup American spot behind him are Jaylen Daniels and Elijah Collins, both of whom have NFL camp experience. Daniel Adeboboye, who was acquired in a trade with the Argos, will serve as the multi-dimensional Canadian, while veteran homebrews Anthony Gosselin and Marco Dubois are solidified in roles at fullback and on special teams. Ottawa's marquee signing of the offseason was Geno Lewis, a three-time 1,000-yard receiver who should improve an aerial attack that was already among the league's best. On Monday, the Redblacks announced they had re-signed Kalil 'The Thrill' Pimpleton to an extension through the 2027 season, and it should be fun to watch what he can do as a starter right out of camp. He'll team with veterans Justin Hardy, who was second in CFL receiving yards last year with 1,343, and Bralon Addison to form the foundation of Ottawa's pass-catching group, while Andre Miller is expected to get more playing time this year, as should Maurice French. Other Americans pushing for work include Ayir Asante, Jaelen Gill, Je'Quan Burton, Latreal Jones, Lincoln Victor and Sam Schnee. Nick Mardner, a former second overall pick, will have competition for his job as the lead Canadian receiver from Keelan White, who the Redblacks picked third overall in last month's draft. Other Canadians in the mix include Ethan Jordan and Darius Simmons. American Dino Boyd has returned from a season-ending biceps injury and will be back as the starting left tackle, while at the other end of the line will be former University of Ottawa Gee-Gee Zack Pelehos, an imposing Gananoque native who made big strides last year. Between those pillars will be Peter Godber, an established veteran who will start at centre immediately surrounded by a couple of exceptional veteran guards in Drew Desjarlais and Dariusz Bladek. Jacob Ruby and Eric Starczala are back to provide depth, with the likes of Daniel Keys, Kobe Rios, Tristan Fortin, Malcolm Lamar Sr., Darta Lee, Kendrick Sartor, Isaac Moore and second-round pick Samuel Carson also battling for employment. Former first overall pick Dontae Bull retired to mend a biceps injury, but could resurface at some point. Entrenched in the middle of the Redblacks' defensive line are veterans Cleyon Laing and Bryce Carter, while ends Lorenzo Mauldin and Michael Wakefield, who were tied for the league lead in sacks last year, will get back to hunting down quarterbacks. Also playing an important role will be Canadians Aidan John and Kene Oneyka, with more positive development expected from Saskatoon's Daniel Okpoko, an 11th overall draft pick in 2024. Nigel Romick, an original Redblack and leader, will be back to provide depth and special teams expertise, while returnee Blessman Ta'ala has the inside track on a backup job. Others pushing include Jason Williams, Ronheen Bingham, John Morgan, Deandre Johnson, Chase McGowan, Jake Heimlicher, Deionte Knight and and Toronto's Muftah Ageli. Veteran leader and middle man Jovan Santos-Knox returns as the foundation, while Frankie Griffin and Davion Taylor are back to form a competitive battle for starting work at WILL. Lucas Cormier is in the mix, as is Tyron Vrede, James Peter, Dawson Pierre, Cam Bright, Ayinde Eley, Brendan Jackson and Jayden Griffiths. A big plus should be the return of all-star Adarius Pickett, a.k.a. 'The Party Starter', who suffered a season-ending Achilles injury in Week 15 of the 2024 season and is back on a one-year deal. Also returning from injury is safety Alonzo Addae, with depth provided by Justin Howell, Yani Gouadfel, Charlie Ringland and Eric Cumberbatch. Competing at the corner spots are Alijah McGheee, C.J. Coldon, Craig James and Derrek Pitts Jr. Among those in the halfback battle are the likes of returnees Deandre Lamont, Tobias Harris, Bennett Williams and Adrian Frye, along with Amari Henderson, Robert Priester, Shakur Brown, Chris McDonald, King Ambers, Kenyon Reed, Woo Governor and Gavin Heslop. The reliable Lewis Ward will be once again booting balls through the uprights, with reliable incumbent Richie Leone back in his role as punter while being pushed by Australian Callum Eddings and Noah Gettman. Last but not least, Peter Adjey returns to handle long snapping chores.
Calgary Herald
30-04-2025
- Sport
- Calgary Herald
How the Ottawa Redblacks attacked 2025 CFL draft day
Ottawa Redblacks general manager Shawn Burke added to the receiving corps with his first pick in the CFL draft. Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press For the second year in a row, the Ottawa Redblacks went to the wide receiver well with their first pick in the Canadian Football League draft. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Calgary Herald ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Calgary Herald ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. 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 After making Nick Mardner the second overall choice in the 2024 selection process, the Redblacks opted for former Utah Grizzlies pass catcher Keelan White with the third pick Tuesday night. A 6-foot-2, 190-pounder former walk-on at the University of Montana, White caught 161 passes for 1,862 yards and 14 touchdowns over his career with the Grizzlies. Last season he did not drop a ball while registering 57 receptions for 628 yards and four touchdowns, and in December he was presented the 2024 Jon Cornish Trophy, which is awarded annually to the most outstanding Canadian student-athlete in NCAA football. Your weekday lunchtime roundup of curated links, news highlights, analysis and features. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again A Brown (as in quarterback Dru) to White chemistry could form early this season if Redblacks GM Shawn Burke's expectations that the 23-year-old North Vancouver product pushes for playing time can be met. 'Keenan is a productive, versatile receiver who brings dependability and football intelligence to our club,' said Burke. 'We're extremely pleased to welcome him to the Ottawa Redblacks.' After a slow start that saw him have just 95 receiving yards through Week 11, the 6-foot-6 Mardner finished his rookie season with 26 receptions for 300 yards and three touchdowns. To kick off the draft on Tuesday, the Calgary Stampeders selected Damien Alford, a 6-foot-6, 211-pound wide receiver who had 1,291 receiving yards in 44 games with Syracuse (2020-2023) and Utah (2024). The Hamilton Ticats made Devin Veresuk, a 6-foot-2, 240-pound linebacker with the Windsor Lancers, as the second pick. With their second pick (12th overall), the Redblacks grabbed Sam Carson, a 6-foot-4, 300-pounder from Calgary who made nine starts for the Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks last season. Before his time in Louisiana, Carson anchored a University of Calgary O-line that was coached by his father Paul, a two-time Vanier Cup-winning offensive guard with the Dinos in 1985 and 1988.
