By Max Campbell
Stampeders.com

Now donning blue and gold on game days, Stanley Bryant is about to become reacquainted with the Red and White, much to the pleasure of his former Stampeder teammates.

After free agency brought the big left tackle in Winnipeg last February, the 2-1 Stamps are gearing up to host a familiar face on Saturday night when the Blue Bombers visit McMahon.

Freddie Bishop III, a defensive lineman in his third season with the Stamps, is used to going up to against East Carolina product, albeit on the practice field. Rather than facing Bryant in simulated situations on a daily basis, No. 95 will now face the six-foot-five, 311 lb.-veteran in live action.

“It will be fun seeing big Stan again,” said a smiling Bishop III. “We had a lot of fun when he was here and going up against each other in practice was always competitive. I think it will be same way when we go against him on Saturday.”

Echoing those thoughts was Shane Bergman, who played beside the Stampeder alum on the offensive line’s left side for the past two seasons. Although they are now bitter rivals on the field, their friendship has remained strong since Bryant’s departure.

“It’s going to be different, but it’s going to be cool,” the Teeterville, Ont., native offered. “I’m excited to see him and excited to maybe go out for some dinner with him before the game. It will be nice to see the guy.”

A steady, reliable force throughout his career, Bryant started 66 games over five seasons in Calgary and was named a CFL all-star in both 2013 and 2014.

“He brought confidence,” stated Bishop. “He was a guy we knew we could count on. He’s a good tackle and there’s nothing but good things to say about him. He’s doing well over there in Winnipeg just like he was doing here.”

After the Stamps lost both starting tackles – Edwin Harrison and Dan Federkeil – in last week’s win over Toronto, Bryant’s return comes at a seemingly ironic time considering the recent rash of injuries along the offensive line. The longest-tenured player at the disposal of coach Pat DelMonaco on Saturday evening will be Spencer Wilson, arriving one year after Bryant came to Calgary in 2010.

“He’s a very good tackle,” the 27-year-old Wilson indicated. “When he left, it was kind of disheartening, but he had to go for his own reasons. We could definitely use him with the situation we’re in right now.”

Although disappointed to see Bryant move on during the off-season, Bergman continues to maintain a positive outlook on the position tasked with protecting the blind side of quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell.

“It was a huge void (when Bryant left),” admitted Bergman. “But Edwin (Harrison) came in and did a great job but unfortunately he got hurt, so Garry (Williams) is going to come in and do a great job. But we miss Stan and he’s a great player and an all-star for a reason. He’s done a great job in Winnipeg, and like I said, it’s going to be great to see him.”

With their division rivals also holding a 2-1 record after three weeks of action, Calgary must focus their undivided attention on posting a second consecutive victory. Beating the Bombers would give the Stampeders sole possession of top spot in the division.

“It’s very important to get this win,” said a straightforward Wilson. “It’ll define who’s first in the West right now and it’s very important to us.”