Its déjà-vu for Stampeders defensive tackle Corey Mace as in 2013 he follows the same unfortunate script as 2011, with a season-ending injury in the opening game.

Partway through the second quarter of the Stamps home-opening victory over the BC Lions, Mace felt discomfort in his shoulder.

“It popped out and I thought I just dislocated it,” says Mace with his arm resting in a sling. “I put a sleeve on it at halftime and during the game, it kept slipping out.”

Earlier this week, after an evaluation, it was confirmed he had suffered a torn labrum that requires season-ending surgery.

“Anytime you get injured, it’s disappointing. But first game of the season is very disappointing. To do it all over again like 2011, I really don’t have words to describe it,” says a frustrated No. 99.

For his part, head coach and general manager John Hufnagel shares Mace’s disappointment.

“I mean, he worked extremely hard during the off-season and had a great camp,” Hufnagel told media after Wednesday’s practice. “Things were going good for him and, unfortunately, this occurred and he’s on the rehab.”

As much as it’s sad to see a key player — and a popular one at that — go down to injury, there is a full season to play including a key game against the division rival Saskatchewan Roughriders coming up this weekend.

“It’s unfortunate, but you have to move on and still get the job done without him,” says Hufnagel, who feels confident other players will step up.

Now facing a long recovery, Mace is turning his focus towards mentoring the younger players; to help them execute his role and be a positive resource for the team.

“I take pride in the team and still want this team to win,” he says. “If that’s what it takes to help, I’ll do it.”

While rehabbing his shoulder, the charity-minded Mace will continue to work with the youth in his Mace’s Faces program, providing a once-in-a-lifetime football experience for young children at each home game.

>> Video: Mace injury reaction