INSIDER BLOG

Insider: First West showdown of 2010

July 24, 2010

CgySskh2h.jpgAfter launching the 2010 Canadian Football League campaign with three consecutive contests against East Division opponents, the Stampeders face their first West Division rival tonight as the Saskatchewan Roughriders make their only regular-season visit to McMahon Stadium. Kickoff is 7:30 p.m.

Posted in: Football

Insider: Stamps and Riders play it tight

July 21, 2010

CgySskh2h.jpgTo say the Calgary Stampeders and Saskatchewan Roughriders have been bitter and close rivals in recent years is a bit of an understatement.

Since 2006, the teams have taken turns finishing exactly one spot ahead of the other, including 2008, when the Stampeders finished two points ahead of the Riders in the battle for top spot in the West, and 2009, when the clubs finished with identical 10-7-1 marks and the division winner was determined by virtue of the head-to-head tie-breaker.

Posted in: Football

Insider: Stamps take 2-0 mark to T.O.

July 14, 2010

CgyTorh2h.jpgThe Stampeders conclude a two-game excursion through Southern Ontario tonight by paying a visit to the Toronto Argonauts. Kickoff at Rogers Centre is 5:30 p.m. MDT.

The Stamps are 2-0 so far in 2010 and share top spot in the West Division with the Saskatchewan Roughriders. The Argos, meanwhile, are one of three clubs holding a 1-1 mark, which is good enough for a first-place in the East Division standings with Montreal and Winnipeg.

Posted in: Football

Insider: Live blog from Hamilton

July 10, 2010

CgyHamh2h.jpgJoin us here during Saturday's game for live updates from Hamilton's Ivor Wynne Stadium. You can also qualify for a draw for a SIRIUS satellite radio and six months of free service simply by posting a comment during the game. Kickoff for the contest is 11 a.m. MDT.

Posted in: Football

Insider: A must-have for serious fans

July 6, 2010

media_guideI.jpgIt’s the book no serious Calgary Stampeders fan can do without.

Get your hands on the glossy 240-page Stamps’ 2010 media guide, the exact same resource that the Canadian Football League’s media professionals rely upon.

In addition to comprehensive statistics, photos and in-depth information about the 2010 Stampeders, the media guide has exclusive information you won’t find anywhere else.

Posted in: Football

Insider: Stamps at Hamilton on July 10

July 5, 2010

CgyHamh2h.jpg

Follow all the action and get exclusive live updates when the Stampeders play at Hamilton's Ivor Wynne Stadium on Saturday, July 10.

By submitting a comment, you're automatically entered into a draw for a SIRIUS Starmate 5 Plug-and-play satellite radio with six months of free service.

Posted in: Football

Insider: Reediscover Lysack and Cornish

July 2, 2010

100702Cornish.jpgHow would you like to go to the 2010 Grey Cup? You can win a trip for two to the big game, which will be held at Edmonton Commonwealth Stadium, by taking part in Reebok’s Reediscover competition.

It’s a battle between 16 Canadian Football League players including two members of the Calgary Stampeders — running back Jon Cornish and safety Wes Lysack.

Posted in: Football

Insider: 2010 season kicks off

July 1, 2010

CgyTorh2h.jpgNext year is finally here.

The 2010 Canadian Football League season gets under way with a Canada Day kickoff tonight at McMahon Stadium as the Calgary Stampeders entertain the Toronto Argonauts. Game time is 8 p.m.

Posted in: Football

Insider: New CBA announced

June 29, 2010

cfl_english.jpgThe Canadian Football League charges into the 2010 season under a new four-year Collective Bargaining Agreement that revamps the league's business model, increases player compensation and introduces year- round testing for performance enhancing drugs.

Now ratified by the league's players and its Board of Governors, the terms of the agreement were revealed Tuesday at a joint news conference hosted by representatives of the CFL and the Canadian Football League Players' Association.


Insider: Football is back in town

June 20, 2010

CgySskh2h.jpgFootball is back in Calgary.

The 2010 action at McMahon Stadium gets under way Sunday with a Father’s Day meeting with the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

Kickoff time is shortly after 1 p.m. If you can’t make it to the stadium, you can follow the action by getting exclusive live updates on the Stampeders' Game Day Twitter feed.

Posted in: Football

Insider: Training camp diary

June 19, 2010

CampDay14_100619.jpgMain Camp — Day 14

The Stampeders on Saturday went through their final preparations for their Father’s Day game against the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Kickoff for the contest at McMahon Stadium is 1 p.m.

It’s the last live-action opportunity to see the roster hopefuls in action.

“Our objectives haven’t changed for pre-season,” said head coach and general manager John Hufnagel after Saturday’s walk-through under sunny skies at McMahon.

Posted in: Football

Insider: The Ultimate Stamps Dad

June 17, 2010

fitzsimmons2_100617.jpgHere is the story behind the winning entry for our Ultimate Stamps Dad contest, which was presented by Shakers.

The Fitzsimmons story

I'm Scott Fitzsimmons and my dad is Jack Fitzsimmons.

I know the Father's day thing is a random draw, but I really wanted to tell you about my dad anyway. He really is the greatest Stampeders fan (only #2 to MAYBE me). My dad has been a Stampeders fan forever, including holding season tickets for most of his 20s.

Posted in: General

Insider: Pre-season begins in Edmonton

June 13, 2010

Logos_100613.jpgThe Stampeders' 2010 season gets under way on Sunday with a tune-up contest at Edmonton's Commonwealth Stadium.

Kickoff time is 5 p.m. and you can follow the action by getting exclusive live updates on the Stampeders' Game Day Twitter feed. Also, AM 770 has the call on radio with Mark Stephen and Greg Peterson.

Posted in: Football

Insider: League and CFLPA reach tentative deal

May 26, 2010

cfl_english.jpgThe Canadian Football League Player Relations Committee and Canadian Football League Players' Association have reached a tentative agreement on the terms of a new Collective Bargaining Agreement. This agreement remains subject to ratification votes by the Players and CFL Board of Governors, which will be conducted in advance of the regular-season kickoff on July 1. 


Insider: Comiskey's raring to go

May 20, 2010

DanComiskey.jpgVeteran offensive lineman Dan Comiskey has big plans for the 2010 season as he returns to the Canadian Football League.

“I’ve got three kids and I’ve got two Grey Cup rings,” the newest member of the Calgary Stampeders quipped on QR77’s Sportstalk show Wednesday night. “I need one more ring or there’s going to be a helluva fight at home.”

Posted in: Football, General

Insider: Burris feted and roasted

May 6, 2010

BurrisBL_100506.jpgThursday was a day to celebrate Henry Burris and honour the Stampeders quarterback for his third consecutive Presidents’ Ring Award. It was also time to have a little good-natured fun at his expense.

Burris was invited to take a comfortable chair on stage while friends and teammates took turns taking playful jabs at the fun-loving quarterback, who laughed at the jokes harder than anyone.

Posted in: Football, Events

Insider: Maver's detour en route to Calgary

May 4, 2010

MaverHS.jpgCalgary Stampeders first-round draft pick Rob Maver has been invited for a visit by the Atlanta Falcons this weekend.

Maver, a kicker, was selected fifth overall by the Stamps in last Sunday's CFL Canadian Draft.

"Rob played at University of Guelph and the Falcons' GM — Tom Dimitroff — played football at the same school, so Tom is offering Rob the opportunity to go kick for them this coming weekend," said Stampeders head coach and general manager John Hufnagel.

Posted in: Football

Insider: Breaking down the 2010 draft class

May 2, 2010

draft_english.jpgWelcome to our up-to-the-second coverage of the Stampeders' 2010 CFL Canadian Draft. Keep checking this space throughout the day for instant updates and analysis on Calgary's selections, including quotes from head coach and general manager John Hufnagel.

Posted in: Football

Insider: D-Day is almost here

April 29, 2010

ralph_blog2.jpgFew days on the Canadian Football League calendar are more important than the day of the Canadian draft. In 2010, that day is Sunday, May 2.

The line about Canadian talent being key to success in the CFL has become a cliche but that's only because there's so much truth to the statement. The Stampeders suffered some losses in Canadian content during this off-season but they have already some measures to fill those gaps. 

Posted in: Football

Insider: Ongoing legacy

April 27, 2010

calgary_retro1960.jpgSixty-five years ago, a team took the field for the first time, and a legacy was born…

Join the Calgary Stampeders in 2010 as we celebrate two great milestones in our proud franchise — the 65th anniversary of the Stampeders, and the 50th anniversary of McMahon Stadium. Through it all, the celebration of the team's history will be front and centre as we recount stories of some key figures and moments of our proud past.

Of course, a big part of our celebration involves you, the fans!

Posted in: Football, Events

Insider: Latest draft rankings

April 7, 2010

SWilliams_100407.jpgWith the 2010 CFL Canadian Draft fast approaching, the CFL's Amateur Scouting Bureau on Wednesday published its third set of rankings of the top Canadian amateur football players eligible for this year's event.

Queen's linebacker and Vanier Cup champion Shomari Williams now tops the ranking.

Williams' strong season coupled with a great Vanier Cup performance had him jump from 15th last September to first in the April edition of the list.

Posted in: Football

Insider: Heading to Florida

March 23, 2010

Fcamp_100315_1.jpgOfficially, the start of the 2010 Canadian Football League season is still nearly three months away. It’s even longer than that if we’re talking about the regular season rather than pre-season tune-ups.

On the other hand, it can be said that the field work for the new Stampeders campaign actually gets under way this weekend in Florida.

Posted in: Football

Insider: 100 days and counting

March 23, 2010

TrainingCamp_100319.jpgIf you sneak a peek at a CFL-related messageboard these days or eavesdrop at a water-cooler meeting of football fans, the anxiety is palpable and the football-fever withdrawal symptoms are obvious.

Well take heart, all you diehards. The off-season is almost over and as of today — Tuesday, March 23 — there are exactly 100 days remaining until the Stampeders kick off the 2010 campaign by entertaining the Toronto Argonauts at McMahon Stadium on July 1.

Posted in: Football

Insider: Petrie tackles new role

March 3, 2010

Petrie1_100229.jpgCalgary Stampeders fans might know Michael Petrie from the years he spent covering the team for the Calgary Herald. But he has spent the past two-plus years working for the club and was promoted to director of football operations earlier this month.

Here’s a quick question-and-answer about his unique path to his current role.

Posted in: Football

Insider: Lewis learned from master

February 24, 2010

LewisI_100224.jpgNik Lewis admits he was stunned last week when he learned teammate and roommate Jeremaine Copeland had been traded to the Toronto Argonauts.

But after letting the news sink in for a few days, a couple of things became clear to the veteran Stampeders slotback. Firstly, he was grateful for the opportunity to play with the talented Copeland for five seasons in Calgary. Secondly, Lewis sees a golden opportunity to apply the lessons he’s learned from Copeland the player and Copeland the friend and teammate.

Posted in: Football

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