Mike Klassen has been waiting for this opportunity since joining the Stampeders in free agency this off-season.

The local boy will dress and play in Saturday’s affair against the BC Lions – his first regular-season game at McMahon as a member of the Red and White.

“I’m super excited,” said Klassen. “Obviously, this is my first game at home, back at McMahon Stadium in the city where I grew up, born and raised. This is a real treat and a dream come true. I’m super excited.”

The chance to play comes because of an injury to fellow defensive lineman Junior Turner suffered last weekend in the Labour Day Rematch.

A safety valve, an insurance policy, or some protection.

Whatever you want to call Klassen, his coaches simply know him as a player. He’s a guy that no matter what, they can count on when they desperately need him.

“You couldn’t ask for a better situation,” said defensive line coach Corey Mace of having a capable backup. “A veteran defensive lineman, a local boy, and being Canadian helps him and us. He’s a safety blanket in this situation, but if it was a different situation and we had him in there, I’m super comfortable playing the guy.”

As someone who’s been listed on the roster for nearly every game this season and yet has only dressed for a pair of contests, Klassen has done well to remain focused and make sure he’s ready to hit the field running once he’s given that chance.

“As frustrating as it is, I prepared every week like I was going to play,” said Klassen. “So now that I’m up, I don’t feel like I missed a beat. I kept on top of my notes and film watching and, of course, I was in the gym every week, so I feel ready to go.”

The 26-year old has been around the block before and knows what he needs to do when he gets into the game. Having played in 56 games over five seasons with the Alouettes and Stamps, he’s no stranger to the CFL game.

During his professional career, the Rundle College and University of Calgary Dino alumnus has tallied 57 tackles, eight sacks and a pair of forced fumbles.

Coach Mace recognizes that Klassen can be an effective player in the CFL and he’s expecting the veteran lineman to come to play.

“He’s a seasoned vet. He knows what it is when he puts the helmet on,” Mace said. “I’m excited for him. He’s been doing a real good job since he’s been here. He works hard, he knows his stuff. He had some opportunities earlier in the season and he’ll have some more now to show what he can do and be the player that we believe he can be.”

Going into Saturday, Klassen will team with the other men in the middle to help stop the run and wreak havoc on the quarterback.

Klassen knows what is expected when he takes the field, as does his coach.

“It’s going to be the same as every week,” Mace said. “We want to out-physical their o-line. We’ve got to do a good job of not letting (BC quarterback Jonathon) Jennings ruin the game for us with his feet. They understand what their job is. I’m just as excited as he is to seem him roll.”