Ticats finalize roster

The Ticats are getting ready for this week’s launch of the CFL season, having set their roster on the weekend.

It was a familiar sight at Ron Joyce Stadium. With Tim Hortons Field still under construction the Ticats are forced to shuttle between McMaster and their headquarters in downtown Hamilton.

But that wasn’t the only familiar thing. After last year’s epic injury-riddled season the Cats will, once again, be without some starters for week one – most notably receiver Andy Fantuz. Head coach Kent Austin says it’s time for others to step up.

And as if giving up nine sacks in last week’s preseason game in Toronto wasn’t tough enough to deal with, offensive lineman Mike Filer’s foot injury will also keep him sidelined for week one.

Offensive line coach Allen Rudolph: “We had some serious talks about our performance, but I do feel like they’re getting better. they’re a group of men with a lot of pride, so we’ll bounce back from that.”

The silver lining to the o-line situation is that it looks like Greg Wojt might be returning after missing both preseason games with a leg injury. “It was questionable for the second pre-season game. We are spread kind of thin right now, so I had to do the smart thing. We’re healthy and ready to go for game one.”