Bombers’ ex-Stampeders itching to show Calgary what it’s missing

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This article was published 16/07/2015 (4036 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

When the Winnipeg Blue Bombers return to Calgary this Saturday, two of their own will step foot on their former stomping grounds.

For offensive lineman Stanley Bryant, one of the Bombers’ key off-season signings heading into the 2015 season, the return marks his first to the place he spent his first five seasons as a CFL player.

“They gave me my first opportunity in professional football,” Bryant, a Grey Cup champion last season, said. “I love coach (John) Hufnagel, (John) Murphy, even the coaches that came before that — they gave me a chance to go out there and play and I love Calgary for that.”

But make no mistake, the friendly handshakes and light-hearted jabs end at kickoff.

“It will be good seeing those guys, off the field,” Bryant said. “But once we hit the field, all the friendships and all of that stuff is out the window — we are going there to win.”

When the Bombers signed Lin-J Shell to their practice roster back at the end of June, he said he was a little sour the Stampeders didn’t re-sign him after their Grey Cup triumph in 2014.

With the date circled on his calendar since he arrived at Investors Group Field, Shell is itching for his chance to show them what they’re missing.

“It comes down to bragging rights,” Shell said. “Any time you can talk a little noise to Bo (Levi-Mitchell), you want to create that atmosphere. He’s a hell of a guy, but you want to one up that guy any chance you get.”

A dream scenario for Shell would be a complete demolition of his former team.

“A blow out, that’s it,” he said. “Personally, I want to just make big plays for my teammates. If I get an opportunity to make a pick-six or a big play, I’ll take anything. It will be amazing for me and my teammates.”

The winner on Saturday takes home more than just bragging rights, but also sole possession of the top spot in the CFL’s West Division.

Winnipeg has a solitary win McMahon Stadium since 2002 — a meaningless game in Week 19 last year.

Bryant expects a stiff test.

“They’re great competition,” he said. “They always have good, talented starters and great depth. (Their) defence is going to be great, and offence is going to be great. It’s a good challenge for us and we’re going to be ready.

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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