A blocked punt. His first career touchdown. And a win.

Sunday evening was an excellent outing for DaVaris Daniels, especially considering the receiver was appearing in just his second CFL game.

The Illinois native and Notre Dame alumnus made a lasting impact in the Stampeders’ 30-24 win over the visiting Hamilton Tiger-Cats, demonstrating both his versatility and playmaking ability.

After first blocking Brett Maher’s punt to conclude the Ticats’ first series, Daniels then went on to tally five receptions for 108 yards and a memorable major score.

Bo Levi Mitchell spotted the six-foot-one, 207-lb. pass-catcher for a 76-yard touchdown on the final play of the opening quarter to reclaim the lead for good.

“It was a play we called where we got the coverage that we wanted,” explained Daniels, who outran both Brandon Sermons and Courtney Stephen on his way to the end zone. “I kind of gave a move to the outside and Bo just put it in a spot where only I could catch it and it was green grass from there. I just had to cross the (goal) line.”

Hamilton’s stout defence entered the Week 10 matchup having given up the fewest passing yards in the league at fewer than 275 per game, but Daniels and the rest of the Stamps receivers were able to escape coverage for sizeable gains on multiple occasions.

“The thing we had to do was just execute our offence,” Daniels offered. “Coach Dave (Dickenson) puts us in a good position every week – he’s a genius on the offensive end. We just had to go out there and execute and play fast and smart.”

Now heading into back-to-back meetings with Edmonton, the 23-year-old is pleased to have crossed off some individual objectives in advance of arguably the most anticipated matchup of the season.

“I’m happy I got the touchdown out of the way and I’m happy I got the first game out of the way,” remarked No. 89. “Now I can go out there and just play instead of thinking about everything and thinking about the next accomplishment. I can go out there and just play and be a good teammate and be a part of the team.”

In addition to showcasing a smile after the victory, Daniels was displaying a pair of recently-acquired keepsakes in locker – the football from his first TD and a game ball presented to him by his teammates to commemorate his primetime performance.

“It’s big,” Daniels said when asked about receiving the honour in the midst of postgame festivities. “I’m happy that they acknowledged it. This is how you play football – to win and be able to celebrate things like that. I’m happy, man. It’s a lot of fun out there.”