By Nic Sgaggi
Stampeders.com

It wasn’t the way he hoped he’d find his way into the starting lineup, but Shane Bergman is going to do everything he can to fill the hole Stampeders left guard Brander Craighead left in the offensive line when he went down with an ankle sprain in Week 5 against Edmonton.

“It’s too bad that Brander got hurt – I don’t like starting that way,” Bergman admitted. “But I’m ready for the game on Friday and it’ll be fun.”

When he steps on the field on Friday, it won’t have mattered how he got there. Bergman will be focusing on doing his job and making the most of his second Canadian Football League start.

“I’m super excited,” he said. “I’ve been waiting all year for a start.”

Stamps centre Brett Jones, who happens to be one of Bergman’s best friends, is confident that the six-foot-seven, 330-pounder will give the BC Lions defensive line some trouble on Friday night.

“This off-season, Shane put a lot of work in and it’s definitely paying dividends this season,” Jones said. “He’s moving around great out there. It’s always an accomplishment just to get out there and get playing. I’m happy for him.”

Jones helped get Bergman pumped up prior to his first CFL start, which came on Nov. 1 of last season in BC Place. However, this time around, Jones said that a pep talk wouldn’t be necessary.

“No,” Jones said. “Shane’s ready. I’m ready. I just can’t wait for Friday.”

Since his last start, Bergman feels he has enhanced his play both physically and mentally.

“I’ve progressed a long way,” Bergman said. “I know way more about the offence now. My feet are better. My technique is better. There’s always stuff to work on, but I’ve progressed a lot.

“I’ve been paying close attention in meetings, making sure my technique is correct on my footwork and just doing lots of studying at home.”

Bergman is looking forward to contributing in Week 6 and hopefully extending the Red and White’s perfect record in 2014.

“It means a lot,” he said. “It would be good to get a win and keep our first-place record going.”