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Winnipeg Free Press
17-06-2025
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Bombers' Bridges picks up where Ford left off
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have Nathan Rourke's number. The B.C. Lions pivot is now 0-5 — four regular-season losses and a 28-20 loss in the 2022 Western Final — when lining up against the Blue and Gold. The Bombers prevailed over the star Canadian passer yet again in last week's 34-20 season-opening victory in front of a sell-out crowd at home. 'I don't know why he can't crack (our defence), but at the end of the day, we don't want him to crack it. We want to keep it going,' said second-year Bombers defensive back Marquise Bridges after Monday's practice. 'We know how talented he is, man. Every time we play him, we know we have to contain him. He's a great rushing threat and, on top of that, he's probably one of the quickest releases out right now. So, yeah, man, we're trying to keep the code uncrackable.' MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS Winnipeg Blue Bombers defensive back Marquise Bridges (right) picked off both B.C. quarterbacks in the Bombers season-opening game last Thursday. MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS Winnipeg Blue Bombers defensive back Marquise Bridges (right) picked off both B.C. quarterbacks in the Bombers season-opening game last Thursday. Bridges, who was making only his second career start, played a key role in Rourke's latest shortcoming against Winnipeg as he picked him off twice for the first interceptions of the defender's career. Rourke left the game in the fourth quarter with an oblique injury but told reporters afterwards that he thinks he should be OK to play Saturday when the Lions host the Bombers in a rematch. The Lions did not practice on Monday. 'It meant everything, man. Just being out here in general means everything to me. I'm just grateful to be on the field with my guys, and my family was in the stands so I couldn't ask for much more,' said Bridges, who hails from Minneapolis. 'It was a great first experience for me, but my goal is just to be a part of something, just be a part of this great group, continue to grow and continue to win.' Bridges, who won four national titles during his days at North Dakota State, and won another two championships in the Indoor Football League before signing with the Bombers last year, quickly showed why he earned a promotion. In 2024, he dressed in eight games and only made one start. And after Canadian standout Tyrell Ford had a breakout year with seven interceptions and left the Bombers to sign in Edmonton this past off-season, a job at fieldside corner opened up for Bridges to take. Thursdays Keep up to date on sports with Mike McIntyre's weekly newsletter. 'I knew there was an opening, and that was my target to come find some space that I can come and play,' said Bridges. 'I mean, last year was fun for me because it was such a learning experience that I needed and I just came from the IFL, so every experience I had up here was a blessing. I was just like 'It's crazy to be here' and I damn near cry before every game just because it feels surreal. Last year was a good year for me, man. I was a supporter, that was my role… and I feel like I took it seriously, man, and I try to make the most of my experiences and I think it helped me so much more with my confidence coming up here this year.' He's made clutch tackles on special teams, filled in admirably at linebacker when called upon and, most recently, shown that he can also fill in at long snapper. Ruth Bonneville / Free Press Files Winnipeg Blue Bombers linebacker Shayne Gauthier filled in admirably for long snapper Mike Benson who was injured in the Bombers season-opening game. Ruth Bonneville / Free Press Files Winnipeg Blue Bombers linebacker Shayne Gauthier filled in admirably for long snapper Mike Benson who was injured in the Bombers season-opening game. Is there anything Shayne Gauthier can't do? 'Yeah, that's a great question,' said Blue Bombers head coach Mike O'Shea on Monday. Starter Mike Benson left last week's game with an injury which forced the Bombers to use emergency long snapper Shayne Gauthier in his place for the second half. Gauthier, now in his eighth season in Winnipeg, hadn't snapped in a game since he partook in a U Sports prospects game in 2015 when he was coming out of Laval. 'I've been practising this every day from last year to this year in case that situation happened and I could go in there and we could still punt and have some success,' said Gauthier. 'I take a lot of pride in doing that work and making sure whatever happens, we can go out there and execute correctly, and it went well.' Benson didn't practice Monday and his status for Saturday is unknown. If he can't go, the club is prepared as they signed Canadian long snapper Ian Leroux to the practice roster and released import receiver Reggie White Jr. 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.
Winnipeg Free Press
05-06-2025
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
New and improved: Wheatfall wants the ball
After losing Kenny Lawler, Ontaria Wilson, and Drew Wolitarsky in the off-season, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers could certainly use a breakout star from the receiver room in 2025. If he can back up his word, that might just be second-year Bomber Keric Wheatfall. 'I feel like it's my turn to really go out there and perform,' said the 26-year-old Fresno State product after Wednesday's practice. Ruth Bonneville / Free Press Bombers receiver Keric Wheatfall can't wait to prove himself this season. 'I hear a lot of people say 'Oh, this is the new Kenny Lawler,' but this is the new Keric Wheatfall. You all are going to see something, and I can't wait to show you guys.' Wheatfall showed out in his CFL debut last season in Week 2 when he torched the Ottawa RedBlacks for 111 yards on three catches. He couldn't follow that up with a strong encore, though, as he suffered a hamstring injury that night that led to six weeks of rehab another two weeks on the practice roster before getting back in the starting lineup in Week 16. In seven games, he finished with 13 grabs for 273 yards and one touchdown. He also started the Western Final and Grey Cup. '(The injury) took a lot away from me, but I never let myself get down,' said Wheatfall, who played for the Philadelphia Stars of the USFL before arriving in Winnipeg. He doubled last year's end zone total in the team's preseason finale last week in Saskatchewan, a 27-20 win, when he hauled in two touchdowns — one from Zach Collaros and another from Chris Steveler — on five catches and 88 yards in one half of play. 'Wheat's a heck of a receiver. He played well for us last season, had a great training camp last season and this season as well,' said Collaros. 'He plays fast and does a great job at getting in and out of his cuts. As you guys can see, he's a guy that attacks the football in the air and he'll continue to get better.' According to Wheatfall, it's only a sign of things to come. 'It felt good to be out there and play free and show a little bit of a snippet of how the season is going to go for me,' said Wheatfall. 'I'm way crisper than I was last year… I just feel like this year I'm more free. Last year I was more robotish, still kind of learning the waggle and the CFL.' The Bombers are currently getting some work in on their Week 1 bye before opening their season at home on June 12 against the B.C. Lions. Air quality The Bombers practised on their outdoor practice field Wednesday, but almost had to make the move indoors to the WSF South building due to the poor air quality caused by the Manitoba wildfires. Thursdays Keep up to date on sports with Mike McIntyre's weekly newsletter. Next door at Princess Auto Stadium, Valour FC's 11 a.m. kickoff against Vancouver FC was pushed back 30 minutes as the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI+) was hovering around 12. On Sunday, Valour had a match that was pushed back several hours for the same reason. It's a situation the Bombers may very well face this season if the issue persists. The CFL's policy is to stop a game and send teams into the locker room if the AQHI+ reaches 8 or above. 'We've come up with some pretty good protocols and we observe it well,' said Bombers long snapper Mike Benson, a CFLPA representative. 'I don't think we get distracted by it at all. We just know we have to get our work done no matter where we are. It's a relatively new protocol, it's only been around for a couple of years. We're always tinkering with it to find the best solution, the fastest results, so we're not debating on the phone up to a minute before the game. But unfortunately, just like any kind of weatherman, you can't predict what's going to go on. All we can do is adapt, persevere and be OK with it as a team.' 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.
Time of India
27-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Roope Hintz is hopeful for a Game 4 return as the Stars aim recovery
Roope Hintz #24 of the Dallas Stars (Credit: Getty Image) Roope Hintz was back on the ice Monday for an optional practice, giving Dallas Stars fans renewed hope. The center is working through a lower-body injury suffered in Game 2 after taking a slash from Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse. Hintz left the game favoring his left leg and did not return, missing all of Game 3. Hintz has been an essential part of Dallas' playoff run. With 11 points in 15 games, his presence on the ice adds not just offensive output but also energy and puck control. As one of the team's most consistent performers, his absence in Game 3 was evident in the Stars' lackluster showing. Dallas needs Hintz to regain momentum Stars' Roope Hintz injured on slash by Oilers' Darnell Nurse | roope hintz injury The Stars have hit their first major hurdle of the postseason, dropping two straight for the first time. They've been outscored 9-1 in those games and are now behind 2-1 in the series. Without Hintz, the top lines have struggled to generate sustained pressure or capitalize on scoring chances. Hintz's return would bring more than just statistics. His ability to drive play and support teammates defensively has made him a reliable two-way player. Reintegrating him into the lineup could help Dallas rediscover its rhythm and shift the momentum in this critical point of the Western Conference Final. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Най-продаваните ежедневни обувки това лято – виж защо! ZAROTRAVEL® КУПИ СЕГА Undo Injury recovery process will guide Hintz decision Roope Hintz #24 of the Dallas Stars (Credit: Getty Image) Hintz, now in his seventh NHL season, knows how to assess his body's readiness. He's approaching the situation cautiously, weighing the importance of his speed and skating strength against the discomfort still present. The team's medical staff will likely make a final assessment just before Game 4 begins. Read more: Edmonton takes 2-1 series lead in Western Final with emphatic 6-1 Game 3 victory As the Stars prepare for a pivotal matchup in Edmonton, all eyes are on Hintz. His return could not only boost the lineup but also shift the tone of the series. Game 4 may hinge on whether their key forward is truly ready to go. Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
Time of India
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Nikolaj Ehlers faces a big summer career decision as his current season shows strong form
Nikolaj Ehlers #27 of the Winnipeg Jets (Credit: Getty Image) Ehlers finished another solid season with the Winnipeg Jets, and he played 69 regular-season games. He scored 24 goals and earned 63 points, and his playoff performance also stood out. This added five goals and two assists in eight games, at 29, his consistency is clear. Also having scored over 20 goals in eight of his 10 NHL seasons, this performance keeps him central to the Jets' plans. World Championship adds weight to the spotlight Will Nikolaj Ehlers stay with the Winnipeg Jets? Currently playing for Denmark in the World Championships, Ehlers remains active beyond the NHL season. His participation not only supports his national team but also extends evaluation time for his form. With contract talks paused during this tournament, his performance there adds to the bigger conversation. Scouts and team officials are watching closely as negotiations will soon resume. Contract timeline nearing a decision point Nikolaj Ehlers #27 of the Winnipeg Jets (Credit: Getty Image) Ehlers is entering the final year of a seven-year deal signed in 2017. The contract, worth $42 million, has seen him evolve from a draft pick to a franchise regular. As a pending unrestricted free agent next summer, talks around his future are gaining urgency. The team's front office has publicly stated intentions to keep him, but nothing is final yet. The future with the Jets remains in balance Both fans and teammates view Ehlers as part of the team's identity. There is clear respect for his role and loyalty over the years. Still, with changing dynamics in the league and salary caps in play, management faces a tough decision. Keeping Ehlers may require a restructured deal or shift in team strategy to ensure both sides benefit. Read more: Dallas Stars rally past Oilers with power play burst in Game 1 of Western Final Nikolaj Ehlers stands at a major turning point in his career. His on-ice value is undeniable, and his connection with Winnipeg is deep. Yet, the NHL is a business, and decisions like these rarely come easily. As discussions resume post-World Championships, both the Jets and Ehlers will need clarity on what they want and what the next chapter will look like. Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
How calculated trades and adversity built Stars' playoff edge
Dallas Stars celebrates (Credit: Getty Image) This isn't the same Dallas Stars team that fell short a year ago. While names like Rantanen headline the change, it's the structure underneath that tells the real story. The blueprint wasn't flashy, it was calculated. The Stars didn't just add talent; they filled gaps, redistributed roles, and embraced risk at the right moments. Midseason trades turned pressure into opportunity Open Ice: Built For This Injuries early in the season looked like setbacks. But they forced the front office to act. Tyler Seguin and Miro Heiskanen missed critical stretches, pushing the team to adjust. The trades for Mikael Granlund and Cody Ceci in February weren't headline moves, but they stabilized both ends of the ice. Suddenly, a roster struggling to stay afloat had reliable reinforcements. Depth shines as the younger core steps up The Dallas Stars celebrate after defeating the Winnipeg Jets in overtime to win Game Six (Credit: Getty Image) The losses of veterans like Pavelski and Faksa could have left holes. Instead, they created space. Defenseman Thomas Harley, once a support piece, stepped into a starring role. Harley's heavy minutes and strong offensive output have made Heiskanen's return even more impactful. This time, the Stars face the Oilers equipped Last year's loss to Edmonton still stings. But this version of Dallas brings a deeper bench, fresher stars, and a game plan tested by adversity. The team that enters Game 1 isn't just older, it's wiser. Injuries hardened the lineup. Trades widened the attack. Internal growth became an unexpected weapon. Read more: Finland discovering Olympic potential through World Championship grind Dallas didn't arrive at the Western Final by chance. The journey has been defined by reaction and resilience. Jim Nill's work behind the scenes transformed vulnerability into balance. What looked like setbacks became sparks for change. As the Stars prepare to meet the Oilers again, it's clear this team isn't chasing redemption. It's built for it. Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
