There’s no better time to test your abilities than training camp.

That’s exactly what the Stampeders did Sunday afternoon, playing a Red & White Mock Game by practicing situational football.

The game was key to the Stampeders’ preparation for two upcoming pre-season games: they’ll host the BC Lions on June 1, and travel to Saskatchewan to take on the Roughriders on June 6.

“I think it was lucrative for us to have this prior to the pre-season,” said receiver Richard Sindani. “Guys can get the feel of running in and off the sidelines, and getting on special teams.

“Although there wasn’t any contact it was nice to see how the Canadian game would flow for some of the Americans.”

It was also a good opportunity to test systems through trial and error.

“There are no nerves because it’s practice” said Sindani.

“It’s stuff I’ve practiced since rookie camp, and it was interesting to put it all together and see how it works against your teammates”

The mock game was not only valuable for practice, but an important time to show coaches what you’re made of – Sindani did just that, making two big catches.

“Ricky Stanzi escaped the pocket, and it’s stuff that you work on when you’re younger – just going around and improvising when things go south in the pocket,” said Sindani. “He (Stanzi) made a good read and there was a short defender on me so it was pretty routine.”

Sindani also made another big catch just after the second half began and he says it’s all scramble rules: making adjustments and going off-script when needed.

“(I was) just trying to be as friendly as I can for the quarterback so they can make their throws and they have a reliable target when things go south in the pocket.”

Sindani and his Stamps will have to bring that same A-game once again next Friday when they kick off pre-season action versus the BC Lions starting at 7 p.m. at McMahon Stadium.

“I’m pumped, I’m really excited to play here against BC” said Sindani.