Earl Winfield

Earl Winfield was undoubtedly one of the greatest players to ever wear the Hamilton Tiger-Cats uniform. Not only a top flight CFL receiver of his era, he was also among the CFL’s top game breakers on special teams with his electrifying kick return abilities.

Despite playing on some dismal teams for the majority of his career, Winfield managed to rewrite the Tiger-Cats record books for receiving and kick returning. Winfield still holds countless Tiger-Cats team records. Including Most Touchdowns (87), Most Receiving Yards (10,119), and Most Punt Return Touchdowns (11).

Earl Winfield as a receiver

When Earl Winfield retired from the CFL in 1997, he was among the top 10 players all-time in receiving yards. In 2002, when he became an eligible candidate for the Canadian Football Hall of Fame, Winfield was still among the top 10 players. Since than he has dropped out of the top 10, while several of his peers have passed his career yardage totals and have been inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Earl Winfield’s career receiving stats »

Earl Winfield as a punt returner

As one of the finest punt returners the CFL has ever seen, his 11 punt return touchdowns rank 2nd all-time in the CFL record books.

Perhaps Winfield’s special teams accomplishments were over looked during a period in CFL history that was especially rich in Hall of Fame caliber returners… Such as Mike “Pinball” Clemons, and Henry “Gizmo” Williams.

But if you consider the amount of attempts Winfield had in comparison, his 11 touchdowns is quite remarkable. Winfield played in 140 games and was able to reach the endzone 11 times on just 281 attempts. That’s an average of just 2 returns per game, and roughly 1 touchdown per 25 returns.

CFL Punt Return Comparison Chart »

In 1988 the Hamilton Tiger-Cats set a team record for most punt return touchdowns in a single season when they reached the endzone 5 times. Earl Winfield was responsible for 4 of the 5 return touchdowns that season. One of those punt returns was also part of another record, when on September 5th, 1998 Winfield became the first player in CFL history to score a touchdown three different ways. Including a 101 yard punt return touchdown, a 100 yard kickoff return touchdown, and a pass reception touchdown. Winfield finished the game with 400 total yards. Just another example of how Winfield lifted his team greatness.

Earl Winfield’s Impact on Hamilton and the CFL

Winfield’s impact on the city of Hamilton and the CFL should not be forgotten. Many fans credit him for keeping the fan base energized during a time in Tiger-Cats history when the team was struggling on and off the field.

The Tiger-Cats were a sub .500 football team for the majority of Winfield’s time in Hamilton. But despite the lack of team success, Ticat fans were always entertained when Winfield was on the field at Ivor Wynne Stadium.

During a time when the Tiger-Cats and the CFL as a whole were struggling financially, Winfield even took a large pay cut. He was coming off the finest season of his career, posting career highs in receptions, yards, and touchdowns. If anything Winfield deserved a raise, instead he took less money to stay with the financially strapped Ticats for one more season.

“With all that the league has been through, you can’t talk about the money, because you ain’t going to get a lot of money out of it right now.” – Earl Winfield (1996)

Winfield retired from football following the 1996 season. But returned to the Tiger-Cats mid way through the 1997 season to once again help the struggling team.

Should Earl Winfield be in the Canadian Football Hall of Fame?

Why Earl Winfield isn’t in the Canadian Football Hall of Fame remains a mystery to many Tiger-Cat and CFL fans. Is he the victim of having a poor supporting cast? Does the fact that he never won a Grey Cup Championship hurt his Hall of Fame resume? Perhaps his role as a returned man hurt his receiving numbers just enough to be overlooked. Or maybe injuries prevented him from getting over the hump…

Whatever the reason may have been, he has done just about as much as any individual could for a franchise. Earl Winfield is a worthy candidate for induction into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame.

Related:

• Earl Winfield Player Profile
• Ticats Forum: Does Earl Winfield belong in the Canadian Football Hall of Fame?

Many players have come and gone through the Tiger-Cats lineup over the past 20 years. Some have had brilliant Hall of Fame careers, others have had less than stellar performances. Here is a look at just a few players that, for one reason or another, have failed to live up to expectations in Hamilton.

Josh Ranek aka “The little ball of hate”

Josh Ranek – Ottawa Renegades

As the running back of the Ottawa Renegades, Josh Ranek had put together an impressive CFL resume. In just four seasons with the Renegades, Ranek was able to amass over 6,000 all purpose yards and 33 touchdowns. Ranek had over 1,000 rushing in three of his four years in Ottawa, and was named a CFL East All-Star in 2003, 2004, and 2005.

Following the 2005 season, Ottawa Renegades franchise was suspended indefinitely by the league due to financial instability. Seeing this coming, free agent Josh Ranek signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats before the 2006 CFL season.

Josh Ranek – Hamilton Tiger-Cats

Ranek was a high-profile free agent signing by the Tiger-Cats, but he was plagued by injuries during the 2006 campaign. In 10 games with the Tiger-Cats, Ranek posted 85 carries for 343 yards, 26 receptions for 254 yards and three touchdowns.

The lone bright spot of Josh Ranek’s time with the Tiger-Cats came on August 4th in a game verses the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Ranek had 27 carries for 164 yards, 4 receptions for 69 yards and a touchdown. His efforts earned him the CFL’s Offensive Player of the Week award.

On Labour Day, Ranek suffered a serious leg injury, ending his season, and eventually his time in Hamilton. With an already crowded backfield (Jesse Lumsden, Corey Holmes, and Anthony Davis) Ranek became expendable. The Hamilton Tiger-Cats released Josh Ranek following the 2006 season for financial reasons.

Ranek bounced around with a few other CFL teams (Edmonton, Saskatchewan), but failed to catch on anywhere else.

Timm Rosenbach

Timm Rosenbach was selected in 1st round of the 1989 NFL Supplemental Draft by the Phoenix Cardinals. After seeing spot duty in his rookie year, an impressive sophomore season followed. Starting all 16 games for the Cardinals in the 1990 NFL season, Rosenbach threw for over 3,000 yards and 16 touchdowns that year, but despite his efforts the Cardinals went 5-11.

Timm Rosenbach – Phoenix Cardinals

After putting up respectable numbers in the 1990 NFL season, there was hope that Rosenbach and the Cardinals could continue to build off that success in 1991. But an injury during training camp put Rosenbach on the sidelines.

After suffering a severe concussion and a separated shoulder in the 1992 NFL season, Rosenbach began to develop fears of being crippled if he continued to play the game. Timm Rosenbach retired from the NFL after the 1992 season, walking away from a million dollar annual salary. “I was banged up and I wasn’t into it mentally,” Rosenbach says. “I needed to get away from the game and reflect on it, see how I felt about it. I had to get a new attitude is what I needed to do … “

In 1994 Rosenbach returned to football with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. A former NFL rising star, Rosenbach was expected to help lift the Tiger-Cats past their disappointing 6-12 record from the year before (1993). But Rosenbach failed to live up to the NFL hype. In 11 games with the Ticats, Rosenbach threw for 2,083 yards, 10 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions.

The Tiger-Cats were struggling on and off the field. With Rosenbach behind center, the team held a 3-8 record. Off the field, the team was expected to lose $2 million dollars that year.

Timm Rosenbach – Hamilton Tiger-Cats

Just after mid-season, the Tiger-Cats decided to cut ties with Rosenbach. The move saved the team $150,000 of Rosenbach’s $300,000 salary, as well as $1 million he would have made in 1995.

“All I was told was our playoff chances looked dim, the money wasn’t there and it was a struggle to make payroll,” Rosenbach said. “When you make cutbacks, this (high salaries) is where you go.”

“I really didn’t expect it because I thought that time (for being released) had passed,” Rosenbach said. “It’s a little difficult to take because I’ve never been handed something like this ever before.”

“I’m not bitter,” he said. “I’m disappointed with how the season went, but I proved to myself I’m still a good player and I can still take a hit.

“I’ve also earned a new respect for the CFL and its players. But I think, right now, what I need most is to get out of town and kick back.”

Sandro DeAngelis

Sandro DeAngelis began his CFL career with the Calgary Stampeders after signing as a free agent in 2005. During his 5 years in Calgary (2005-2009), DeAngelis made 83.8% of his field goal attempts, making him the most accurate field goal kicker in CFL history.

Sandro DeAngelis – Calgary Stampeders

DeAngelis won the CFL Player of the Week twice in 2005 (week 9 and 18). In 2006 Sandro won the John Agro Special Teams award as the Most Outstanding Special Teams player. DeAngelis was also named a CFL All-Star 3 times, and a CFL Western All-Star 5 times.

On November 23, 2008, DeAngelis won the Grey Cup as part of the Calgary Stampeders. His 5 field goal performance, including one from 51 yards, earned him the Dick Suderman Trophy as the Grey Cup’s Most Outstanding Canadian.

In 2010 DeAngelis became a free agent. He was considered the most sought after player during the CFL free agency period. DeAngelis also had off-season workouts with the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys and Atlanta Falcons.

Ultimately the high-priced DeAngelis was signed by the Tiger-Cats, who were looking for more consistency from the kicker position. It was a homecoming for the Niagara Falls native who grew up cheering for the Ticats.

DeAngelis got off to a rough start in Hamilton, missing four of his first six field goal attempts at Ivor Wynne Stadium. Among the misses were 2 field goal attempts in week 2, as the Tiger-Cats lost 22-23 to DeAngelis’ former team, the Calgary Stampeders.

Although he would improve as the year went on, 2010 would be the worst of his career. His field goal percentage plummeted to 76%, which ranked 7th among kickers that year.

Sandro DeAngelis – Hamilton Tiger-Cats

“My season? Am I ecstatic about it? Absolutely not, but I’m relatively pleased,” he said. “If I really put it in perspective, 76%, to have that as your bad year … that’s a pretty good thing to do as a kicker.”

“I got off to the worst start you could possibly get off to as a Tiger-Cat here and … I got better as the year went on. I’m proud of the fact I got better, because it wasn’t always easy.”

The Tiger-Cats made the playoffs in 2010 with a 9-9 record. They faced the Toronto Argonauts at home in the East semi-final playoff game. DeAngelis missed a 17 yard field goal attempt in the game, the Tiger-Cats went on to lose the game 16-13.

Sandro DeAngelis was released by the Tiger-Cats in 2011, just before the start of training camp.

“I grew up a Tiger-Cat fan and I was hoping my kids would grow up seeing their Daddy playing at Ivor Wynne,” he said. “So that’s disappointing.”

Jason Maas

Jason Maas experienced many up’s and down’s during the first 5 years of his CFL career (2000-2005). Playing quarterback for the Edmonton Eskimos, who had great depth at the quarterback position at the time. Jason Maas found himself in constant competition for the starting job. Although injuries limited his play at times, Maas showed flashes of brilliance when given the opportunity.

Jason Maas – Edmonton Eskimos

Maas started the 2002 season as the Edmonton Eskimos starting quarterback, but a separated shoulder sidelined him only 4 weeks into the season. The Maas injury made way for Ricky Ray, who emerged as a CFL super star during Maas’ time on the bench. Maas did not regain his starting role until Ricky Ray left for the NFL in 2004.

In 2004, During his only full season as the starting quarterback in Edmonton, Maas put together some impressive numbers. Throwing for 5,274 yards and 31 touchdowns, and a quarterback rating of 105.1. Maas finished as the runner up for the 2004 Most Outstanding Player award, which went to BC Lions quarterback Casey Printers.

In 2005, when quarterback Ricky Ray returned to the Eskimos after a year with the NFL’s New York Jets, Maas found himself back on the bench. Ricky Ray led the Eskimos to the playoffs that year, but when Ray struggled during the Eskimos first two playoff games, Maas was called upon. Maas once again showed that he had the talent to be a starting quarterback in the CFL. Coming off the bench in consecutive playoff games to lead the Eskimos to victory, helping push the Eskimos into the 93rd Grey Cup game.

Despite the impressive play by Maas in the playoffs, Ricky Ray started and played the entire Grey Cup game. The Eskimos won the Grey Cup, and shortly after, it was learned that Jason Maas had been traded to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

There was much optimism in steeltown going into the 2006 CFL season. Not only did the Tiger-Cats acquire quarterback Jason Maas, the team had assembled a group of talented players for Maas to work with. Including runningback Josh Ranek, runningback/returner Corey Holmes, and former teammate receiver Terry Vaughn.

Jason Maas – Hamilton Tiger-Cats

Maas was unable to recapture the success he had in Edmonton. The Tiger-Cats struggled badly under Maas, averaging only 16 points per game, the Ticats finished last in the Eastern division with a 4-14 record. Jason Maas was a turnover machine for the Tiger-Cats, surrendering a whopping 27 turnovers in 2006, including 17 interceptions and 10 fumbles, while only throwing for 8 touchdowns.

Offensive coordinator Joe Paopao, and the Tiger-Cats offense drew much criticism early on in the season. Among the critics was former Tiger-Cat receiver and CBC analysis, Darren Flutie, who said: “Within Joe Paopao’s system, it seemed whoever was at quarterback was doomed to fail”.

2007 wasn’t much better for Maas as he once again struggled, turning over the ball 12 times in just half a season. With the team struggling with a 1-8 record at mid-season, the Tiger-Cats went out and signed quarterback Casey Printers. Printers the 2004 Most Outstanding Player, had recently been released from the Kansas City Chiefs.

Maas was traded to the Montreal Alouettes shortly after the signing of Printers, ending his time in Hamilton after just one and a half seasons.

Casey Printers

Casey Printers took the Canadian Football League (CFL) by storm in 2004. Throwing for over 5,000 yards and 35 passing touchdowns, add to that his nearly 500 yards rushing and 9 touchdowns on the ground. Casey Printers found himself holding the CFL Most Outstanding Player (MOP) award at the end of the 2004 season.

Casey Printers – BC Lions

Hamilton Tiger-Cats fans will remember Casey Printers record breaking performance at Ivor Wynne Stadium that year. August 13, 2004 Casey Printers broke the CFL single-game completion percentage record. Completing 20 of 22 passes (90.9%) for 303 yards and 4 touchdowns (all to Lions receiver Geroy Simon).

His MOP season had drew some attention from south of the boarder, and when he had his chance to sign with an NFL team after the 2005 season he did. Casey Printers signed with the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs in 2006. After spending a season on the Chiefs practice roster he was released. Following his released many CFL teams tried to court the former CFL MOP, including Hamilton, Montreal, Toronto, BC, and Calgary.

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats eventually won the Casey Printers sweepstakes. Printers was signed to a four-year, $1.7 million dollar contract, making Printers the highest paid player in the CFL.

Casey Printers – Hamilton Tiger-Cats

Printers joined the struggling Ticats mid-way through the 2007 season, appearing in 6 games. But failed to impress, throwing for just 774 yards, 1 touchdown and 4 interceptions. Injuries eventually put him on the sidelines for the season.

Printers lack-luster performance in 2007 could be attributed to bad timing. Joining a brand new team mid-season, learning a new system, getting comfortable with your new teammates, would be a challenge for any quarterback.

Heading into the 2008 CFL season, expectations were extremely high for Casey Printers and the Tiger-Cats. Having a full training camp with his new teammates under his belt, it was time to put any excuses aside and start producing on the football field. Printers was expected to lift the Tiger-Cats above their league worst 3-15 record from the year before. He did anything but.

Printers once again struggled with injuries and inconsistent play. He also struggled with turnovers, throwing twice as many interceptions (10) as touchdowns (5) and losing 7 fumbles. On several occasions Printers finished games completing well below 50% of his passes. Quinton Porter eventually took over as the starting quarterback in Hamilton. The Tiger-Cats once again finished last in the Eastern Division with a 3-15 record.

Having only been with the club for less than a year and a half. The Tiger-Cats released Casey Printers on February 19, 2009.

Related

• Ticats Forum: Who are the Tiger-Cats biggest disappointments of the past two decades?

Tiger-Cats Runningback Avon Cobourne

After the first quarter of the 2011 CFL season, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats find themselves in 2nd place in the CFL’s Eastern division. The Tiger-Cats started the season off on a two game losing streak, after losses to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and the Edmonton Eskimos. Starting the season 0-2 had many fans questioning what kind of season was in store.

The Tiger-Cats quickly clawed their way out of a hole, following their 0-2 start with a three game winning streak. Beating the Saskatchewan Roughriders, BC Lions, and defending Grey Cup champion Montreal Alouettes.

Summary of results:

Week 1: Blue Bombers 24, Tiger-Cats 16

Tiger-Cats lead 16-9 at halftime thanks to some solid defence. Despite a struggling offence, the Tiger-Cats continued to hold a small lead throughout the 3rd quarter. Just minutes into the 4th quarter, Blue Bombers DB Alex Suber returned an interception 65-yards for a touchdown, the Blue Bombers never looked back.
Disuss | Photos | Footage

Week 2: Tiger-Cats 10, Eskimos 28

This is a game Ticat fans would like to forget. The Tiger-Cats couldn’t get anything consistent going on offence, while the Edmonton Eskimos had some game breaking performances from receiver Fred Stamps (178 yards, 1 TD) and running back Jerome Messam (104 yards, 2 TDs).
Disuss | Footage

Week 3: Roughriders 3, Tiger-Cats 33

Heading into week 3 the Tiger-Cats were 0-2, and it was announced just prior to kickoff that Tiger-Cats receivers Arland Bruce and Maurice Mann would miss the game with injuries. Tiger-Cats rookie receiver Chris Williams stepped up and hauled in 2 touchdown receptions helping lift the Tiger-Cats to their first win of the season.
Disuss | Photos | Footage

Week 4: Tiger-Cats 39, Lions 31

Coming off their first win of the season the Tiger-Cats headed to BC to play the winless Lions. The Tiger-Cats jumped out to an early 21-7 lead, scoring on their opening two possessions. Avon Cobourne scored his first touchdown as a Tiger-Cat. Chris Williams had a break out game, recording 8 receptions for 189 yards and a touchdown. Lions came roaring back to tie the game up, when Korey Banks recovered a fumble for a touchdown. After some back and forth scoring in the second half, the game remained tied with under 2:00 left in the game. Tiger-Cats receiver Arland Bruce hauled in a deep pass to set up Tiger-Cats Kicker Justin Medlock up with the go ahead point.
Disuss | Footage

Week 5: Alouettes 26, Tiger-Cats 34

Alouettes quarterback Anthony Calvillo passed for over 350 yards, but nothing came easy for the Alouettes offence. Tiger-Cats defenders were making plays all over the field, snuffing out drives and causing some key turnovers. Dave Stala had his first 100 yard receiving game of the season and added a pair of touchdowns. Stala earned ‘CFL Canadian Player of the Week’ honours for his efforts.
Disuss | Photos | Footage

2011 CFL standings after week 5:

A quick look at the CFL standings after five weeks shows the Tiger-Cats two losses came at the hands of the eventual division leaders in the east and west. Two of the Tiger-Cats wins came against two of the worst teams to this point in the season.

2011 Tiger-Cats Report Card: Week 1-5:

Offence

• The offence got off to a very slow start his season. The first two games of the season Kevin Glenn had only thrown for 2 touchdowns, while also throwing 4 interceptions. During the Tiger-Cats three game winning streak Glenn has thrown 7 touchdowns and no interceptions.
• It didn’t take rookie receiver Chris Williams long to burst on the scene. Williams has 304 yards receiving and 3 touchdowns, ranking 8th among CFL leaders in receiving yards.
• Already 5 touchdowns this season, Dave Stala will make himself a strong candidate for Most Outstanding Canadian if he can keep this pace.
• Arland Bruce and Maurice Mann have failed to produce, mostly due to injury.

Offence: C

Defence

• The Tiger-Cats defence has played exceptional. Even when the offence has set them up in a bad position, they have played very well under the circumstances.
• Everyone deserves a mention here: Stevie Baggs, Albert Smith, Eddie Steele, Justin Hickman, Markeith Knowlton, Renauld Williams, Jamall Johnson, Ryan Hinds, Jason Shivers, Carlos Thomas, Marcell Young, Bo Smith.

Defence: A

Special Teams

• Kicker Justin Medlock has been a pleasant surprise, and a huge upgrade from Sandro Deangelis. Medlock is 12 for 14 on field goal attempts through five weeks of the CFL season. Field goals that have made the difference in some of the closer games.
• Marcus Thigpen has yet to reach the end zone on a punt or kick return. But he has had some solid returns that should not be over looked.

Special Teams: B

With the passing game coming off a stellar season, and the off-season addition of running back Avon Cobourne. The Tiger-Cats offense was expected to lift this team to new heights, and perhaps give Montreal a run for the eastern division title.

Tiger-Cats offense struggle to get on track – RB Avon Cobourne

Despite the positive outlook many had – fans and analysts alike. The Hamilton Tiger-Cats find themselves in a dark place after the first two weeks of the 2011 CFL season. The team is off to a horrid 0-2 start, the offense has failed to produce, and there has already been a quarterback controversy brewing amongst fans in Hamilton.

Bright spots of note: The defense has played considerably well, taking into account lack of support the offense has given. Also, the consistent kicking of Justin Medlock. Although his opportunities have been limited. He has connected on both of his field goal attempts so far, which is something Tiger-Cat fans could get used to, given the erratic nature of the kicking game in years past.

Tiger-Cats early season history under Marcel Bellefeuille

Marcel Bellefeuille has lead the Tiger-Cats to a 9-9 record in each of his first two seasons as the Tiger-Cats head coach. Now in his third season behind the bench, Bellefeuille’s Ticats have a combined record of just 1-5 after the first two games of each season.

Looking forward

Should we be reaching for the panic button this early in the Tiger-Cats season? – hardly

Despite the slow start, there is reason for optimism. If history repeats itself, the Tiger-Cats should be able to bounce back from this slow start. Just as they have done in each of the past two seasons.

In the next two weeks, Hamilton will face the Saskatchewan Roughriders (0-2) at home, and the BC Lions (0-2) on the road. If the Tiger-Cats offense can get on track, the team could dig themselves out of the hole they’re in just as fast as they got in it. Given the history, a 2-2 record heading into week 5 would be an improvement.

Related

• Ticats Forum: Game 3: Roughriders @ Tiger-Cats
• Ticats Forum: Game 4: Tiger-Cats @ BC

2011 Tiger-Cats Season Tickets

I have been a Tiger-Cats season ticket holder for some time now. After a long off-season I am always eager to receive my season tickets in the mail. Not only because it means a fresh season is just around the corner, but I also always look forward to seeing what the team has come up with for the ticket design.

When my 2011 Hamilton Tiger-Cats season tickets arrived in the mail this year, I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of presentation. The season ticket comes in a handy little booklet, with each ticket on it’s own page. Each ticket features a different Tiger-Cat player, along with the logos for that weeks matchup.

Normally you would expect to just see a photo of a player on each ticket. But this year, the images were modified to look almost like a painted comic. Needless to say, it’s a nice touch.

Here’s the 2011 Tiger-Cats schedule with a break down of the player featured for each game:

2011 Hamilton Tiger-Cats Schedule – Featuring player tickets

While I am a big fan of this years batch of tickets, some tickets from years past have been less than impressive. In recent memory, one year featured different pictures of kids playing football on each ticket. Another year pictures of fans appeared on each ticket.

While I can understand why the team would want to put youth football, and fans on tickets. Seeing a picture of a kid playing football doesn’t exactly get you excited for the game. Which is why it is a pleasant surprise to have actual Tiger-Cat players featured on this years tickets.

Related:

• But Tiger-Cats single game tickets now!

Back due to popular demand, the Ticat donut returns to Tim Horton’s stores in and around the Hamilton area. Backing off the success of the 2010 season.

Hamilton Tiger-Cats donut from Tim Hortons

Not much has changed, as the donut returns in it’s classic form from last season. Atop the oval shaped donut dawns the edible Tiger-Cats leaping tiger logo, surrounded with black, yellow, and white sprinkles. Inside the pastry is the classic Boston cream filling that Ticat fans have grown to love.

If you’ve tried this donut before, chances are you won’t need any extra motivation to swing by the nearest Tim Horton’s after the next Tiger-Cats home game. For many Tiger-Cat fans, grabbing a Ticat donut after home games is quickly becoming a tradition.

If the Ticats win, you grab a Ticat donut to celebrate! If the Ticats lose, you grab a Ticat donut to make yourself feel better. And in the case of a draw, well, you grab the Ticat donut to help fill the void left from the unsettling feeling of a tie game.

The Ticat donut isn’t the first piece of CFL Food to come CFL fans way. When ‘Morreale Macaroni’ hit the streets of Hamilton in 1999, former Ticat receiver Mike Morreale helped raise $26,000 for the Hamilton Children’s Hospital. More recently, the Saskatchewan Roughriders cereal ‘Fantuz Flakes’ featured receiver Andy Fantuz. A year later, Roughrider receiver Weston Dressler appears on bags of ‘All-Dressler’ chips.

What do you think of the Ticat Donut?

If you have yet to indulge in this delicious piece of Tiger-Cats history. I recommend picking one up. What is your opinion on the Ticat donut?

Related

• TicatsTV: Unveiling the Ticats Supreme Donut (Video)

Canada Day 2011 – CFL opening week, Hamilton Tiger-Cats linebacker Jamall Johnson lays a huge hit on Winnipeg Blue Bombers quarterback Buck Pierce.

Surprisingly Buck Pierce survived the hit without injury. The Blue Bombers went on to defeat the Tiger-Cats 24-16.

Arland Bruce breaking tackles in standout performance

July 31, 2010 – Hamilton Tiger-Cats play the Saskatchewan Roughriders in Mosaic Stadium at Taylor Field. Arland Bruce ate up the Roughriders defensive secondary all day long, reeling in 16 pass receptions, for 272 yards, and 2 touchdowns. The 16 catches tied a CFL record for most receptions in a single game. The record is now shared with 4 different CFL players: Terry Greer, Brian Wiggins, Derrell Mitchell, and Arland Bruce.

Arland Bruce scored a touchdown with his 3rd reception in the first quarter of the game. But perhaps the most impressive of the 16 catches came in the fourth quarter on Arland Bruce’s 15th reception of the game. Bruce took the pass from Tiger-Cats quarterback Kevin Glenn on the Roughriders 30 yard line, and proceeded to knife through the defense, eluding 7 potential tacklers on route to the endzone.

Arland Bruce hauls in 16 receptions for 272 yards and two TD’s:

This game was also made famous when Tiger-Cats receiver Dave Stala uses football as a hacky sack following a touchdown pass from quarterback Kevin Glenn in the first quarter.

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats went on to lose the game to the Saskatchewan Roughriders 37-24. Despite the great effort from Arland Bruce.

Arland Bruce earned the CFL Offensive Player of the Week honours for his performance.

Dave Stala – Hacky sack touchdown celebration

July 31, 2010 – Hamilton Tiger-Cats play the Saskatchewan Roughriders in Mosaic Stadium at Taylor Field. 5 minutes into the 2nd quarter, Tiger-Cats receiver Dave Stala catches an 11 yard touchdown pass from quarterback Kevin Glenn to give the Tiger-Cats a 14-7 lead.

Following the touchdown grab, Dave Stala performs one of the most unique touchdown celebrations. Using the football as a hacky sack, Stala flips the ball off the ground, kicks it up three times, than boots it into the crowd of Rider fans.

Hacky Sack celebration by Dave Stala

Despite the Dave Stala touchdown catch, and a breakout game for teammate Arland Bruce, who had CFL record tying 16 receptions for 272 yards and two touchdowns. The Tiger-Cats lost to the Roughriders 37-24.

The touchdown celebration also gained international attention, appearing on ESPN’s Pardon The Interruption (PTI). Dave Stala’s clip was shown during PTI’s report card segment.