CFL Snowbirds: Saskatchewan Roughriders

An update on departing Riders off to seek fame and fortune outside of the CFL.

February 4-- Riders move forward without Andy Fantuz

February 4-- Andy Fantuz is 'locked in and hopefully not locked out'

February 4-- Riders' Andy Fantuz signs with NFL's Chicago Bears

January 20-- Roughriders Fantuz works out for NFL's Bears

CFL lays the ground work for Ottawa's return

With the caveat that there really, really does need to be a stadium in place, the CFL has offered up the first stages of the league's plans to return to the National capital in time for the 2013 season.

The league today provided the blue print for the league draft that will stock the Ottawa franchise with players, providing details on what the Ottawa team can look forward to once they get to plotting their roster for that 2013 debut.

The expansion draft which will take place in December of 2012 will provide for three rounds of picks for Ottawa, one for imports and two round for the all important non import aspect of a CFL roster.

In total, Ottawa will be allowed to select a total of eight imports and sixteen non imports from CFL rosters. Included in that total will be two quarterbacks from the other eight members of the collective.

Providing the team is set to go, Ottawa's management will also be allowed to take part in the 2013  college draft, picking first in all six rounds of the 2013 Canadian draft and having selected as many as four underclassmen from the NCAA in 2012 CFL Canadian draft.

Some of the details on the expansion draft can be found below

Globe and Mail-- CFL develops expansion plan for Ottawa 
Vancouver Sun--  Draft plan supposed to make Ottawa competitive. We'll see 
Ottawa Citizen-- Ottawa's CFL franchise could have a partial roster by Christmas 2012 
Ottawa Sun-- CFL board confirms Ottawa team expansion draft

Can't tell the coaches without a scorecard

Journalists and bloggers alike are keeping rather busy in the middle of a cold January, tracking the arrivals and departure desk of the CFL's coaching fraternity.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders receive a makeover as new head coach Greg Marshall makes a number of personnel changes for his sidelines for the year to come, some of those decisions were examined in a number of insightful posts found below.

In particular, our first selection featuring Murray McCormick's thoughts for his Rider Rumblings blog outlines the very personal nature of coaching and how the game can change their personal directions in a very short period of time.

Regina Leader Post-- TGIF: An off season edition
Regina Leader Post-- Murray's musings on a bitterly cold Thursday 
Winnipeg Free Press-- CFL coaching carousel keeps spinning

At the top of the draft list for the Ogdensburg US Border Service office

A CFL agent has found himself out of touch with his clients for the foreseeable future, after  being placed under arrest by US customs officials over an outstanding warrant.

According to media reports, CFL agent Mark Maren was placed under arrest in December, after applying for admission to the United States at the Ogdensburg, New York border crossing.

Upon a record check conducted by US border officials it was learned that there was a felony warrant issued against him out of Florida over fraud related incidents.

A press release issued by the US Border Services office also stated that Maren had an extensive criminal record in Canada, which made him inadmissible into the United States.

He reportedly is currently in jail in the United States, awaiting extradition to Florida

Among his clients in the CFL are Kevin Glenn, Barrin Simpson, Obby Khan, Joe Lobendahn and Otis Floyd.

Globe and Mail -- U. S. Customs and Border protection officials arrest CFL agent Mark Maren
Toronto Star-- CFL player faces fraud charges 
Sportsnet-- Prominent CFL agent arrested

Location, location, er location?

The long and winding road that leads to a new football stadium for Hamilton will apparently be a round about, as the City of Hamilton and Tiger Cats finally come to an agreement that in the end, while not a perfect solution, the best place you can be, is where you are.

This week details were released on the plan to refurbish Ivor Wynne Stadium,  a rehabilitation project that will see the south side seating area rebuilt, with improvements made to the north side seating area.

Though it being Hamilton, controversy seems to follow every announcement, this time the surprise nature of the Mayor's discussions with the Tiger Cats and the sudden, surprise announcement that Ivor Wynne was in the picture, with dreams of a sparkling new stadium now banished to the coulda, shoulda filing cabinet.

Should the latest plan fall through, the city intends to build a 5,000 seat stadium on the West Harbour for Pan Am soccer and the Cats we imagine would begin the process of looking for a new home, most likely out of Hamilton, though we suspect they can cross Burlington off of any relocation short list now.

In the wake of the latest twist in the tale of the Tabbies, the folks who call Burlington home are feeling just a little bit used, from their recent discussions with the Tiger Cats management team.

All in all, a pretty messy affair for the Tiger Cats to try and mend over (perhaps either discounts for season tickets for the Burlington postal code, or not mailing any pamphlets at all the two options for the Cats there).

Still, once Hamilton council approves the plan (never a sure thing we guess) the actual blue prints will be passed out, showing what the "new" Ivor Wynne (how long the name lasts in this era of corporate branding remains to be seen) will look like.

One thing we'll all be watching for is to see if the cramped sidelines are to be relegated to the past, the character of the current stadium has always featured the "heads up" approach to football, where a push out of bounds has a fifty fifty chance of sending the shovee off to intensive care, we imagine that feature of the old Ivor Wynne will be but a foggy memory in the future.

The reviews of the latest chapter of the Cats stadium desires can be found below.

Hamilton Spectator-- Council gives Ivor Wynne plan cautious support
Hamilton Spectator-- The imperfect compromise
Hamilton Spectator-- Wynne win situation
Hamilton Spectator-- Ivor Wynne not so bad after all
National Post-- Ticats, Hamilton mayor strike stadium deal
National Post-- One man never gave up on Ivor Wynne
National Post-- Pan-Am Games boss has questions about Ticats’ stadium plan
Globe and Mail-- Tiger-Cats staying put in Hamilton
Globe and Mail-- Hamilton stadium decision expected by mid February
Toronto Sun-- Ticats fans are happy they're staying at Ivor Wynne 

Khari Jones takes the helm of the Ti Cats offence

The Tiger Cats may still be looking for some real estate for their franchise home, but they covered a lot of ground this week in the administration department, with the announcement that Khari Jones, the teams quarterback coach will be taking over the entire offensive game book in the 2011 season.

The relationship between Quarterback coach and quarterback no doubt played some role in the decision, but it wasn't the only factor that Ti Cat head coach Marcel Bellefeuille considered when he looked over his short list of candidates for the offensive coordinator position.

The Cats no doubt hope to put that wealth of CFL experience that Jones brings to his position after nine campaigns in the CFL, on field performances that garnered him all star accolades and status as the leagues most outstanding player in 2001 when he played with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

Point production will be the goal of the Jones offensive schemes, designed to deliver more than statistics but wins in the ledger as the season progresses.  A remix of the offensive play book seems in the works as well, with a bit more of an emphasis on the run than last year, while taking advantage of Kevin Glenn's skills at scrambling as well as passing.

The Cats who recently lost defensive co-ordinator Greg Marshall, who took on the duties as head coach in Saskatchewan will continue on with the remake of the management lists, but the addition of Jones to the offensive rolodex is one that is being welcomed within the ranks, an indication that the path of last year wasn't one that was universally endorsed by those on the field.

It will be up to Jones to make sure that his blue print for 2011 is one that can be executed to success, as Ti Cat fans once again wonder if this is the year that their long lasting support finally brings them a chance to bring back the Grey Cup.

Hamilton Spectator-- Ti Cats hand ball to Khari Jones
Sun Newspapers-- Jones a quick study
National Post-- Ticats' Jones downplays potential QB controversy
Globe and Mail-- Tiger Cats name Khari Jones offensive co-ordinator
TSN- Former MVP Khari Jones named Ticats' offensive co-ordinator

Quick Snaps: CFL head office

Items of note that don't get the full blog treatment, but offer up news and background on the head office of the CFL.


August


August 16-- Defences advocated degrees of roughing
August 15-- CFL Teams finding ways to gain the longest yard
August 12-- Meet Bernie Custis, football's first AfricanAmerican quarterback


July


July 21-- Vancouver Grey Cup sold out
July 15-- CFL War room meets the video review challenge
July 10-- Matt Dunigan reveals dark days with post-concussion syndrome
July 9-- Football hall of fame goes online
July 6-- CFL mirrors what's great about Canada


June


June 30-- Unplugged: Commissioner Cohon on the state of the CFL
June 29-- Some want to change confusing import rule
June 29-- Barker aims to make T. O. a CFL kind of town
June 28-- Task force recommends doping snitch line
June 24-- Unplugged: Theismann on the CFL, NFL and Marc Trestman
June 21-- CFL returning to NFL network
June 21-- NFL Network will air more CFL games
June 20-- Ottawa CFL group puts GM search on hold...
June 18-- CFL doc focuses on Bombers rookie
June 9-- Lawyer: Pryor not interested in CFL
June 1-- Damon Allen and the great Canadian QB hope


May


May 30-- Toronto Mayor must choose between CFL, NFL
May 15-- Taking brain injuries head on
May 8-- Receivers go fast at the CFL draft
May 7-- Everything to know about the quirky  CFL draft
May 7-- Mississauga school a football factory
May 7-- Lure of NFL can play havoc on CFL draft
May 7-- What to look for in the CFL draft
May 6-- CFL draft prospect ready to make the move
May 5-- CFL's draft a much trickier dance than NFL version
May 5-- CFL split on inexperienced intriguing prospect
May 5-- The risk of drafting Vaughn Martin
May 3-- Nationwide concussion awareness campaign launched


April


April 14-- Crazy CFL sequence leads to rule change
April 7-- 'Awareness is half the battle' for CFL and concussions
April 6-- CFL releases draft rankings
April 5-- Scott Mitchell named top ranked prospect for upcoming CFL draft
April 5-- Life expectancy of 55 shocks CFLers into push for safety


March


March 31-- CFL drug testers out in force
March 28-- Can NFL players come to CFL during lockout?
March 24-- Americans may turn to CFL
March 24-- No agent, no problem for some CFLers


February


February 25-- Cohon aims for more southern exposure
February 25--  Barker gets special surprise at awards luncheon
February 24-- 'Opportune time' for CFL expansion: PA boss
February 24-- Cohon not finished with CFL
February 23-- GM's sure Damon will get in
February 22-- Argos president defends CFL schedule makers
February 21-- Canadian Football Hall of Fame voting shrouded in bizarre secrecy
February 20-- Former CFL players' brains used in study link between concussions and disease
February 18-- Another Classic CFL blunder
February 7-- Moncton lands CFL regular-season sequel 


January 


January 26-- False Facts
January 19-- While there are a few conditions still in place, (like a stadium for instance), the plans are moving forward to develop expansion plans for the Ottawa franchise planned for an entry into 2013 season.
January 17-- By way of the Huffington Post, The Nation provides an interesting look back at the career of Cookie Gilchrist

Quick Snaps: British Columbia Lions - January 2011

Items of note that don't get the full blog treatment, but offer up news and background on the British Columbia Lions.




January 29--  Two vets shown the door
January 28--  Lions bulk up defensive line with Williams extension
January 28-- B.C. Lions release OL Haji-Rasouli 
January 28-- Knee history apparently at root of Haji-Rasouli's release
January 28-- Lions bulk up defensive line with Williams extension
January 28-- Lions sign Keron Williams to contract extension
January 27-- Lions Draft Watkins the Toast of Mobile , B. C. Lions top prospect Danny Watkins touted for NFL
January 26-- Local brewery out of its league in sponsorship of Lions
January 26-- Lions, 'Caps play B. C. Place waiting game
January 26-- Will it be called BC Bud?
January 24-- Re-upped B. C. Lion Robertson helps smooth teammate Arceneaux's way to NFL
January 24-- The Lions sign Jamal Robertson to a contract extension, holding him in the Lions den until the 2012 season.
January 19-- It looks as though Manny Arceneaux is destined for the NFL, with reports out of Vancouver that the Lions don't hold out much hope of his return to Vancouver in 2011
January 17-- Renovations continue on for the home of the BC Lions, CTV BC provides coverage as the final mast for the retractable roof is put in place. 

Quick Snaps: Calgary Stampeders - January 2011

Items of note that don't get the full blog treatment, but offer up news and background on the Calgary Stampeders.


February 3-- Stamps, Romby Bryant, come to terms, says report
February 2-- Stampeders offensive lineman Lazeo retires
January 25-- Ryan Thelwell files his retirement papers.
January 25-- Stamps' Thelwell packs in CFL career
January 25-- Stampeders receiver Ryan Thelwell retires
January 20-- Ball is in Labinjo's court, says Hufnagel
January 20-- Family ties helped keep fullback Cote in Calgary
January 20-- New defensive backs coach Tony Missick watched Stampeders from afar
January 19-- The Stamps bring in Tony Missick as their defensive backs coach, 
January 19-- All-Star Johnson marches to Saints
January 19-- Als surprise by nixing Labinjo trade
January 19-- Stamps all-star cornerback set to join Seattle Seahawks
January 13-- Stamps hunting for defensive backs coach after Ticats lure Chamblin
January 13-- Tiger-Cats pluck Chamblin off the Stamps
January 12-- Stampeders trade Labinjo to Alouettes
January 11-- Stamps recall Jim Duncan as tough, but honest coach

Quick Snaps: Edmonton Eskimos - January 2011

Items of note that don't get the full blog treatment, but offer up news and background on the Edmonton Eskimos.


January 29-- Significant change is coming
January 25-- Esks Players part of Haiti relief effort
January 25-- Eskimos likely to keep Eisler on staff
January 25-- Ray signs to stay with Eskimos
January 25-- Ricky Ray signs on with the Eskimos until 2013 keeping his hold on the number one spot in Edmonton.
January 24-- Ray happy with extension
January 24-- Ricky Ray signs extension with Eskimos
January 19-- Eskimos sign Winnipeg's Adarius Bowman
January 18-- Restelli signs with Dolphins: report
January 14-- Edmonton Eskimo facing new charges
January 13-- Edmonton Eskimo Braidwood slapped with sex assault charges

Quick Snaps: Saskatchewan Roughriders -January 2011

Items of note that don't get the full blog treatment, but offer up news and background on the Saskatchewan Roughriders.


January 29-- Jim Daley is always a man of class
January 28-- Riders Looking to replace 'three fine gentlemen'
January 28-- Riders name Bill MacDermott running backs coach
January 28-- Saskatchewan Roughriders' Ken Miller finalist for 2010 CFL coach-of-the-year award
January 28-- Riders' Ken Miller remains hard at work
January 27-- Ken Miller defies probability with his CFL coach-of-the-year nomination
January 25-- Bill MacDermott to join the coaching staff of the Saskatchewan Roughriders: source
January 25-- Can you blame Andy Fantuz for giving NFL a shot?
January 24-- Ray takes pay cut to rejoin Eskimos
January 20-- Too early to worry for Riders GM Brendan Taman
January 19-- Riders re-sign DB Chris McKenzie
January 19-- Riders' Gene Makowsky returning for another season
January 18-- Roughriders close to bringing Richie Hall back to Saskatchewan
January 18-- Riders keep Gene Makowsky on the O line for a 17th season

Quick Snaps: Winnipeg Blue Bombers - January 2011

Items of note that don't get the full blog treatment, but offer up news and background on the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.


January 29-- Blue are sackman Hunt's security
January 27-- Building revenue opportunities
January 26-- Palardy proves he's worthy
January 26-- Bombers sign placekicker Justin Palardy to contract extension 
January 26-- New stadium on track
January 25-- His humility spoke volumes
January 25-- Kicker true Blue Bomber
January 25-- Bombers extend two Canuck contracts
January 24-- Bombers great Herb Gray dead at 76
January 21-- Burke with Bombers: It's official
January 20-- Bowman lands job with Esks, old friends
January 19-- Bomber hopes to recover stolen Grey Cup ring
January 18-- Ottawa expansion draft details
January 12-- Bombers missing out on top defensive co-ordinator candidates
January 10-- Bombers' Dreadlock Twins need coach
January 10-- Bombers extend two contracts

Quick Snaps: Hamilton Tiger Cats - January 2011

Items of note that don't get the full blog treatment, but offer up news and background on the Hamilton Tiger Cats.


January 29-- No word on stadium funding until Monday, MPP's say
January 29-- No new money for Ticats stadium: opposition critic
January 28-- Countdown to zero hour is on
January 28-- Will Premier McGuinty save the Tiger Cats?
January 28-- Ticats in Ottawa by 2013' if stadium fails
January 27-- Funding gap for Ticats' stadium shrinks
January 27-- Hamilton Ti-Cats and city close to stadium deal
January 25-- Hamilton City Council finally gives it's approval to the new Ivor Wynne Stadium plan, even if there's still a question of a financial shortfall on the planned renovations.
January 26-- Knowlton signs extension with Ticats
January 25-- Markeith Knowlton will continue to terrorize opposition Quarter backs for the Tiger Cats until 2013 as he signs a new contract.
January 25-- Tiger-Cats re-sign Markeith Knowlton
January 25-- Queen's Park will help meet stadium shortfall
January 25-- Hamilton council backs Ivor Wynne for Pan Am Games
January 22-- Scott Mitchell playing to win
January 20-- Obie OK with expansion rules
January 18-- Ticat sees Haitian plight up close
January 14-- Miller hopes to be 'special' for Cats
January 13-- Attack is integral part of new Ticat defensive coordinator's game plan
January 13-- Richard Wade out as regional scout for Ticats
January 11-- Ticats choose Ivor Wynne
January 11-- Tiger-Cats staying put in Hamilton

Quick Snaps: Toronto Argonauts - January 2011

Items of note that don't get the full blog treatment, but offer up news and background on the Toronto Argonauts.

January 27-- Argos 'actively pursuing' speedster Owens
January 27-- The case for Jim Barker
January 27-- Argos' Barker CFL coach of the year finalist
January 27-- Argos' Jim Barker up for CFL coach of the year
January 27-- Trestman, Miller, Barker up for coach of the year award
January 27-- Barker, Miller, Trestman up for CFL's top coach award
January 26-- Lemon reflects on his first CFL season
January 24-- Argos' Owens considers NFL offer
January 21-- Argos' Belli contemplating 11th CFL Season
January 21-- Argos prez: Mayor can keep jersey
January 18-- Finger surgery for Argos' Cleo Lemon
January 18-- Argos QB Lemon has surgery
January 14-- Argos re-sign veteran kicker/punter Noel Prefontaine
January 14-- Argos re-sign kicker, hope Owens returns too
January 10-- Argos sign WR Copeland to extension
January 10-- Argos receiver aims to put down roots in Toronto