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Winnipeg Free Press
5 days ago
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Road to the Grey Cup could be shaped by these storylines as CFL season kicks off
A new Canadian Football League season has arrived, bringing a familiar wave of optimism across the country. For fans, this is the time of year when past heartbreaks are replaced with the hopes of a bright future, fuelled by training camp buzz and pre-season highlights, as all team's Grey Cup aspirations feel within reach. From seasoned vets eyeing another championship to fresh-faced rookies eager to make their mark, excitement is palpable. Every roster move is dissected, every snap analyzed, as we all try to figure out who's poised for a breakout. CFL Rundown will run again all season long, analyzing the league's top stories and breaking down the action, while offering up our best takes. We'll be with you every week, covering the three-down loop from every angle. With this fresh start in mind, no better way to setup the new season by posing a pressing question for each of the nine CFL clubs. These aren't easy questions, either; they could very well shape each team's 2025 season. Let's get into it. Ticats fans, let's talk defence. We all know what QB Bo Levi Mitchell and that high-powered offence are capable of. But a prolific attack simply won't be enough to get Hamilton into the playoffs if the defence continues to struggle. PETER POWER / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Hamilton Tiger-Cats quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell will need help on the defensive side of the field to succeed this season. PETER POWER / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Hamilton Tiger-Cats quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell will need help on the defensive side of the field to succeed this season. Enter Brent Monson, the new defensive co-ordinator, who has aggressively re-tooled the defensive line in hopes of generating more turnovers. Julian Howsare is back after spending the last two seasons in Calgary, and Casey Sayles, who led the team in sacks in 2024, inked an extension. With these two veterans anchoring the unit, complemented by newcomers TyJuan Garbutt and Miles Fox, there's significant potential for a turnaround year. Last season, only Winnipeg (26) recorded fewer quarterback sacks than Hamilton's 32. Monson's aggressive scheme and this blend of talent are intriguing, even if they don't feel all that dangerous on paper. The Ticats need this unit to be more than just flashes. If they can achieve that, the playoffs are a real possibility. The Alouettes have made a definitive statement heading into the new season: Davis Alexander is their guy. Indeed, they've gone all-in on the young pivot, handing him the keys with a three-year extension, a move that led to veteran Cody Fajardo's trade to Edmonton. For most teams, moving on from a championship-winning quarterback might raise eyebrows. However, Alexander is different. Graham Hughes / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES The Montreal Alouettes have backed quarterback Davis Alexander as this season's starting pivot. Graham Hughes / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES The Montreal Alouettes have backed quarterback Davis Alexander as this season's starting pivot. Head coach Jason Maas has promised him a long leash, showing immense organizational trust in the 26-year-old. Alexander possesses a quiet confidence mature beyond his years and, most importantly, a track record of getting the job done in the CFL. In 2024, he went a perfect 4-0 as a starter, passing for 1,347 yards and six touchdowns against two interceptions. His teammates already see him as a veteran leader, and that locker-room buy-in will be important as they transition to a new era under centre. Elevating Alexander feels less like a roll of the dice and more like a logical step towards the club's long-term vision. After years of pain at TD Place, 2024 finally offered legitimate glimmers of hope for the Ottawa Redblacks. They compiled a franchise-best 7-1-1 home record, making up the bulk of their nine total wins. Quarterback Dru Brown, when healthy, showed real promise. General manager Shawn Burke has surrounded Brown with a wealth of playmakers, including receivers Justin Hardy, Eugene Lewis and Kalil Pimpleton, all capable of 1,000-yard seasons. William Stanback should also boost a run game that was non-existent at times last year. Adrian Wyld / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Ottawa Redblacks quarterback Dru Brown, when healthy, dominates in the throwing game. Adrian Wyld / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Ottawa Redblacks quarterback Dru Brown, when healthy, dominates in the throwing game. Yet, a familiar concern looms over the nation's capital like a storm cloud: Can the Redblacks finally put together a complete, consistent season? Because those flashes of brilliance from 2024, as encouraging as they were, mean little if they don't translate into significant steps forward this year. The offensive line, despite veterans like Peter Godber and Liam Dobson, has been a persistent Achilles' heel, plagued by injuries and inconsistency. Brown can't work his magic if he's running for his life, and Stanback needs holes to break through. This unit's ability to stay healthy and perform consistently, particularly in crucial road games, will be critical. Now, it's time to see if they can shake off their inconsistency and truly compete week in and week out. The Argos hoisted the Grey Cup last season, largely due to quarterback Chad Kelly's stellar play. Kelly built on his MOP-winning 2023 campaign, leading the club to the championship despite his Grey Cup absence. Kelly's broken tibia and fibula from November remain a significant concern, even though he was recently cleared to practice. Head coach Ryan Dinwiddie has wisely preached caution, putting Kelly's status for Week 1 in serious doubt. While a steady veteran backup in Nick Arbuckle has proven he can win under pressure, losing Kelly for any significant time would be catastrophic. Kelly's unique ability to extend plays and deep-ball accuracy unlocks a different offensive dimension in Toronto. There's also the risk of re-injury if he returns too soon. While Arbuckle is a proven winner, their championship aspirations are tied to Kelly's return to full health. The sooner their star quarterback is slinging the ball without hesitation, the better their odds of repeating as Grey Cup champions. The Bombers have dominated for five seasons, but heading into 2025, can this aging veteran squad make one last Grey Cup push? Quarterback Zach Collaros, 36, is coming off a career year for passing yards, yet his ability to continue defying Father Time is a growing concern. Offensive line stalwarts Stanley Bryant (39) and Patrick Neufeld (36) have been reliable, but another full season feels like a big ask. Defensively, Willie Jefferson (34) remains elite, but even his impact has a shelf life. An injury to any key veteran would significantly impact their performance, highlighting the inherent risks of an older roster. Darryl Dyck / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Winnipeg Blue Bombers quarterback Zach Collaros continues to defy Father Time. Darryl Dyck / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Winnipeg Blue Bombers quarterback Zach Collaros continues to defy Father Time. Despite these concerns, counting out this team would be foolish. Mike O'Shea has fostered an unparalleled winning culture and championship pedigree. Shrewd off-season acquisitions like Jerreth Sterns and Dillon Mitchell, plus a healthy Dalton Schoen, provide Collaros with ample weapons. Reigning MOP Brady Oliveira is also in his prime. While age presents a challenge, the Bombers' experience, strong leadership and smart additions offer a realistic path to an impressive sixth straight Grey Cup. Hosting only adds further motivation. Seeing them lift the trophy at home would be a storybook ending for many veterans, solidifying their legacy. The window is closing, but it's not shut, and this could be their most compelling opportunity yet. Nathan Rourke's return as the Lions' undisputed starter is the main headline, but his success under new head coach and offensive co-ordinator Buck Pierce will depend heavily on his supporting cast. Darryl Dyck / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES The B.C. Lions have high hopes for new head coach Buck Pierce. Darryl Dyck / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES The B.C. Lions have high hopes for new head coach Buck Pierce. While established talent like Justin McInnis (registering a league-leading 1,469 yards in 2024) and Keon Hatcher remain high-end threats, and Jevon Cottoy provides a proven Canadian target, the real test is consistent production beyond these few. Dynamic running back James Butler's dual-threat ability is also a huge asset, capable of alleviating pressure and keeping defences honest. However, new players like Ayden Eberhardt or Stanley Berryhill III must quickly build chemistry with Rourke. Pierce's system demands they adjust quickly if the Lions are to compete in the tough West Division, making their integration a major factor. Ultimately, for the Lions to truly thrive, Rourke needs trustworthy options at every turn. For years, the Stampeders epitomized consistency and an explosive offence, but a rough 2024 season saw them miss the playoffs for the first time in two decades, making change clear. Leading that charge, and shouldering immense expectations, is quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. Adams, affectionately known as 'Big Play VA,' is a dynamic, dual-threat quarterback, a stark departure from the pocket passer Stampeders fans have grown accustomed to with Jake Maier in recent years. His reunion with receiver Dominique Rhymes, with whom he has proven chemistry, is a huge asset, complemented by talents like Reggie Begelton and Jalen Philpot. While Adams' pre-season play is promising, for a true Stamps resurgence his presence must be felt off the field. He brings much-needed new energy and is already walking the talk — from initiating off-season workouts to fostering bonding sessions, actively building rapport and accountability. For a franchise hungry to return to contention, Adams might just be the spark they desperately need, both under centre and in the locker room. The Elks are betting big this season. After years of struggles, they've poured over $2 million into free agency, completely overhauling their roster. On defence, they shelled out big bucks for Canadian defensive linemen Robbie Smith ($270,000) and Jake Ceresna ($235,000) to build a dominant pass rush. The secondary also received a significant facelift with high-priced Canadian talent like Tyrell Ford ($235,000) and Royce Metchie ($145,000). Offensively, they secured all-star centre David Beard ($197,000) and added veteran receivers Steven Dunbar Jr. and Kaion Julien-Grant to give young quarterback Tre Ford more weapons. Individual talent is undeniable, but the CFL demands cohesion, especially on defence where communication is paramount. This challenge is magnified with head coach Mark Kilam in his first year. Installing new schemes while integrating so many new faces and establishing leadership will take time. The speed at which these additions transform into a cohesive, winning unit will determine if the Elks can finally shake off their perennial struggles and become legitimate playoff contenders in the competitive West. It's a high-stakes bet, but a much-needed change of scenery. Rider Nation is more than a fanbase; it's an identity, spread passionately across Saskatchewan. Heading into the 2025 CFL season, fan excitement was palpable. After a stellar 2024 campaign, reaching the Western Final under rookie head coach Corey Mace, the table was set for something special this year. A healthy Trevor Harris back under centre, a solid core of hungry veterans, and impactful playmakers like running back A.J. Ouellette — all signs pointed to legitimate Grey Cup aspirations. Heywood Yu / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Saskatchewan Roughriders head coach Corey Mace will have to contend with injuries on the O-line this season. Heywood Yu / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Saskatchewan Roughriders head coach Corey Mace will have to contend with injuries on the O-line this season. However, while the hype train was rolling, a significant detour emerged, threatening to derail the Riders' offensive line rebuild. Key free-agent signings — like centre Sean McEwen (torn ACL) and guard Philippe Gagnon (torn bicep) — are likely out for the year. These O-line woes create a glaring vulnerability, directly threatening Harris's health and jeopardizing his ability to operate the offence. Their potent run game could also be stifled. So, while Rider Nation's passion is unwavering, perhaps tempered expectation is in order. The true test for the Roughriders isn't just meeting initial lofty goals, but whether they can withstand this immediate adversity, adapt their schemes, and protect their franchise quarterback. Only then will we know if the pressure proves too great, or if this team has the mettle to overcome unexpected challenges and still chase the Grey Cup. Jeff HamiltonMultimedia producer Jeff Hamilton is a sports and investigative reporter. Jeff joined the Free Press newsroom in April 2015, and has been covering the local sports scene since graduating from Carleton University's journalism program in 2012. Read more about Jeff. Every piece of reporting Jeff produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Hamilton Spectator
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
HSR again offering free game day rides to Ticats fans
Looking for a ride to Hamilton Tiger-Cats games at Hamilton Stadium this season? The Hamilton Street Railway has you covered with its Game Day Ride Program. The Canadian Football League team has continued its partnership with the HSR to offer fans a 'safe, convenient and free way' to get to and from Ticats home games during the 2025 season, the team said in a release. Year after year, the team stumbles out of the gate. Could a different approach in the pre-season The program kicks off for the season May 24 and fans can ride the HSR for free on game days by showing a valid physical or digital Ticats game ticket. Free rides begin two hours before kickoff and run until the end of regular HSR service that day. Hamilton Tiger-Cats fans get free rides to home games, as the Hamilton Street Railway has once again partnered with the CFL team to offer fans with valid tickets free rides on game day for the 2025 season. Ticats fans can also take advantage of express shuttles to and from the stadium on game days. Shuttles are available at Lime Ridge Mall, Eastgate Square and University Plaza. Before the game shuttles run from two hours to 30 minutes before kickoff and return shuttles depart Hamilton Stadium approximately 15 minutes after the final whistle. For more information, visit .
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
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
Abrupt end to record-setting ‘24 campaign fuels Ticats receiver Shemar Bridges
HAMILTON - A premature end to a stellar rookie campaign is fuelling Shemar Bridges' preparation for the 2025 CFL season. The Hamilton Tiger-Cats' receiver was the East Division's top rookie in 2024 with 83 catches — a club-record for a first-year player — for 933 yards and four touchdowns. But it could have been much more. Bridges missed the final three games with a quad injury, ending his pursuit of Curtis Mayfield's league record for most regular-season receptions by a rookie (102). 'I definitely feel like if I didn't get hurt I could've done some more things and helped the team,' Bridges said. 'Being able to go to the (CFL) awards show and watch the Grey Cup myself, it fuelled me that I didn't want to be in the stands, I want to be on the field. 'It gave me that hunger and I just wanted to work as hard as I can to possibly come ready to help the team.' The six-foot-four, 208-pound Bridges has looked good early in Hamilton's training camp. But head coach Scott Milanovich is keeping an eye on Bridges, and plans to save the receiver from himself and give him days off as the Ticats prepare for the upcoming season. Especially after Bridges pushed to continued playing last season after suffering his injury. 'You love those kind of guys, right, they want to be out there and they're willing to play with pain,' Milanovich said. 'The concern with guys coming off injury is just how much pounding can they take on it? 'We're going to keep a close eye on him and maybe try to give him a vet day here and there just to make sure we're not pushing him too hard. The tempo out there is fast, there's a lot of running … we've got to hold the, back sometimes.' Bridges got his first 'vet day' Wednesday. But if the '24 season taught Bridges anything, it was to take everything — successes and struggles — in stride. 'It's a long season so you can have your real high weeks as an individual and as a team and you can also have lower weeks,' he said. 'You've got to keep the journey even-keeled … you can't get too high or too low, just enjoy the process.' Bridges said he had a little trouble last season keeping weight on so he reported to camp Sunday a few pounds heavier. 'Not a lot, just enough to give me some strength to be able to endure hits and try to block better,' he said. Hamilton (7-11) missed the CFL playoffs last season despite having the league's top-ranked offence. The Ticats were first overall in net offence (406.1 yards/game), passing yards (332.1) and passing TDs (35) and second in offensive points (26.5). Quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell was the CFL leader in passing yards (5,451) and touchdowns (32) but also interceptions (18). Bridges tied Canadian Kiondre Smith for third among Ticats receivers (933 yards) behind Tim White (74 catches, 1,164 yards, eight TDs) and current Edmonton Elk Steven Dunbar Jr (75 catches, 1,159 yards, five TDs). And the unit was bolstered by the off-season signing of veterans Kenny Lawler and Drew Wolitarsky, who both won two Grey Cups with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. 'We can be special but it's on us,' Bridges said of Hamilton's receiving corps. 'We've got to come out to work every day and stay accountable. 'But it's a great group and I love that we keep each other accountable and work hard.' Last season was one of adjustment for Bridges as he not only headed to a different country but had to get acclimated with a new game. With a year under his belt and returning for a second season in the same offence with the same receivers coach (Naaman Roosevelt) and offensive co-ordinator (Milanovich), Bridges is much more comfortable heading into the '25 campaign. 'It's definitely a big jump,' he said. 'Things slow down, especially playing a whole year and having success. 'Having the same receiver coach and same OC and playing with a lot of the same guys and having someone like Bo who believes in me just makes things so much easier to come into. But now I just want to take that next step, you can't be complacent, just got to get better every day.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 14, 2025.
