Latest news with #Demski
Winnipeg Free Press
28-06-2025
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Blue Bombers' dominance of cellar-dwelling Elks continues
Never mind a monkey, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers are a King Kong-sized ape the Edmonton Elks can't seem to get off their back. The Bombers defeated the winless Elks 36-23 Thursday night in front of a sold-out Princess Auto Stadium to extend their winning streak over the Double Es to 13 games. It's the longest stretch of consecutive victories the Blue and Gold have ever had over an opponent. The now 3-0 Bombers will look to continue their Alberta dominance when they head to Calgary to play the Stampeders on Thursday at McMahon Stadium for the first Stampede Bowl. Before you go searching for your cowboy hat, let's dive into Thursday's result with another edition of 5 Takeaways. Apparently, practice doesn't make perfect. An ankle injury kept receiver Nic Demski out of practice all week which left him as a game-time decision. You never would've guessed it, though, as Demski had a brilliant showing with five catches for a team-high 97 yards and two touchdowns. It's already the second multi-touchdown game of the season — and sixth of his 10-year career — for the 31-year-old Winnipegger as he also had two scores in Week 2 at home vs. B.C. Demski's biggest play came in the second quarter when he hauled in a pass at the Edmonton 20 and sprinted away from several defenders to the end zone for a 60-yard catch and run. It was the longest catch he's had since Week 7 2023 when he caught a 70-yard bomb against, you guessed it, Edmonton. Demski, who only had one reception for one yard last week, has made at least one catch in 74 consecutive games which is the longest active streak in the CFL. Last season it took until Week 17 for Demski to record his fourth touchdown. His best scoring year was in 2022 when he had 10 touchdowns. It's safe to say Zach Collaros likes to play against the Elks. Last year in Week 17 at home, Collaros torched the Green and Gold for a career-high six touchdown passes in a 55-27 victory. JOHN WOODS / THE CANADIAN PRESS Bombers QB Zach Collaros crashes into the endzone for a touchdown Thursday against the Edmonton Elks. JOHN WOODS / THE CANADIAN PRESS Bombers QB Zach Collaros crashes into the endzone for a touchdown Thursday against the Edmonton Elks. Thursday night was the best game the 36-year-old passer has had since as he went 25-for-30 for 334 yards and three touchdowns. His TD passes came on three consecutive drives in the first half. As great as his arm looked, his best play came with his legs in the fourth quarter when he put things away with an impressive 13-yard touchdown scramble to give the Bombers a 33-23 lead. Go to YouTube and watch highlights of his days at the University of Cincinnati and you'll see he has a long history of giving defences headaches with his running ability. It's a side to his game Winnipeg doesn't see too often, but he clearly showed he's still capable of being a dual-threat if necessary. Dating back to his time with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, Collaros has now won 12 in a row against Edmonton. It was a stellar night by the offence, but far from perfect. The ground attack is missing reigning Most Outstanding Player Brady Oliveira and it shows. Collaros has the talent to win games on his own, but for this team to make it to a sixth consecutive Grey Cup, they're going to need more out of their ball carriers. After a breakout debut in Week 2 with 130 yards, backup tailback Matthew Peterson has crashed down to earth. The second-year Canadian, who had a tough outing last Saturday in Vancouver with 42 yards on 11 touches, was practically non-existent for the first three quarters against the Elks before churning out some yards in the fourth to burn out the clock. Peterson ended with 12 carries for 65 yards, while American rookie Quinton Cooley had 19 yards on four attempts to give the Bombers back-to-back games with less 100 total rushing yards. As a group, the Bombers, who averaged 114.8 rushing yards per contest in 2024, only had 10 ground yards at the half. Oliveira has been out for two weeks with a shoulder injury and it remains to be seen if he'll be ready to rock this Thursday to take on Calgary. It was a bit of a weird evening for the Bombers' secondary. They had some miscommunication at the start of the third quarter when they left Elks receiver Kaion Julien-Grant all alone for the easiest 68-yard touchdown you'll ever see. It should've been Julien-Grant's second TD of the game as he dropped a perfect pass in the corner of the end zone right before the first half whistle. Later in the third with the game tied 23-23, corner back Terrell Bonds jumped a Tre Ford pass that was intended for Elks receiver Zach Mathis and intercepted it to give the Bombers the ball in the red zone. That is, until the play was reviewed. Bonds failed to maintain possession when he hit the ground, and the call was reversed. It's the second week in a row Bonds has let an errant pass slip through his fingers as he should've had a pick-six against the Lions in Week 3. The defence has some room for improvement, but it was still a strong performance. Ford, one of the best athletes in the league, danced behind the line of scrimmage all night but only managed six rushing yards on one attempt. The Canadian passer was fine, completing 18 of 29 passes for 252 yards and one touchdown, but didn't do anything spectactular. He was also sacked three times, which is a step in the right direction for a Winnipeg team that only had two quarterback takedowns in their first two games. Rookie returner Trey Vaval has been a nice surprise for the Bombers. The Bombers signed veteran American running back Peyton Logan away from Calgary this winter for him to handle those duties but an injury in training camp has prevented him from suiting up in 2025. It opened the door for Vaval, a 24-year-old out of Minnesota State, to step in and he's made the most of the opportunity as he had a CFL-best 13.7 yards per punt return average heading into the date with the Elks. In Thursday's second quarter, Vaval had a punt bounce off his hands and Elks linebacker D.K. Bonhomme happily scooped it up to give the visitors the ball near midfield. Fortunately for Vaval, his teammate Redha Kramdi bailed him out by causing Elks running back Justin Rankin to fumble two players later and defensive end James Vaughters pounced on it. It's the second time Vaval has botched a punt this season, although this was the first one that resulted in a turnover. He's new to the Canadian game and life in pro football, so, the Bombers should be patient with him, but two muffed punts in three games isn't what you want to see. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. Taylor AllenReporter Taylor Allen is a sports reporter for the Winnipeg Free Press. Taylor was the Vince Leah intern in the Free Press newsroom twice while earning his joint communications degree/diploma at the University of Winnipeg and Red River College Polytechnic. He signed on full-time in 2019 and mainly covers the Blue Bombers, curling, and basketball. Read more about Taylor. Every piece of reporting Taylor produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Global News
17-06-2025
- Sport
- Global News
Winnipeg Blue Bombers' Nic Demski, CFL's top offensive player for Week Two
The Canadian Football League's top offensive player for Week Two of the 2025 regular season is Nic Demski of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. The veteran slotback earned his spot on the 'CFL Honour Roll' by hauling in four catches for 53 yards and two touchdowns in the Blue Bombers' impressive 34-20 season opening victory versus the BC Lions on Thursday, June 12, before a sixth straight sellout crowd at Princess Auto Stadium . 'It was some good football, definitely a great way to start the year,' said Demski on the 680 CJOB Post Game Show that evening. 'You know, there was some mistakes on all three phases but at the end of the day we bounced back and I thought we kept momentum the whole game — we finished it right.' Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Demski capped off Winnipeg's first offensive drive of the season with a 20-yard touchdown reception with the game barely two and a half minutes old. His second major — off a four-yard corner rout deep in the BC end zone — finished off a six-play, 65-yard Bomber drive that began late in the third quarter and ended early in the fourth to put the game out of reach. Story continues below advertisement 'The first one, we definitely saw some stuff on film where we thought it could have popped. Strev just delivered a great ball. I just ran as fast as I could and took the middle of the field and caught it,' said Demski of the pass thrown by Chris Streveler for Winnipeg's opening touchdown. 'The second one basically was just a read. If they had two on two to the field, corner route go in — which you know I love to do — Strev just threw it and let me go make my money.' The 31 year old Winnipegger is now in his 10th CFL season, including the last seven with his hometown Blue Bombers after playing the first three years of his pro career with Saskatchewan. Winnipeg begins this campaign looking to make their sixth consecutive appearance in the Grey Cup and will attempt to take the next step towards achieving that goal when they visit Vancouver on Saturday to complete the two-game regular season series versus the Lions. The broadcast on 680 CJOB with Derek Taylor and Doug Brown gets underway with the pregame show at 4 p.m. CT, followed by the play-by-play at 6 p.m. CT from BC Place Stadium.
Hamilton Spectator
12-06-2025
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
Bombers look for another trip to the Grey Cup, this time as hosts
WINNIPEG - Dalton Schoen doesn't care who throws him the ball, he just wants to make a meaningful catch. The Blue Bombers' talented receiver will get that chance when he returns from a season-ending injury to face the B.C. Lions in Winnipeg's CFL season-opener Thursday. 'It feels great,' Schoen said after Wednesday's walk-through practice. 'It's kind of hard to describe, you get so used to the process of it that when it's taken away you go, 'Wow, that goes quick.'' Schoen suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in the third game last season, nixing a chance to put up a trio of consecutive 1,000-yard campaigns. His return to action will be key for a revamped Blue Bombers receiving corps. Schoen and 10-year CFL veteran Nic Demski will lead a group that's lost some veteran pass catchers such as Kenny Lawler and Drew Wolitarsky. Thursday's test will also include hauling in passes from quarterback Chris Streveler as starting quarterback Zach Collaros was suspended for one game after failing to respond to an off-season drug-testing request. 'We've got some familiar faces, but we've definitely got some new faces,' said Demski, who's in his seventh year with his hometown team. 'We've got some guys stepping up into different roles, so everybody's just got to make the most of their opportunities and come together and play great.' Lawler and Wolitarsky both left for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, while Ontaria Wilson signed with the NFL New York Jets after catching 71 passes for 1,026 yards in his rookie three-down season. Winnipeg's starting five against the Lions (1-0) will feature Demski and Schoen with sophomores Keric Wheatfall and Kevens Clercius and rookie Jerreth Sterns. Dillon Mitchell was a big off-season signing after the third-year receiver was released by the Edmonton Elks, but he's on the one-game injured list. 'We have pretty good chemistry in the room,' Schoen said of his fellow receivers. 'I think we communicate pretty well with each other and so I think it's going to be fun to get out there with those guys.' Winnipeg's defence also has some new looks as the club aims to make it to a sixth straight Grey Cup and end a three-game losing streak in the championship game. Manitoba's capital city is hosting this year's Grey Cup on Nov. 16. 'It's a huge motivation,' Bombers defensive end Willie Jefferson said. 'To have the biggest game of the season to be in your home, it's an honour.' Jefferson will have a different rush end on the line after James Vaughters was signed following four seasons during two stints with the Calgary Stampeders. 'We got a chance to build our camaraderie, build that chemistry, a little bit of togetherness,' Jefferson said of the defence in training camp. 'Running new plays, new defences, new personalities and things like that. Now we've got the chance to put that work that we built during camp and put that out here with live bullets.' The defence will be going up against Lions quarterback Nathan Rourke, who claimed the league's top offensive honour for Week 1 after throwing for 324 yards and three touchdowns in a 31-14 victory over Edmonton. While running back Brady Oliveira should be Winnipeg's workhorse again, the team signed tailback Peyton Logan. He's expected to return kicks, but is on the one-game injured list. Rookie defensive back Trey Vaval will get the chance to shine in that role against the Lions. Winnipeg fans will see another familiar face on the field Thursday, but on a different sideline. Former Bombers offensive co-ordinator Buck Pierce left to become the Lions' head coach. 'Probably a little of both,' Pierce said with a smile when asked if he expects to be heckled or congratulated by Winnipeg fans. 'But that's expected. The passion of the fanbase here and the excitement for a new season, I'm sure I'll hear both sides of that.' Winnipeg 2024 record: 11-7, first West Division, lost Grey Cup to Toronto Did you know?: Nic Demski is coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons. The last time a Canadian Bombers receiver racked up three of those milestone campaigns in a row was Gerald Wilcox in 1993-95. Key additions: RB/KR Peyton Logan (Calgary), Rec Dillon Mitchell (Edmonton), DE James Vaughters (Calgary) Key losses: Brandon Alexander (not re-signed), LB Adam Bighill (not re-signed), DB Tyrell Ford (Edmonton), Rec Kenny Lawler (Hamilton), Rec Drew Wolitarsky (Hamilton) Players to watch: RB/KR Peyton Logan, RB Brady Oliveira, Rec Dalton Schoen, DE James Vaughters This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 11, 2025.
Global News
11-06-2025
- Sport
- Global News
Winnipeg Blue Bombers look for another trip to the Grey Cup, this time as hosts
Dalton Schoen doesn't care who throws him the ball, he just wants to make a meaningful catch. The Blue Bombers' talented receiver will get that chance when he returns from a season-ending injury to face the B.C. Lions in Winnipeg's CFL season-opener Thursday. 'It feels great,' Schoen said after Wednesday's walk-through practice. 'It's kind of hard to describe, you get so used to the process of it that when it's taken away you go, 'Wow, that goes quick.'' Schoen suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in the third game last season, nixing a chance to put up a trio of consecutive 1,000-yard campaigns. His return to action will be key for a revamped Blue Bombers receiving corps. Schoen and 10-year CFL veteran Nic Demski will lead a group that's lost some veteran pass catchers such as Kenny Lawler and Drew Wolitarsky. Story continues below advertisement Thursday's test will also include hauling in passes from quarterback Chris Streveler as starting quarterback Zach Collaros was suspended for one game after failing to respond to an off-season drug-testing request. 'We've got some familiar faces, but we've definitely got some new faces,' said Demski, who's in his seventh year with his hometown team. 'We've got some guys stepping up into different roles, so everybody's just got to make the most of their opportunities and come together and play great.' Lawler and Wolitarsky both left for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, while Ontaria Wilson signed with the NFL New York Jets after catching 71 passes for 1,026 yards in his rookie three-down season. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Winnipeg's starting five against the Lions (1-0) will feature Demski and Schoen with sophomores Keric Wheatfall and Kevens Clercius and rookie Jerreth Sterns. Dillon Mitchell was a big off-season signing after the third-year receiver was released by the Edmonton Elks, but he's on the one-game injured list. 'We have pretty good chemistry in the room,' Schoen said of his fellow receivers. 'I think we communicate pretty well with each other and so I think it's going to be fun to get out there with those guys.' Winnipeg's defence also has some new looks as the club aims to make it to a sixth straight Grey Cup and end a three-game losing streak in the championship game. Story continues below advertisement Manitoba's capital city is hosting this year's Grey Cup on Nov. 16. 'It's a huge motivation,' Bombers defensive end Willie Jefferson said. 'To have the biggest game of the season to be in your home, it's an honour.' Jefferson will have a different rush end on the line after James Vaughters was signed following four seasons during two stints with the Calgary Stampeders. 'We got a chance to build our camaraderie, build that chemistry, a little bit of togetherness,' Jefferson said of the defence in training camp. 'Running new plays, new defences, new personalities and things like that. Now we've got the chance to put that work that we built during camp and put that out here with live bullets.' The defence will be going up against Lions quarterback Nathan Rourke, who claimed the league's top offensive honour for Week 1 after throwing for 324 yards and three touchdowns in a 31-14 victory over Edmonton. While running back Brady Oliveira should be Winnipeg's workhorse again, the team signed tailback Peyton Logan. He's expected to return kicks, but is on the one-game injured list. Rookie defensive back Trey Vaval will get the chance to shine in that role against the Lions. Winnipeg fans will see another familiar face on the field Thursday, but on a different sideline. Story continues below advertisement Former Bombers offensive coordinator Buck Pierce left to become the Lions' head coach. 'Probably a little of both,' Pierce said with a smile when asked if he expects to be heckled or congratulated by Winnipeg fans. 'But that's expected. The passion of the fanbase here and the excitement for a new season, I'm sure I'll hear both sides of that.' Winnipeg 2024 record: 11-7, first West Division, lost Grey Cup to Toronto Did you know?: Nic Demski is coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons. The last time a Canadian Bombers receiver racked up three of those milestone campaigns in a row was Gerald Wilcox in 1993-95. Key additions: RB/KR Peyton Logan (Calgary), Rec Dillon Mitchell (Edmonton), DE James Vaughters (Calgary) Key losses: Brandon Alexander (not re-signed), LB Adam Bighill (not re-signed), DB Tyrell Ford (Edmonton), Rec Kenny Lawler (Hamilton), Rec Drew Wolitarsky (Hamilton) Players to watch: RB/KR Peyton Logan, RB Brady Oliveira, Rec Dalton Schoen, DE James Vaughters
Toronto Star
11-06-2025
- Sport
- Toronto Star
Bombers look for another trip to the Grey Cup, this time as hosts
WINNIPEG - Dalton Schoen doesn't care who throws him the ball, he just wants to make a meaningful catch. The Blue Bombers' talented receiver will get that chance when he returns from a season-ending injury to face the B.C. Lions in Winnipeg's CFL season-opener Thursday. 'It feels great,' Schoen said after Wednesday's walk-through practice. 'It's kind of hard to describe, you get so used to the process of it that when it's taken away you go, 'Wow, that goes quick.'' ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW Schoen suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in the third game last season, nixing a chance to put up a trio of consecutive 1,000-yard campaigns. His return to action will be key for a revamped Blue Bombers receiving corps. Schoen and 10-year CFL veteran Nic Demski will lead a group that's lost some veteran pass catchers such as Kenny Lawler and Drew Wolitarsky. Thursday's test will also include hauling in passes from quarterback Chris Streveler as starting quarterback Zach Collaros was suspended for one game after failing to respond to an off-season drug-testing request. 'We've got some familiar faces, but we've definitely got some new faces,' said Demski, who's in his seventh year with his hometown team. 'We've got some guys stepping up into different roles, so everybody's just got to make the most of their opportunities and come together and play great.' Lawler and Wolitarsky both left for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, while Ontaria Wilson signed with the NFL New York Jets after catching 71 passes for 1,026 yards in his rookie three-down season. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW Winnipeg's starting five against the Lions (1-0) will feature Demski and Schoen with sophomores Keric Wheatfall and Kevens Clercius and rookie Jerreth Sterns. Dillon Mitchell was a big off-season signing after the third-year receiver was released by the Edmonton Elks, but he's on the one-game injured list. 'We have pretty good chemistry in the room,' Schoen said of his fellow receivers. 'I think we communicate pretty well with each other and so I think it's going to be fun to get out there with those guys.' Winnipeg's defence also has some new looks as the club aims to make it to a sixth straight Grey Cup and end a three-game losing streak in the championship game. Manitoba's capital city is hosting this year's Grey Cup on Nov. 16. 'It's a huge motivation,' Bombers defensive end Willie Jefferson said. 'To have the biggest game of the season to be in your home, it's an honour.' Jefferson will have a different rush end on the line after James Vaughters was signed following four seasons during two stints with the Calgary Stampeders. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW 'We got a chance to build our camaraderie, build that chemistry, a little bit of togetherness,' Jefferson said of the defence in training camp. 'Running new plays, new defences, new personalities and things like that. Now we've got the chance to put that work that we built during camp and put that out here with live bullets.' The defence will be going up against Lions quarterback Nathan Rourke, who claimed the league's top offensive honour for Week 1 after throwing for 324 yards and three touchdowns in a 31-14 victory over Edmonton. While running back Brady Oliveira should be Winnipeg's workhorse again, the team signed tailback Peyton Logan. He's expected to return kicks, but is on the one-game injured list. Rookie defensive back Trey Vaval will get the chance to shine in that role against the Lions. Winnipeg fans will see another familiar face on the field Thursday, but on a different sideline. Former Bombers offensive co-ordinator Buck Pierce left to become the Lions' head coach. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW 'Probably a little of both,' Pierce said with a smile when asked if he expects to be heckled or congratulated by Winnipeg fans. 'But that's expected. The passion of the fanbase here and the excitement for a new season, I'm sure I'll hear both sides of that.' Winnipeg 2024 record: 11-7, first West Division, lost Grey Cup to Toronto Did you know?: Nic Demski is coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons. The last time a Canadian Bombers receiver racked up three of those milestone campaigns in a row was Gerald Wilcox in 1993-95. Key additions: RB/KR Peyton Logan (Calgary), Rec Dillon Mitchell (Edmonton), DE James Vaughters (Calgary) Key losses: Brandon Alexander (not re-signed), LB Adam Bighill (not re-signed), DB Tyrell Ford (Edmonton), Rec Kenny Lawler (Hamilton), Rec Drew Wolitarsky (Hamilton) Players to watch: RB/KR Peyton Logan, RB Brady Oliveira, Rec Dalton Schoen, DE James Vaughters This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 11, 2025.
