Rory Kohlert has been catching footballs in the CFL for six seasons now.

But what is brand-new for the former Winnipeg receiver is the fact that he has swapped his Bomber Blue for Stamps’ Red and White.

Signed by the Stampeders as a free agent on Feb. 16, Kohlert began his career by going undrafted. He first signed with Hamilton back in 2011 but then went to Winnipeg in time for the following season before being selected by Ottawa in the 2013 expansion draft. The 6-foot-2, 207-lb. player would never take to the field with the RedBlacks and instead re-signed with the Blue Bombers just two months later.

Kohlert is now hoping he’s found a home with the Stamps and has enjoyed the change of scenery so far.

“It’s been good,” the 29-year-old commented on a gusty Friday morning at McMahon Stadium. “Obviously it’s different, but it’s a good change. It’s a good locker-room and a good group of guys and the coaches are really helpful.”

Through 10 practices at training camp, Kohlert identified the most daunting task associated with joining a new team, but also acknowledged the progress he has made over the first six days of main camp.

“I would say learning the playbook,” explained the league veteran. “Just the terminology is a lot different. Just getting that down through the week (has been a challenge). But it’s coming along, and as the weeks go on I’ll get a little better at it.”

The Regina native, who lined up for the University of Saskatchewan Huskies alongside current Stampeders fullback Charlie Power for two seasons, was unsure what to expect leading up to the expiration of his contract with Winnipeg.

“I wasn’t really thinking about it a whole bunch,” Kohlert admitted with a candid shrug of the shoulders. “It ended up happening that I became I free agent and Calgary expressed interest. It was a pretty easy decision for me. They’re had a good squad year-in and year-out.”

Kohlert recorded two pass attempts in 2016 – both of which went down as completions – and even had a touchdown toss to quarterback Matt Nichols in a two-point triumph over BC. He also played his first and only playoff game in last year’s Western semifinal loss to those same Lions.

But he has now turned the page on the past, and the off-season acquisition is vying to fill the void left last season by Simon Charbonneau-Campeau, who – like Kohlert-  was a Canadian pass-catcher sporting No. 87.

“I think I can contribute in a variety of ways,” he suggested. “I think I’m a smart player and I think I’m more of a possession guy mixed in with some blocking.

“But I’m just happy to be a part of it.”