Ticats lock up top spot in east, eye Grey Cup return

With Friday’s win over the Ottawa Redblacks, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats sit in first place atop the east division. They haven’t done that since 2019. Now they are in a good spot moving into the playoffs, only one game away from the Grey Cup.

In their first year as the Hamilton Tiger-Cats way back in 1950 they finished last. Then finished first the next year in 1951. This year marks the third time in Ticats history where they’ve gone last place one season and first place the next. But the goal is always the Grey Cup final.

“I’ve been in this position five times and never lost an Eastern Final,” said Simoni Lawrence, former Ticats linebacker.

In his career as a linebacker for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Lawrence knows first hand what it takes to be successful in the playoffs. Now as an analyst for the Ticats Audio Network, Lawrence knows what his former team has done to get here. Now, he says, it’s time to wipe the slate clean.

“The playoffs are a season inside of itself. The Hamilton Tiger-Cats want to go 3-0 — or 2-0 rather because they only have to win the Eastern Final and the Grey Cup,” said Lawrence.

To recap, the Ticats punched their ticket to the playoffs a few weeks ago. Now, with Friday’s win over Ottawa, the boys in black and gold have clinched first place in the East Division.

Here’s a fun fact for you. The Hamilton Ticats have only won first in the East Division three times since they won the Grey Cup in 1999. That would be 2014, 2019 and now 2025. And a fun fact about that Grey Cup back in 1999, they didn’t clinch first back then.

Fans have been with this team through thick and thin. Some people CHCH News spoke to today are pleased the Ticats have an easier transition to the post season.

“I’m glad they finished first place. It’s important to have home field advantage. And we wait for the outcome of the Winnipeg-Montreal game. Either team, it’s going to be a battle back home in Hamilton,” said one man.

“They can run through the line. The line puts up holes for them. They’re getting a lot along the ground too,” said another man.

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