[OzSome]

Season Opener between the BC Lions vs the Calgary Stampeders on Friday, June 28 8:00pm at McMahon Stadium.

A lot of changes were made with these two teams and notable ones are WR Geroy Simon(to Sask), WR Arland Bruce(to Montreal), DL Khalif Mitchell(to Tor), backup QB Mike Reilly(to Edm) for the BC Lions. WR Romby Bryant(to Tor), DL Anwar Stewart and WR Arjay Franklin(both on retirement), DL Brian Bulcke(to Ham), DL Stevie Baggs and RB LaMarcus Coker(both released) for the Calgary Stampeders.

OFFENSE:

Calgary will dress their new OLine(Center) Brett Jones rookie from Univ of Regina, their new Dynamic duel WR in Joe West and Maurice Price. Calgary also added OL Dan Federkeil, graduate of U of C Dinos and played for Indianapolis Colts of the NFL, new receiver in former QB Brad Sinopli and a rookie speedster WR Tim Hawthorne.

Quarterback :
Of course, we still the veteran QB tandems Drew Tate, super backup Kevin Glenn and Bo Levi Mitchell.

Offensive Line :
Led by veterans Dmitri Tsoumpas, C Jon Gott, Spencer Wilson, J Michael Deane, Stanley Bryant, Federkeil and rookie Jones. Both veteran Edwin Harrison(injured), Steve Myddleton(injured) and Na'Shan Godard(practice roster) will not play vs BC.

Running Back :
Not much of changes in RB position led by Outstanding Canadian Jon Cornish, backup Matt Walter and FB Rob Cote and Tim St. Pierre. Coker was released after the training camp due to fumbilitis.

Receiver :
On the receiving corp, Stamps still have our super slotback Nik Lewis, Marquay McDaniel along with Jabari Arthur, Anthony Parker, Hawthorne, Sinopli (on injured list), Larry Taylor, Joe West and Mo Price. R Johnny Forzani and Chris Baumann will both miss the game due to injury.

DEFENSE :

Calgary defense was one of the best in the CFL last season. The only problem with the defense was the discipline especially early in the season. Changes were made and Stamps defense will be much tougher and faster this season. Early in the season last year, all the other team have to do is double-team Hughes and their DLine's production drops. This season, with addition of pass rusher Shawn Lemon, a much improved Cordaro Law and rookie Micah Johnson the other team cannot afford to concentrate on Hughes alone.

Defensive Linemen :
Led by our awesome Sack Master Charleston Hughes, Corey Mace, Junior Turner. Cordaro Law, former Eskimos Shawn Lemon and rookie Micah Johnson outplayed veteran Stevie Baggs during the pre-season that led the Stamps to release the veteran. Veteran Demonte Bolden and Justin Phillips will not play due to injury. Calgary also signed former Argos Kevin Huntley to a practice roster.

Linebacker:
Not much changes in linebacking positions this season. Expect Deron Mayo to play more this season though after his performance against the BC Lions in last year's Western Division Finals. Juwan Simpson, Malik Jackson, Karl McCartney, Jonathan Hefney, Keon Raymond(injured), Chris Randle(injured) and newcomer Yannick Carter will form the LB crew.

Defensive Back :
Stamps added former All Star DB Jonathan Hefney after his released from Winnipeg Blue Bombers. He would definitely help this team especially with the possible deletion of Super DB Keon Raymond from the game due to ankle injury. Returning DB from last season are Brandon Smith, Fred Bennett, Raymond, Jamar Wall, Demetrice Morley, Derrius Brooks, Hecht plus safety Eric Fraser and Keenan MacDougall. Quincy Butler will not suit up due to injury.

SPECIAL TEAM :

Not a lot of changes in this group except with retirement of Marc Calixte.

Kicker/Punter :
No changes on this area. Rene Paredes will do the kicking while Rob Maver will do the punting duties.

Kick Return :
Led by Larry Taylor backing up by Tim Hawthorne, McDaniels, Parker. Randy Chevrier, St. Pierre will lead the coverage team.

Can't wait to watch the first game. It will definitely an emotional game for the Stamps being the first sports game in Calgary since the major flooding in this city.

GO STAMPS GO!!!

Game will be televised on TSN at 8:00pm June 27th.