The preseason games are over, now comes the time for big decisions to be made at Stamps camp.
The Red and White got back to work on Monday following their 31-4 victory over the Edmonton Elks on Saturday night at McMahon Stadium.
It was a dominant performance from start to finish in a tilt that saw the Stampeders debuts for offensive weapons Vernon Adams Jr., Dominique Rhymes and Jeshrun Antwi. With their two preseason games wrapped up, the Stamps will now have to make some roster moves before Saturday’s deadline, and look ahead to the season-opener on June 7 against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
Dickenson Liked the Effort Level
Stampeders head coach and general manager Dave Dickenson spoke Monday about what he saw from his group on Saturday.
“We worked really hard on game management type of stuff and situational football,” he explained. “We had to install a lot more, quickly (with the two early preseason games). It was probably an advantage for us the second game, obviously we had already played one. I thought we looked pretty sharp. To me, the second game you clean up, tune up to get ready for the year.
“We still have two weeks to go before we play so we want to make sure we take advantage of this week and as a team keep growing.”
He explained the outline for this week leading up to choosing the final roster.
“We should have three really spirited practices,” said Dickenson. “We’re still evaluating so the guys have to understand that. Yes, the games have a little, tiny bit more sometimes but are you reliable, can you show up each and every day to get better; I do think we have some tough decisions. There’s some really tight battles going on so any time you’re here you’re being evaluated.
“We will have a good three days and then we’re going to probably make our cuts heading into this weekend’s (league) preseason games and try to get a head start with it.”
Peterson Making an Impression
Rookie Shaun Peterson Jr. is looking to grab one of the spots on the defensive line following a two-sack performance on Saturday night.
He talked about how he’s adjusted to the CFL game.
“I feel like I’ve been working hard,” he explained. “It’s starting to translate and my teammates have helped me a lot. It’s been starting to translate really well. It’s been pretty good, I’ve been enjoying myself and the experience.”
It’s almost an entirely new group of defensive lineman for the Stampeders this season and Peterson spoke about how the group is coming together.
“These guys are great,” said Peterson. “The teammates have been very warm to me, they’ve been very nice. After practice we help each other out, it’s been pretty great. We’re moving forward.”
About Saturday Night
It was all smiles in the Stamps locker-room following the weekend win.
Middle linebacker Marquel Lee spoke about the early energy around the team.
“I feel like we’re gelling at the right time,” he said. “We’ve still got a lot of work to do. We just want to take it one week at a time, one day at a time really and just keep building and get one percent better each day.
As mentioned, the Stamps are done preseason play but fans will get a chance to meet the 2025 roster at Fan Fest on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the MaMahon Stadium turf.
Kickoff the season at McMahon Stadium with live entertainment, interactive inflatables, face painting, games, giveaways, and so much more! Plus, you can meet the current players of the Calgary Stampeders and interact with several of the storied Stamps Alumni! LEARN MORE.
