FB: Saskatchewan favourites to repeat as champs in 2022
August 26, 2022
CALGARY - The votes are in. Canada West football coaches have selected the Saskatchewan Huskies as the favourite for the 2022 season, which is only a week away.
In a close poll, the Huskies came out atop after capturing the Hardy Cup in commanding style last year. The team went 5-1 on the regular season before beating down the Manitoba Bisons 45-17 in the Cup final. The winningest school in CW football history will be looking to earn its 21st title this fall.
Their Hardy Cup foe, the Manitoba Bisons, finished second in the preseason poll, four points behind the Huskies. The Bisons are also coming off a strong season, having painted its players all over the defensive all-star roster. They'll be hungry to avenge last year's Hardy Cup loss and hoist the trophy for the first time since 2014.
British Columbia also fared well in the coaches' poll, finishing third with 17 points. The team fell to Saskatchewan in last year's Hardy Cup semi final, but have added several key pieces this year. The T-Birds' squad also features the reigning CW Rookie of the Year at quarterback, who will look to guide them back atop West.
The wait is almost over. In one week, your favourites will look to take their first steps toward the Hardy Cup. On Friday, Calgary will welcome Saskatchewan at 5:30 p.m. MDT while the Regina Rams travel to Manitoba for a 7:00 p.m. CDT kick off. British Columbia and Alberta round out Week 1 action on the coast Saturday at 7:00 p.m. PDT.
Can't make it to the game? You can catch all Canada West football games on Canada West TV - the official streaming home of the conference. To purchase your pass, click here.
2021 CW regular season record: /3-3/, 3rd
2021 post-season record: /0-1/, Loss to Manitoba in Hardy Cup Semifinal
Last Hardy Cup championship / total Hardy Cup championships: 1981 / 16
Last Vanier Cup championship / total Vanier Cup championships: 1980 / 3
2022 CFL Draft picks:
LB - Josiah Schakel - Calgary Stampeders
OL - Rodeem Brown - Montreal Alouettes
OL - Peter Kozushka - Montreal Alouettes
DB - Jayden Dalke - Saskatchewan Roughriders
2021 CW regular season ranks:
Points for: 29.0 PPG, 3rd
Total offence: 366.3 YPG, 4th
Points against: 31.0 PPG, 5th
Total defence: 429.3 YPG, 6th
2021 CW regular season leaders: (Bold - Returning)
Passing yards: 1,145 - Brad Launhardt, Quarterback
Rushing yards: 391 - Matthew Peterson
Receiving yards: 348 - Jonathan Rosery, Receiver
All-purpose yards: 603 - Jonathan Rosery, Receiver
Tackles: 51.5 - Josiah Schakel, Linebacker
Sacks: 4 - Josiah Schakel, Linebacker
Interceptions: 2 - Tyshon Blackburn, Defensive Back
Key additions (name / position / eligibility / hometown / last team):
Micheal Peloso / Linebacker / 1 / Okotoks, AB / Phillips Exeter Academy
Carter Kettyle / Receiver / 1 / Grovedale, AB / St. Joseph Catholic High School
Chewy Thomas / Receiver / 1 / Calgary, AB / Notre Dame High School
Reiss Flunder / Linebacker / 1 / Red Deer, AB / Edmonton Wildcats
Josh Lenz / Defensive End / 1 / Edmonton, AB / Edmonton Huskies
Key losses (name / position / hometown / years with program):
Brad Launhardt / Quarterback / Sherwood Park, AB / 4
Josiah Schakel / Linebacker / Sherwood Park, AB / 4
Jayden Dalke / Safety / Leduc, AB / 3
Tyler Turner / Receiver / St. Albert, AB / 3
Justice Momoka / Linebacker / Edmonton, AB / 5
Key offensive performer (pictured above):
Jonathan Rosery
Receiver
4th Year
Edmonton, AB
A running back turned receiver, Jonathan Rosery returns to the Bears one season after leading the program in both receiving yards and all-purpose yards.
One of the most dynamic players in Canada West, Rosery lined up all over the field in 2021, recording 181 kick return yards and 66 rush yards to go along with his 348 receiving yards. Rosery was also one of three Bears to participate in the U SPORTS East-West Bowl in May.
Primarily lining up in the slot or as a receiving back, Rosery will once again be a focal part of a Bears offence that scored 29.0 points per game a year ago.
Key defensive performer (pictured above):
Tyshon Blackburn
Halfback
3rd Year
Calgary, AB
One of the best defensive playmakers in the nation, halfback Tyshon Blackburn returns to the Bears looking to build off an impressive 2021 campaign.
The Calgary, AB product totaled 22.5 tackles, three pass breakups, and a team-high two interceptions in six conference games in 2021. Blackburn was named both a Canada West All-Star and first team U SPORTS All-Canadian last fall.
Like Rosery, Blackburn also competed at the 2022 U SPORTS East-West Bowl in Hamilton this past spring.
With his name listed among the top 2023 CFL Prospects, Blackburn will lead a talented Bears defensive backfield this season.
2021 CW regular season record: 3-3, 4th in Canada West
2021 post-season record: 0-1, lost to Saskatchewan in Semifinal
Last Hardy Cup championship / total Hardy Cup championships: 2015 / 15
Last Vanier Cup championship / total Vanier Cup championships: 2015 / 4
2022 CFL Draft picks:
OL - Diego Alatorre - Saskatchewan
LB - Daniel Kwamou - Toronto
LB - Jaxon Ciraolo-Brown - Hamilton
2021 CW regular season ranks:
Points for: 22.5 PPG, 5th
Total offence: 437.3 YPG, 3rd
Points against: 36.8 PPG, 6th
Total defence: 429.2 YPG, 5th
2021 CW regular season leaders: (Bold - Returning)
Passing yards: 1437 - Garrett Rooker, QB
Rushing yards: 626 - Isaiah Knight, RB
Receiving yards: 359 - Edgerrin Williams, REC
All-purpose yards: 776 - Isaiah Knight, RB
Tackles: 22 - Jaxon Ciraolo-Brown, LB
Sacks: 2 - Lake Korte-Moore, DL
Interceptions: 1 - Maka Bangura, DB / Eric Dika-Balotoken, DB / Keijaun Johnson, DB / Dustin Magee, DB
Key additions (name / position / eligibility / hometown / last team):
Gavin Owen / REC / 1 / Toronto, Ont. / St. Andrew's College
Shemar McBean / REC / 1 / Calgary, Alta. / Calgary Colts
Ben Sangmuah / DB / 1 / Burlington, Ont. / Clarkson Football North
Zach Patfield / TE / 2 / Barrie, Ont. / Barrie North Collegiate
Colton Mocon / OL / 1 / Bracebridge, Ont. / GW Graham
Key losses (name / position / hometown / years with program):
James Ens / DB / Sherwood Park, Alta. / 5
Trey Kellogg / REC / De Winton, Alta. / 5
Jaxon Ciraolo-Brown / LB / Hamilton, Ont. / 3
Key offensive performer (pictured above):
Garrett Rooker
QB
2nd
League City, Texas
The unanimous selection as the 2021 Canada West Rookie of the Year, Garrett Rooker enters his second season with the T-Birds after an inaugural campaign that saw him average 240 yards passing per game on a 68.8 completion percentage, the fourth best in U SPORTS. As a true freshman quarterback, Rooker led the T-Birds to three wins in their last four regular season games as a berth in the Hardy Cup semifinals.
Key defensive performer (pictured above):
Kyle Samson
DL
3rd
Hamilton, Ont.
Starting every game at defensive lineman for the T-Birds in 2021, Samson amassed 19.5 total tackles and a pair of quarterback sacks. Earning the praise of his teammates and coaching staff, the third year out of Hamilton will be a key piece of UBC's front line in 2022.
2021 CW regular season record: /2-4/, 5th
Last Hardy Cup championship / total Hardy Cup championships: 2019 / 18
Last Vanier Cup championship / total Vanier Cup championships: 2019 / 5
2022 CFL Draft picks:
R - Jalen Philpot - Calgary Stampeders
R - Tyson Philpot - Montreal Alouettes
DL - Jacob Plamondon - Edmonton Elks
LB - Subomi Oyesoro - Ottawa Redblacks
DL - J-Min Pelley - Edmonton Elks
2022 NFL Draft picks:
DB - Deane Leonard - Los Angeles Chargers
2021 CW regular season ranks:
Points for: 30.2 PPG, 2nd
Total offence: 533.8 YPG, 1st
Points against: 27.2 PPG, 4th
Total defence: 372.2 YPG, 2nd
2021 CW regular season leaders: (Bold - Returning)
Passing yards: 2,044 - Josiah Joseph, Quarterback
Rushing yards: 461 - Alessandro Molnar, Running Back
Receiving yards: 794 - Jalen Philpot, Receiver
All-purpose yards: 1,161 - Tyson Philpot, Receiver
Tackles: 51 - Daniel Flanagan, Linebacker
Sacks: 3.0 - Daniel Flanagan, Linebacker
Interceptions: 2 - Tyreese Bristol, Defensive Back
Key additions (name / position / eligibility / hometown / last team):
Osasere Odemwingie / LB / Calgary, AB / Notre Dame High School
Matt Sibley / R / 1st / Calgary, AB / Ernest Manning High School
Dan Townsend / OL / Calgary, AB / Okanagan Sun
Chris MacLean / P / 1st / Toronto, ON / University of Toronto
Carson Procee / HB / 1st / Lethbridge, AB / Lethbridge Collegiate Institute
Roy Tanwani / QB / 1st / Edmonton, AB / Harry Ainlay High School
Key losses (name / position / hometown / years with program):
Carter Comeau / OL / Riverton, MB / 4
Josiah Joseph / QB / Peachland, BC / 6
Tyler Packer / OL / Calgary, AB / 6
Jalen Philpot / R / Delta, BC / 4
Tyson Philpot / R / Delta BC / 4
Jacob Plamondon / DL / Red Deer, AB / 5
Key offensive performer (pictured above):
Matteo Spoletini
Quarterback
2
Calgary, AB
Following in the footsteps of Adam Sinagra and Josiah Joseph, Matteo Spoletini is the projected signal caller for the Dinos in 2022. Now in his fifth year with the program, the Calgary native saw action in three games last season before earning an opportunity in the Canadian Quarterback Internship Program and participating in Calgary Stampeders training camp.
Key defensive performer (pictured above):
Jacob Biggs
Defensive Back
4
Calgary, AB
The 2021 season was a breakout season for Jacob Biggs, who landed a spot on the Canada West All-Star team last fall. The Calgary-born defensive back compiled 31 total tackles and broke up nine passes. His biggest highlight came on Oct. 30 against the UBC Thunderbirds when he had a 44-yard pick six.
2021 CW regular season record: 4-2, second place
2021 post-season record: 1-1, lost in Hardy Cup to Saskatchewan
Last Hardy Cup championship / total Hardy Cup championships: 2014 / 11
Last Vanier Cup championship / total Vanier Cup championships: 2007/ three
2022 CFL Draft picks:
DL- COLE ADAMSON - WINNIPEG
REC-GAVIN COBB-EDMONTON
2021 CW regular season ranks:
Points for: 23.2
Total offence: 329.9
Points against: 11.5
Total defence: 266.3
2021 CW regular season leaders: (Bold - Returning)
Passing yards: 804 - Jackson Tachinski, QB
Rushing yards: 385- Mike Ritchott, RB
Receiving yards 355 - Macho Bockru, REC
All-purpose yards: 688 - Gavin Cobb, REC
Tackles: 50 - Nick Thomas, LB
Sacks: 2.5 - Brock Gowanlock, DE
Interceptions: 2 - Arjay Shelley, DB
Key additions (name / position / eligibility / hometown / last team):
De Shaun Lejour / REC / first / Regina, SK/ Edmonton Huskies
Sebastien Reid/ DB / second/ New Westminster, BC / Langley Rams
Tyson Spence / DE/ first / Winnipeg, MB / Valley Huskers
Gio Vaccaro / OL / first / Winnipeg, MB / Clearwater Academy Knights
Nic Pereira / LB / first / Winnipeg, MB / Valley State Academy
Key losses (name / position / hometown / years with program):
Brock Gowanlock / DE / Duncan, BC / five
Gavin Cobb / REC / Victoria, BC / one
Samson Abbott / DE / Winnipeg, MB / four
Arjay Shelley / DB / Mission, BC / five
Stefan Conway / DB & LB / Winnipeg, MB / five
Key offensive performer (pictured above):
Des Catellier
QB
Fifth
Calgary, AB
Senior pivot Des Catellier returns to lead the Bisons offence one season after suffering a season-ending lower body injury in week one against Regina. The program leader in completion percentage at 60.7, Catellier is one of the most experienced players in all of U SPORTS with four years of starting minutes to his name. He's worked relentlessly to be ready for the 2022 campaign and will be instrumental in Manitoba's success offensively.
Key defensive performer (pictured above):
Nick Thomas
LB
Fourth
Surrey, BC
The vocal leader of Manitoba's defence, Thomas enters his draft year as one of the most highly-touted players at his position. The hard-hitting weak side linebacker was selected as a First-Team All-Canadian in 2021, after recording 50 total tackles, leading the Bisons by averaging six per game (4th in CW). The Surrey, BC native also had half a sack, three tackles for losses, and two pass breakups in five games a year ago.
2021 CW regular season record: 1-5, 6th
2021 post-season record: Did not qualify
Last Hardy Cup championship / total Hardy Cup championships: 2000 / 1
Last Vanier Cup championship / total Vanier Cup championships: (none)
2022 CFL Draft picks:
POS - NAME - CFL TEAM
LB Ryder Varga - BC Lions (3rd round, 29th overall)
OL Joel Braden - Calgary Stampeders (5th round, 43rd overall)
WR Riley Boersma - Saskatchewan Roughriders (8th round, 72nd overall)
2021 CW regular season ranks:
Points for: 20.5 PPG, 6th
Total offence: 279.5 YPG, 6th
Points against: 24.3 YPG, 3rd
Total defence: 413.0 YPG, 4th
2021 CW regular season leaders: (Bold - Returning)
Passing yards: 738 - Josh Donnelly, QB
Rushing yards: 354 - Kyle Borsa, RB
Receiving yards: 288 - D'Sean Mimbs, SB
All-purpose yards: 578 - Kyle Borsa, RB
Tackles: 41.5 - Ryder Varga, LB
Sacks: 3 - Josh White, LB
Interceptions: 2 - Gowrishan Aravinthan, DB
Key additions (name / position / eligibility / hometown / last team):
Matthew Hajewich / OL / 4th / Regina, Sask. / Regina Thunder
Damon Iron / OL / 3rd / Canoe Lake First Nation / Regina Thunder
Ryan Mills / LB / 2nd / Southey, Sask. / Regina Thunder
Olivier Savard / RB / 2nd / Quebec City, Que. / Cégep Limoilou
Donovin Small / DB / 1st / Pickering, Ont. / Okanagan Sun
Key losses (name / position / hometown / years with program):
Brandon Gandire / DB / Marietta, Ga. / 3
Kyler Mosley / SB / Richmond, B.C. / 3
Cody Peters / LB / Saskatoon, Sask. / 2
Sean Usselman / OL / Melfort, Sask. / 1
Key offensive performer (pictured above):
Name: D'Sean Mimbs
Position: Slotback
Year: 2nd
Hometown: Regina, Sask.
D'Sean Mimbs exploded onto the scene last season in his first year of U SPORTS eligibility with the Rams. Despite the shortened six-game schedule, Mimbs' five touchdown catches were the most ever recorded by a U of R player in his first year with the Rams. He finished the season with 18 receptions for a team-leading 288 yards. Mimbs, who was honoured as University of Regina Athletics' Male Rookie of the Year, is expected to again be one of the team's heavily targeted receivers in 2022.
2021 CW regular season record: 5-1, 1st in Canada West
2021 post-season record: 3-1, Lost to Western in Vanier Cup
Last Hardy Cup championship / total Hardy Cup championships: 2021 / 20
Last Vanier Cup championship / total Vanier Cup championships: 1998 / 3
2021 CFL Draft picks:
2021 CW regular season ranks:
2021 CW regular season leaders: (Bold - Returning)
Key additions (name / position / eligibility / hometown / last team):
Key losses (name / position / hometown / years with program):
Key offensive performer (pictured above):
Mason Nyhus
Quarterback
Fifth
Regina, SK
After racking up over 2600 yards through the air in 2021, Mason Nyhus is ready to lead the Huskies in pursuit of another deep playoff run. The fifth-year pivot out of Regina has been a steady presence behind center for the Huskies being able to pick out passes with precession and efficiency. During the 2021 season, Nyhus threw for 22 touchdowns. Look for the 2021 Canada West Offensive All-Star to take another step forward as he plays out his final year in a Huskie uniform.
Key defensive performer (pictured above):
Nick Wiebe
Linebacker
Fourth
Okotoks, AB
Nick Wiebe returns to the Huskies primed to make a key impact. The fourth-year Oregon transfer was a dominating force in the defensive backfield for the Huskies in 2021. Wiebe registered 22.0 total tackles in the 2021 Canada West season along with 3 sacks. The speedy linebacker will be ready to make his impact felt in 2022.
In a close poll, the Huskies came out atop after capturing the Hardy Cup in commanding style last year. The team went 5-1 on the regular season before beating down the Manitoba Bisons 45-17 in the Cup final. The winningest school in CW football history will be looking to earn its 21st title this fall.
Their Hardy Cup foe, the Manitoba Bisons, finished second in the preseason poll, four points behind the Huskies. The Bisons are also coming off a strong season, having painted its players all over the defensive all-star roster. They'll be hungry to avenge last year's Hardy Cup loss and hoist the trophy for the first time since 2014.
British Columbia also fared well in the coaches' poll, finishing third with 17 points. The team fell to Saskatchewan in last year's Hardy Cup semi final, but have added several key pieces this year. The T-Birds' squad also features the reigning CW Rookie of the Year at quarterback, who will look to guide them back atop West.
The wait is almost over. In one week, your favourites will look to take their first steps toward the Hardy Cup. On Friday, Calgary will welcome Saskatchewan at 5:30 p.m. MDT while the Regina Rams travel to Manitoba for a 7:00 p.m. CDT kick off. British Columbia and Alberta round out Week 1 action on the coast Saturday at 7:00 p.m. PDT.
CATCH THE GAMES ON TV
Can't make it to the game? You can catch all Canada West football games on Canada West TV - the official streaming home of the conference. To purchase your pass, click here.
All Rams and Huskies games will also be available on maxTV Local on Demand. Viewers can find them on channels 48 or 348 for the Rams and 49 or 349 for the Huskies.
Fans in British Columbia and Alberta will be able to watch Showcase games on TELUS Optik TV, on channels 997 and 998. Showcase games are listed here.
2022 CW FB PRESEASON COACHES POLL
Team - Points (First-place votes)- Saskatchewan Huskies - 24 (4)
- Manitoba Bisons - 20 (1)
- British Columbia Thunderbirds - 17 (1)
- Calgary Dinos - 11
- Alberta Golden Bears - 10
- Regina Rams - 8
2022 TEAM PREVIEWS
- Alberta Golden Bears
- UBC Thunderbirds
- Calgary Dinos
- Manitoba Bisons
- Regina Rams
- Saskatchewan Huskies
ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS
2021 CW regular season record: /3-3/, 3rd
2021 post-season record: /0-1/, Loss to Manitoba in Hardy Cup Semifinal
Last Hardy Cup championship / total Hardy Cup championships: 1981 / 16
Last Vanier Cup championship / total Vanier Cup championships: 1980 / 3
2022 CFL Draft picks:
LB - Josiah Schakel - Calgary Stampeders
OL - Rodeem Brown - Montreal Alouettes
OL - Peter Kozushka - Montreal Alouettes
DB - Jayden Dalke - Saskatchewan Roughriders
2021 CW regular season ranks:
Points for: 29.0 PPG, 3rd
Total offence: 366.3 YPG, 4th
Points against: 31.0 PPG, 5th
Total defence: 429.3 YPG, 6th
2021 CW regular season leaders: (Bold - Returning)
Passing yards: 1,145 - Brad Launhardt, Quarterback
Rushing yards: 391 - Matthew Peterson
Receiving yards: 348 - Jonathan Rosery, Receiver
All-purpose yards: 603 - Jonathan Rosery, Receiver
Tackles: 51.5 - Josiah Schakel, Linebacker
Sacks: 4 - Josiah Schakel, Linebacker
Interceptions: 2 - Tyshon Blackburn, Defensive Back
Key additions (name / position / eligibility / hometown / last team):
Micheal Peloso / Linebacker / 1 / Okotoks, AB / Phillips Exeter Academy
Carter Kettyle / Receiver / 1 / Grovedale, AB / St. Joseph Catholic High School
Chewy Thomas / Receiver / 1 / Calgary, AB / Notre Dame High School
Reiss Flunder / Linebacker / 1 / Red Deer, AB / Edmonton Wildcats
Josh Lenz / Defensive End / 1 / Edmonton, AB / Edmonton Huskies
Key losses (name / position / hometown / years with program):
Brad Launhardt / Quarterback / Sherwood Park, AB / 4
Josiah Schakel / Linebacker / Sherwood Park, AB / 4
Jayden Dalke / Safety / Leduc, AB / 3
Tyler Turner / Receiver / St. Albert, AB / 3
Justice Momoka / Linebacker / Edmonton, AB / 5
Key offensive performer (pictured above):
Jonathan Rosery
Receiver
4th Year
Edmonton, AB
A running back turned receiver, Jonathan Rosery returns to the Bears one season after leading the program in both receiving yards and all-purpose yards.
One of the most dynamic players in Canada West, Rosery lined up all over the field in 2021, recording 181 kick return yards and 66 rush yards to go along with his 348 receiving yards. Rosery was also one of three Bears to participate in the U SPORTS East-West Bowl in May.
Primarily lining up in the slot or as a receiving back, Rosery will once again be a focal part of a Bears offence that scored 29.0 points per game a year ago.
Key defensive performer (pictured above):
Tyshon Blackburn
Halfback
3rd Year
Calgary, AB
One of the best defensive playmakers in the nation, halfback Tyshon Blackburn returns to the Bears looking to build off an impressive 2021 campaign.
The Calgary, AB product totaled 22.5 tackles, three pass breakups, and a team-high two interceptions in six conference games in 2021. Blackburn was named both a Canada West All-Star and first team U SPORTS All-Canadian last fall.
Like Rosery, Blackburn also competed at the 2022 U SPORTS East-West Bowl in Hamilton this past spring.
With his name listed among the top 2023 CFL Prospects, Blackburn will lead a talented Bears defensive backfield this season.
UBC THUNDERBIRDS
2021 CW regular season record: 3-3, 4th in Canada West
2021 post-season record: 0-1, lost to Saskatchewan in Semifinal
Last Hardy Cup championship / total Hardy Cup championships: 2015 / 15
Last Vanier Cup championship / total Vanier Cup championships: 2015 / 4
2022 CFL Draft picks:
OL - Diego Alatorre - Saskatchewan
LB - Daniel Kwamou - Toronto
LB - Jaxon Ciraolo-Brown - Hamilton
2021 CW regular season ranks:
Points for: 22.5 PPG, 5th
Total offence: 437.3 YPG, 3rd
Points against: 36.8 PPG, 6th
Total defence: 429.2 YPG, 5th
2021 CW regular season leaders: (Bold - Returning)
Passing yards: 1437 - Garrett Rooker, QB
Rushing yards: 626 - Isaiah Knight, RB
Receiving yards: 359 - Edgerrin Williams, REC
All-purpose yards: 776 - Isaiah Knight, RB
Tackles: 22 - Jaxon Ciraolo-Brown, LB
Sacks: 2 - Lake Korte-Moore, DL
Interceptions: 1 - Maka Bangura, DB / Eric Dika-Balotoken, DB / Keijaun Johnson, DB / Dustin Magee, DB
Key additions (name / position / eligibility / hometown / last team):
Gavin Owen / REC / 1 / Toronto, Ont. / St. Andrew's College
Shemar McBean / REC / 1 / Calgary, Alta. / Calgary Colts
Ben Sangmuah / DB / 1 / Burlington, Ont. / Clarkson Football North
Zach Patfield / TE / 2 / Barrie, Ont. / Barrie North Collegiate
Colton Mocon / OL / 1 / Bracebridge, Ont. / GW Graham
Key losses (name / position / hometown / years with program):
James Ens / DB / Sherwood Park, Alta. / 5
Trey Kellogg / REC / De Winton, Alta. / 5
Jaxon Ciraolo-Brown / LB / Hamilton, Ont. / 3
Key offensive performer (pictured above):
Garrett Rooker
QB
2nd
League City, Texas
The unanimous selection as the 2021 Canada West Rookie of the Year, Garrett Rooker enters his second season with the T-Birds after an inaugural campaign that saw him average 240 yards passing per game on a 68.8 completion percentage, the fourth best in U SPORTS. As a true freshman quarterback, Rooker led the T-Birds to three wins in their last four regular season games as a berth in the Hardy Cup semifinals.
Key defensive performer (pictured above):
Kyle Samson
DL
3rd
Hamilton, Ont.
Starting every game at defensive lineman for the T-Birds in 2021, Samson amassed 19.5 total tackles and a pair of quarterback sacks. Earning the praise of his teammates and coaching staff, the third year out of Hamilton will be a key piece of UBC's front line in 2022.
CALGARY DINOS
2021 CW regular season record: /2-4/, 5th
Last Hardy Cup championship / total Hardy Cup championships: 2019 / 18
Last Vanier Cup championship / total Vanier Cup championships: 2019 / 5
2022 CFL Draft picks:
R - Jalen Philpot - Calgary Stampeders
R - Tyson Philpot - Montreal Alouettes
DL - Jacob Plamondon - Edmonton Elks
LB - Subomi Oyesoro - Ottawa Redblacks
DL - J-Min Pelley - Edmonton Elks
2022 NFL Draft picks:
DB - Deane Leonard - Los Angeles Chargers
2021 CW regular season ranks:
Points for: 30.2 PPG, 2nd
Total offence: 533.8 YPG, 1st
Points against: 27.2 PPG, 4th
Total defence: 372.2 YPG, 2nd
2021 CW regular season leaders: (Bold - Returning)
Passing yards: 2,044 - Josiah Joseph, Quarterback
Rushing yards: 461 - Alessandro Molnar, Running Back
Receiving yards: 794 - Jalen Philpot, Receiver
All-purpose yards: 1,161 - Tyson Philpot, Receiver
Tackles: 51 - Daniel Flanagan, Linebacker
Sacks: 3.0 - Daniel Flanagan, Linebacker
Interceptions: 2 - Tyreese Bristol, Defensive Back
Key additions (name / position / eligibility / hometown / last team):
Osasere Odemwingie / LB / Calgary, AB / Notre Dame High School
Matt Sibley / R / 1st / Calgary, AB / Ernest Manning High School
Dan Townsend / OL / Calgary, AB / Okanagan Sun
Chris MacLean / P / 1st / Toronto, ON / University of Toronto
Carson Procee / HB / 1st / Lethbridge, AB / Lethbridge Collegiate Institute
Roy Tanwani / QB / 1st / Edmonton, AB / Harry Ainlay High School
Key losses (name / position / hometown / years with program):
Carter Comeau / OL / Riverton, MB / 4
Josiah Joseph / QB / Peachland, BC / 6
Tyler Packer / OL / Calgary, AB / 6
Jalen Philpot / R / Delta, BC / 4
Tyson Philpot / R / Delta BC / 4
Jacob Plamondon / DL / Red Deer, AB / 5
Key offensive performer (pictured above):
Matteo Spoletini
Quarterback
2
Calgary, AB
Following in the footsteps of Adam Sinagra and Josiah Joseph, Matteo Spoletini is the projected signal caller for the Dinos in 2022. Now in his fifth year with the program, the Calgary native saw action in three games last season before earning an opportunity in the Canadian Quarterback Internship Program and participating in Calgary Stampeders training camp.
Key defensive performer (pictured above):
Jacob Biggs
Defensive Back
4
Calgary, AB
The 2021 season was a breakout season for Jacob Biggs, who landed a spot on the Canada West All-Star team last fall. The Calgary-born defensive back compiled 31 total tackles and broke up nine passes. His biggest highlight came on Oct. 30 against the UBC Thunderbirds when he had a 44-yard pick six.
MANITOBA BISONS
2021 CW regular season record: 4-2, second place
2021 post-season record: 1-1, lost in Hardy Cup to Saskatchewan
Last Hardy Cup championship / total Hardy Cup championships: 2014 / 11
Last Vanier Cup championship / total Vanier Cup championships: 2007/ three
2022 CFL Draft picks:
DL- COLE ADAMSON - WINNIPEG
REC-GAVIN COBB-EDMONTON
2021 CW regular season ranks:
Points for: 23.2
Total offence: 329.9
Points against: 11.5
Total defence: 266.3
2021 CW regular season leaders: (Bold - Returning)
Passing yards: 804 - Jackson Tachinski, QB
Rushing yards: 385- Mike Ritchott, RB
Receiving yards 355 - Macho Bockru, REC
All-purpose yards: 688 - Gavin Cobb, REC
Tackles: 50 - Nick Thomas, LB
Sacks: 2.5 - Brock Gowanlock, DE
Interceptions: 2 - Arjay Shelley, DB
Key additions (name / position / eligibility / hometown / last team):
De Shaun Lejour / REC / first / Regina, SK/ Edmonton Huskies
Sebastien Reid/ DB / second/ New Westminster, BC / Langley Rams
Tyson Spence / DE/ first / Winnipeg, MB / Valley Huskers
Gio Vaccaro / OL / first / Winnipeg, MB / Clearwater Academy Knights
Nic Pereira / LB / first / Winnipeg, MB / Valley State Academy
Key losses (name / position / hometown / years with program):
Brock Gowanlock / DE / Duncan, BC / five
Gavin Cobb / REC / Victoria, BC / one
Samson Abbott / DE / Winnipeg, MB / four
Arjay Shelley / DB / Mission, BC / five
Stefan Conway / DB & LB / Winnipeg, MB / five
Key offensive performer (pictured above):
Des Catellier
QB
Fifth
Calgary, AB
Senior pivot Des Catellier returns to lead the Bisons offence one season after suffering a season-ending lower body injury in week one against Regina. The program leader in completion percentage at 60.7, Catellier is one of the most experienced players in all of U SPORTS with four years of starting minutes to his name. He's worked relentlessly to be ready for the 2022 campaign and will be instrumental in Manitoba's success offensively.
Key defensive performer (pictured above):
Nick Thomas
LB
Fourth
Surrey, BC
The vocal leader of Manitoba's defence, Thomas enters his draft year as one of the most highly-touted players at his position. The hard-hitting weak side linebacker was selected as a First-Team All-Canadian in 2021, after recording 50 total tackles, leading the Bisons by averaging six per game (4th in CW). The Surrey, BC native also had half a sack, three tackles for losses, and two pass breakups in five games a year ago.
REGINA RAMS
2021 CW regular season record: 1-5, 6th
2021 post-season record: Did not qualify
Last Hardy Cup championship / total Hardy Cup championships: 2000 / 1
Last Vanier Cup championship / total Vanier Cup championships: (none)
2022 CFL Draft picks:
POS - NAME - CFL TEAM
LB Ryder Varga - BC Lions (3rd round, 29th overall)
OL Joel Braden - Calgary Stampeders (5th round, 43rd overall)
WR Riley Boersma - Saskatchewan Roughriders (8th round, 72nd overall)
2021 CW regular season ranks:
Points for: 20.5 PPG, 6th
Total offence: 279.5 YPG, 6th
Points against: 24.3 YPG, 3rd
Total defence: 413.0 YPG, 4th
2021 CW regular season leaders: (Bold - Returning)
Passing yards: 738 - Josh Donnelly, QB
Rushing yards: 354 - Kyle Borsa, RB
Receiving yards: 288 - D'Sean Mimbs, SB
All-purpose yards: 578 - Kyle Borsa, RB
Tackles: 41.5 - Ryder Varga, LB
Sacks: 3 - Josh White, LB
Interceptions: 2 - Gowrishan Aravinthan, DB
Key additions (name / position / eligibility / hometown / last team):
Matthew Hajewich / OL / 4th / Regina, Sask. / Regina Thunder
Damon Iron / OL / 3rd / Canoe Lake First Nation / Regina Thunder
Ryan Mills / LB / 2nd / Southey, Sask. / Regina Thunder
Olivier Savard / RB / 2nd / Quebec City, Que. / Cégep Limoilou
Donovin Small / DB / 1st / Pickering, Ont. / Okanagan Sun
Key losses (name / position / hometown / years with program):
Brandon Gandire / DB / Marietta, Ga. / 3
Kyler Mosley / SB / Richmond, B.C. / 3
Cody Peters / LB / Saskatoon, Sask. / 2
Sean Usselman / OL / Melfort, Sask. / 1
Key offensive performer (pictured above):
Name: D'Sean Mimbs
Position: Slotback
Year: 2nd
Hometown: Regina, Sask.
D'Sean Mimbs exploded onto the scene last season in his first year of U SPORTS eligibility with the Rams. Despite the shortened six-game schedule, Mimbs' five touchdown catches were the most ever recorded by a U of R player in his first year with the Rams. He finished the season with 18 receptions for a team-leading 288 yards. Mimbs, who was honoured as University of Regina Athletics' Male Rookie of the Year, is expected to again be one of the team's heavily targeted receivers in 2022.
SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES
2021 CW regular season record: 5-1, 1st in Canada West
2021 post-season record: 3-1, Lost to Western in Vanier Cup
Last Hardy Cup championship / total Hardy Cup championships: 2021 / 20
Last Vanier Cup championship / total Vanier Cup championships: 1998 / 3
2021 CFL Draft picks:
- Defensive lineman - Nathan Cerry - BC Lions
- Offensive lineman - Noah Zerr - BC Lions
- Defensive lineman - Riley Pickett - BC Lions
2021 CW regular season ranks:
- Points for: 36.2 PPG, 1st in CW
- Total offence: 475.8 PPG, 2nd in CW
- Points against: 21.3 PPG, 2nd in CW
- Total defence: 406.2 YPG, 3rd in CW
2021 CW regular season leaders: (Bold - Returning)
- Passing yards: 1653 - Mason Nyhus, QB
- Rushing yards: 415 - Adam Machart, RB
- Receiving yards: 443 - Daniel Perry, REC
- All-purpose yards: 674 - Josh Ewanchyna, RB
- Tackles: 29.5 - Cam Skinner, DB
- Sacks: 5.5 - Nathan Cherry, DL
- Interceptions: 1 - Clovis Lumeka, DB; Lane Novak, LB
Key additions (name / position / eligibility / hometown / last team):
- Katley Joseph / DB / 5 / Ottawa, ON / Maine Black Bears
- Jack Warrack / OL / 1 / Strathmore, AB / Strathmore High School
- Charlie Parks / DL / 1 / Regina, SK / Sheldon Williams Collegiate Spartans
Key losses (name / position / hometown / years with program):
- Nathan Cherry / Defensive Lineman / 5
- Riley Pickett / Defensive Lineman / 4
- Noah Zerr / Offensive Lineman / 5
- Adam Machart / Running Back / 4
Key offensive performer (pictured above):
Mason Nyhus
Quarterback
Fifth
Regina, SK
After racking up over 2600 yards through the air in 2021, Mason Nyhus is ready to lead the Huskies in pursuit of another deep playoff run. The fifth-year pivot out of Regina has been a steady presence behind center for the Huskies being able to pick out passes with precession and efficiency. During the 2021 season, Nyhus threw for 22 touchdowns. Look for the 2021 Canada West Offensive All-Star to take another step forward as he plays out his final year in a Huskie uniform.
Key defensive performer (pictured above):
Nick Wiebe
Linebacker
Fourth
Okotoks, AB
Nick Wiebe returns to the Huskies primed to make a key impact. The fourth-year Oregon transfer was a dominating force in the defensive backfield for the Huskies in 2021. Wiebe registered 22.0 total tackles in the 2021 Canada West season along with 3 sacks. The speedy linebacker will be ready to make his impact felt in 2022.