By Max Campbell
Stampeders.com

Since its inaugural game took place on Labour Day last season, Hamilton’s Tim Hortons Field has played host to all but one CFL franchise, an anomaly that will finally come to an end on Friday night.

That’s because the Red and White have played road games against the Tabbies in five different stadiums in the last five seasons, a travel schedule that has even seen the Stamps take a trip to Canada’s maritime region.

The 2011 Touchdown Atlantic game in Moncton, N.B., was followed by a trip to the Tabbies’ former home of Ivor Wynne Stadium in 2012 before a pair of CIS facilities accommodated Hamilton-versus-Calgary showdowns the following two years. The University of Guelph was the site of the 2013 matchup and the Stamps faced the Tiger-Cats at McMaster University in August of 2014 during the construction of a new building.

“(It was) a little tough, but you’ve just got to be a pro and adjust to wherever you have to play,” said kicker Rene Paredes on the fluctuating destinations. “I’m eager to see how Tim Hortons (Field) is – it’s the first time we go out there – and enjoy the game and hopefully come back with a win.”

Making the trip home to Hamilton will be Brent Monson, Calgary’s linebackers coach, a McMaster alum who is looking forward to visiting the new venue. Arriving to the club in 2009, Monson doubles as Calgary’s strength and conditioning coach.

“Better than (McMaster), better that Guelph,” Monson offered with a grin when asked about his expectations for Tim Hortons Field. “They’re not too far from each other, so that’s been good. I used to like Ivor Wynne, though. I played all my high school games there. It’s awesome going home to see family and friends, but it’s a business trip. We’re just going there to win and that’s our focus.”

Having produced victories in three of those past four designated road games against the Tiger-Cats, Paredes knows they will be in tough — playing in a new environment against a fellow division leader. Hamilton also sports an impressive 10-2 record in 12 regular-season games at their 24,000-seat facility.

“They have a very good special teams unit and obviously they have one of the best returners in the league right now with (Brandon) ‘Speedy’ Banks,” explained Paredes, the 2013 special teams player of the year. “We’ve just got to maintain and keep our coverage on kickoffs and punts, make sure we keep a good edge and keep running full speed because they have big guys on their specials that run a lot and block very good for the returner.”

But despite the change of scenery yet again, Paredes won’t let any distractions prevent him or his teammates from picking up an eleventh win through 14 games in 2015.

“It’s just another game in a different city,” he said.