Stamps Brutally Fail in Season Opener

With much at stake from bragging rights to 2009 confidence, the Montreal Alouettes destroyed Calgary in all facets the game except for special teams.

of July 1st, 2009 marked Canada Day and the launch of the 2009 CFL season. In fitting style, the Montreal Alouettes visited town for the re-match of last year's Grey Cup Final which saw Calgary claim the Championship in Montreal.

Both teams experienced changes during the off-season, and somehow, Calgary yet again opted for the 'let's overhaul the entire defense and start from scratch'. Fans were eager to see what the new Stamps would show, dominance on offence, renewed energy on defence, etc. That wasn't anywhere close to what transpired.

The Stampeders were absolutely embarrassed at home in the first half in their home opener. Not a single component of the game was working, and the team/coaches looked unprepared and confused. One 1st down in the 1st quarter and 17 points down. Good start--not.

Titus Ryan Explodes for Kick Return in Second

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Calgary Stampeders have locked in Henry Burris to a new four-year deal with the team. The 34-year-old pivot led the Stamps to a Grey Cup championship last season and is a two-time Western Division CFL All-Star (2005, 2008). The deal takes him to the ripe age of 38.

The 6'1, 190-pound Burris had 381 completions on 591 attempts for 39 touchdowns in the 2008 campaign en route to being named MVP and his first Grey Cup with the Stamps.

Teyo Johnson Returns to Stamps

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Getting ready for July 1st, 2009, the kick-off to the 2009 CFL season, the Stamps have finalised their roster.

RELEASED

Receiver Jackie Chambers*
Quarterback Matt D’Orazio*
Offensive lineman John Hashem
Defensive back Anthony Ivy*
Defensive lineman Julian Jenkins*
Receiver John Kanaroski
Defensive lineman E.J. Kuale*
Defensive back Perry Kyles*
Receiver Vincent Marshall*
Fullback Scott McHenry
Running back Cedric Thompson*
Jojuan Armour (Released before)

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In an apparent 'culmination of events' the Calgary Stampeders released veteran middle-linebacker JoJuan Armour due to an on field incident that happened Friday. Read the rest of this entry »

Ticketmaster and Stampeders Ticket Racket?

We're starting to hear some more groaning over Grey Cup ticket events. Back in November fans and season ticket holders had the chance to reserve their right to purchase Grey Cup tickets when they went on sale at the start of this month. A deposit of $50 / ticket was required. Nobody knew what the prices were going to be but you could expect something comparable to Montreal (although, what fan goes searching for past Grey Cup ticket prices in order to decide what the price 'may or may not' be?)

Well a couple months later the prices are released and a Safeway ticket in family zone for 15 bucks last season is now FIFTEEN (15X) times higher for the Grey Cup. On one hand you should expect the price increase and cudos to the management for jacking up prices knowing the place will be full, it's business.

What's not cool is how fans placed a deposit through Ticketmaster in November, realised the cheapest ticket was $225 bucks, and decided not to get ticket. These people LOST their deposit--they received no refund and no ticket for their troubles. Between Ticketmaster and the Stamps someone pocketed $50 PER reserved ticket that was not purchased. Read the rest of this entry »

Some Suggested by Fans

Here are the highlights that were approve by CFL Board of Governors May 11th:

• Moving back the kickoff following a safety touch, to reduce the number of times a team chooses to take a knee in its own end zone;

• Giving coaches the green light to use so called "wildcat" formations that would move the quarterback around, instead of requiring him to stand behind or under centre;

• Requiring a team that kicks a successful field goal to then kick off to its' opponents, increasing the number of kick returns;

• Awarding a team a third instant replay challenge if its' first two challenges are successful.

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A collection of news and blog postings on the Calgary Stampeders for the month of May, 2009.

• Recap of 2009 CFL Entry Draft for Stamps. Included here is the Herald's coverage.
• Hodges and Rasheed released.
• Stamps sign Nik Lewis on lengthy contract extension. Here's Nik's take on the signing.
• Stamps Sign four DL.
• Stamps Sign three and release two DL
• Stamps Sign four receivers

When Dave Dickenson became a BC Lion because the circus management in Calgary at the time didn`t want to sign him, he did one thing before leaving--he never sold his house. After announcing his retirement from the CFL this past Winter, many speculated he would return to the game in a coaching role.

The Stampeders are happy to announce Dave Dickenson as an offensive assistant under head coach John Hufnagel. George Cortez is the team's offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. Read the rest of this entry »