After a long off-season, a frantic free agency, the skill testing combine, draft day, and a demanding training camp, the wait is finally over for CFL players and fans alike.
All eyes will be on BMO Field Thursday night when the Hamilton Tiger-Cats kick off the 2016 regular season on the road against the rival Toronto Argonauts. The Argos will also usher in a new era at BMO Field as Thursday will be the first regular season game at the team’s new home.
Emotions are always heightened when the East Division foes go toe-to-toe. The long history and short distance between the two cities is a sure recipe for an intense matchup.
“They’re going to play hard,” said Ticats head coach Kent Austin. “They’re going to be fired up. They’re well coached. They’ve got good talent across the board and we have to go down the street and play in their new venue. It’s a good challenge for us.”
Jeremiah Masoli will be at quarterback when the Black and Gold take the field in Toronto. Masoli took over primary pivot duties at the end of last season and into the playoffs, helping the Ticats reach the East Division finals. He was not handed the starting spot despite his performance at the end of last year; he had to earn it. After an impressive training camp and two standout preseason performances, Masoli was given the keys to the Ticats offence.
“I’m very excited,” Masoli said about the opportunity to start on Thursday. “I’m just honored to be able to share the field with these guys and represent the city and give it my all.”
Thursday’s game will also be the first look at the Ticats revamped defence. Injuries, releases, and free agent signings have changed the make up of the defensive unit compared to 2015. However, key components of the defensive core still remain intact. Hamilton resigned 2015 East Division Most Outstanding Defensive Player Simoni Lawrence in the offseason as well as all-star halfback Emmanuel Davis. The Ticats also added defensive end John Chick to the lineup. The long time Saskatchewan Roughrider has developed a reputation for being one of the top pass rushers in the league.
Defensive coordinator Orlondo Steinauer says that his group is continuing to work to build chemistry.
“They’re working hard. They’re putting in the time and effort. They’re watching film. They’re really working hard to give ourselves the best opportunity to win the football game and that’s all you can really ask for,” said Steinauer.
“It’s a long season. This is an important start for us. We’re excited for it.”
The Argos will pose a good test for the Ticats, both offensively and defensively. Toronto quarterback Ricky Ray missed most of last season after undergoing shoulder surgery but says he is entering the 2016 season in peak condition.
“I’m feeling really good,” Ray told Argonauts.ca. “I haven’t been super healthy here of late and coming into this camp I felt really good and had no problems. I’m feeling great physically. I just want to get out there and play a little bit more, get some hits, and get back into the football mode.”
Argo’s defensive end Ricky Foley says he is embracing the importance of Thursday’s matchup.
“It’s like a playoff game for me, to be honest with you,” Foley told Argonauts.ca. “I know how big it is for this city, how big it is for this organization… You treat it like any other week, and you let the goosebumps and the butterflies hit you the night before, or the morning if you can hold it off.“
The season opener will be a rematch of last year’s East Division semi-final. In the postseason barnburner, the Ticats regained possession with less than a minute left on the clock and the game tied at 22 apiece. The Ticats made a 47-yard field goal on the last play of the game to advance to the East Division finals.
Quick Facts:
– The last time the Argonauts opened up a new stadium on the Toronto waterfront, it was also against the Tiger-Cats. The Double Blue and Black & Gold christined Exhibition Stadium on August 21, 1959, with the Ticats winning 16-7.
– The last time the Tiger-Cats played a meaningful game on Exhibition grounds was November 6, 1988. Ticats quarterback Jeremiah Masoli was only two months old.
