Tiger-Cats Fall 42-31 in Season Opener

HAMILTON — The Hamilton Tiger-Cats lost the 2023 CFL season opener 42-31 on the road to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

Although the game was marred by a slow start and missed opportunities, quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell took a step forward in Offensive Coordinator Tommy Condell’s offence, hit a notable career milestone and laid down another brick for the foundation of the future.

The raw numbers were: 18 of 34 (52.9%) for 187 yards (5.5 yards per attempt), one touchdown and two interceptions, one of which came on a two-point convert attempt.

While the result isn’t what the club or Ticats fans were hoping for, there were silver linings to be found as well. After falling behind 32-4, the Ticats out-scored the Bombers 27-10 for the remainder of the game.

Mitchell connected with the CFL’s 2022 leader in receptions, receiver Tim White, for a 10-yard touchdown late in the third quarter—bringing the score to 32-16.

A late fourth quarter push included a scoop and score by defensive back Chris Edwards and a touchdown run by running back James Butler.

Mitchell very quietly eclipsed 2,500 career pass completion, beginning the game with 2,496 and ending it with 2,514.

In the end, the Ticats were unable to overcome a 28-point deficit, but Head Coach Orlondo Steinauer’s team showed tremendous grit in the face of adversity.

For a team with so many new pieces, it’s expected for time to become the glue that holds this team together.

Ticats fans didn’t have to wait until their Week 2 matchup vs. the Argos to see if Hamilton could bounce back—the team’s 27-10 late game push vs. Winnipeg said it all.

Although the Week 1 loss is a step back in the standings, it was a step forward for a team whose goal is not how they start, but how they finish.

The Tiger-Cats will face the Argonauts in Week 2 on Sunday June 18th at 7:00 PM.