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After making to the Grey Cup in the 2014 and 2015 seasons, the Ticats were defeated by the Ottawa Redblacks in the eastern conference final last season. This year, some big names were added in the off season.
At 6’5 230 pounds, John Chick is a mountain of a man, and a force at defensive end.
After six seasons with Saskatchewan, Chick is now wearing different colours.
“No matter where you’re at there’s changes every year, this is a new beginning for me, the core is about me getting better each day.”
The Flying Hawaiian Chad Owens has long been a thorn in the side of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, but is hoping to endear himself to Ticat fans quickly.
“Sure there’s going to be adjustment from the fans, but I want to let them know I’m committed 100% and I’ll do what I can to help them finish this year.”
New additions like Chad Owens and John Chick, are hoping that they’re the pieces that put the Ticats over the top.
“Having been here two days, I’ve seen how the team is run, their attitude, it’s about winning a championship and just adding what I can to get them to that is what I’m about.” said Chick.
“At the end of the day we play a game, so we make sure we have fun, build camaraderie, truly becomes a family, a team, when we do that it gives us a chance.” said Owens.
Claudio Raposo and his friends take in training camp every year.
“When I first started to come to practice I just came to see, but now you know everybody so it’s kind of a tradition.”
Raposo says he respects Chad Owens as a person, but will never like him as a player, even though he’s now a Ticat.
“He could score 10 touchdowns, and I would still dislike him as a player.”
It’s clear other fans are willing to give Owens a chance, and coach Kent Austin has liked what he’s seen so far from the new additions.
“John is strong, and Chad is still quick. They can make plays so they’re doing well.”
The Ticats play their first pre-season game in Toronto on June 11th against Owen’s former team the Argonauts. It will be the first CFL game at BMO Field.
