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Features May 6, 2025

2025 Training Camp Preview: Special Teams

For the first time in 15 years, someone other than Mark Kilam will be leading the special-teams unit in Calgary.

Craig Dickenson, who joined the club last season as a senior consultant, was appointed special-teamscoordinator for the 2025 season, a post he previously held from 2005-2009. This year marks his 22nd season as a coach in the CFL.

Coach: Craig Dickenson

Vets: Aaron Crawford*, Rene Paredes*

Off-Season Additions:

Rookies: Jason MacGougan*, Mark Vassett**

Departed: Cody Grace**, Toshiki Sato**

* Denotes Canadian

** Denotes Global

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I think it’s safe to say the City of Calgary collectively took a huge sigh of relief when veteran kicker Rene Paredes signed a new contract.

El Matador enters his 14th season as a Stampeder and has proven he’s just as reliable as he was in his rookie season back in 2011.

Long snapper Aaron Crawford also inked a two-year extension that will keep him in Calgary through 2026.

Who’s Punting?

After four seasons, Cody Grace’s time in Calgary came to an end. The Australian punter opted north of the QEII and will be suiting up in green and gold for 2025.

Currently, Australian rookie Mark Vassett, who was selected in the second round of the 2025 global draft, is the only punter signed for this season. Last year, the Colorado Buffaloes alum averaged 43.7 yards on 53 punts and finished second in the Big 12 conference in both punts inside the 20 (19) and punts that covered at least 50 yards (15). He was a conference honourable-mention selection.

The Stampeders also selected Australian Fraser Masin with the first overall pick in the global draft. The Ole Miss product is currently attending Pittsburgh Steelers mini-camp.

In 2024, Masin averaged 46.6 yards on 36 punts with 14 that covered at least 50 yards including two kicks that exceeded 60 yards. He pinned opponents inside the 20-yard line on 16 occasions. He was semi-finalist for the Ray Guy Award, which goes to college football’s top punter.

On The Return

For the majority of the last three seasons, Peyton Logan served as the Stampeders’ primary return man. With Logan off to Winnipeg, the return duties will have to be picked up by someone else.

However, there are a few players with experience currently on the roster: Erik Brooks, Cam Echols, Ishmael Hyman and Jalen Philpot have all tried their hand at the return game and any of the four shifty speedsters could easily slot in if called upon this season.

The Stamps also have return candidates among their contingent of rookies including Terrell Vaughn of Utah State.