Rookie hog learning from master

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This article was published 25/06/2015 (3755 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The grin splitting Dominic Picard’s face when asked about rookie right guard Sukh Chungh is unmistakable.

Unmistakable, with a little sinister twist mixed in.

Even before the Winnipeg Blue Bombers drafted the 6-4, 305-pound behemoth, much was said about Chungh’s ability to not only be a force on the offensive line, but being a nasty piece of business while doing so. For all intents and purposes, Chungh is a younger version of Picard — nasty streak and all.

“We play on the edge, that’s why we get along so well, Sukh and I,” said Picard, the team’s starting centre.

“That’s why I like the kid, he wants to learn so much, and he has that on-the-edge mentality. It’s been really good.”

The respect shown between the two — the master and his pupil — is palpable.

“Having Dom here is everything for myself,” Chungh said.

“Any time I want to pluck his brain for anything, he’s always willing to help, giving me pointers on and off the field. He’s not going to lead me in the wrong direction. It’s great having that around — his knowledge for the game is amazing.”

Picard’s career hasn’t been one without controversy.

The sentiment on the 33-year-old is that he plays beyond what the rules of the CFL game allow.

That opinion isn’t lost on Picard, who said he’s trying to steer Chungh in the right direction. But he wants the edginess to stay.

“I’ve been in the league for a while, so I know what’s up. I’m trying to help his as much as I can,” said Picard. “It’s been fun because he’s interested, he wants to learn every day and it shows. That’s what you want, it’s our identity up front here, and we’re going to grind and he fits in.”

This isn’t Picard’s first rodeo. He’s taken on mentorship roles in the past, most recently with the Saskatchewan Roughriders. For Picard, as he puts it, he’s out there trying to lead by example.

In a way, Picard is paying it forward. He credits Dan Goodspeed, the former Bombers offensive tackle, with showing him the ropes as an up-and-coming talent in the league.

“He was a good guy for me, a real good friend,” said Picard. “As an athlete, you have to put all the work in, the time and be able to understand and learn on your own as well.”

‘We play on the edge, that’s why we get along so well, Sukh and I. That’s why I like the kid, he wants to learn so much, and he has that on-the-edge mentality. It’s been really good’

— Dominic Picard

Bombers head coach Mike O’Shea said Picard’s influence has stretched further than just Chungh.

Excellence

“All of the young guys on the O-line and the older guys, too, they’re fortunate to have Dom Picard there,” O’Shea said.

“He’s another vet who demands excellence, never lowers the bar for anybody. He wants them to move up to his level of competition and his level of understanding of the game, and he has a lot of it. Dom’s not afraid to take control of a meeting.”

Chungh said he’s ready to play when the Bombers open the season Saturday in Regina if his name is called. The former University of Calgary Dino saw significant action during the team’s two pre-season tilts.

“I believe if the coaches believe I’m ready, then I’m ready,” said Chungh. “I couldn’t ask for a better stage to be on. I’m just focusing day by day. I’m sure when game day comes I’ll have all the feelings. It will be crazy for sure.”

Picard, meanwhile, isn’t worried about his protege.

“He’s better than yesterday and tomorrow he’s going to be better than today.”

scott.billeck@freepress.mb.ca

Scott Billeck
Reporter

Scott Billeck is a general assignment reporter for the Free Press. A Creative Communications graduate from Red River College, Scott has more than a decade’s worth of experience covering hockey, football and global pandemics. He joined the Free Press in 2024.  Read more about Scott.

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