Latest news with #WinnipegBlueBombers'
Toronto Star
4 days ago
- Sport
- Toronto Star
CFL issues Amos a maximum fine for hit on Ottawa quarterback Dru Brown
Toronto Argonauts' DaShaun Amos (8) runs back an interception as Winnipeg Blue Bombers' Ontaria Wilson (80) and Argonauts' Tarvarus McFadden (2) look on during second half CFL football action at the 111th Grey Cup in Vancouver on Sunday, November 17, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette JFJ flag wire: true flag sponsored: false article_type: : sWebsitePrimaryPublication : publications/toronto_star bHasMigratedAvatar : false :
Winnipeg Free Press
6 days ago
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Rocky start for Bombers' bruising tailback
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers' leading rusher seven weeks into the regular season is Matthew Peterson. That's a feather in the cap of the Alberta-born rookie running back, who has impressed when called upon this season, and a promising sign for the depth that exists in the team's backfield, but it's far from what anyone had expected on a roster that includes the Canadian Football League's reigning Most Outstanding Player Brady Oliveira. It's been a rocky start for the Bombers' bruising tailback, and almost all of it has been out of his control. John Woods / THE CANADIAN PRESS The Calgary Stampeders held reigning CFL MOP and Winnipeg Blue Bombers running back Brady Oliveira (left) to just 15 carries for 68 yards in Friday's tilt. Oliveira injured his shoulder on the third offensive play of the season, which knocked him out for the rest of the game and two weeks after that. Winnipeg managed without their bellwether, leaning on Peterson while cruising to a three-game win streak out of the gates. Since Oliveira's return, however, the Bombers' offence has had back-to-back disappointing outings in which the team has fallen into large deficits and been forced to throw. 'It's almost reminding me of last season, kind of how it started — starting slow,' said Oliveira, who has 178 rushing yards on 30 carries and hasn't found the end zone this season. Peterson has 48 rushes for 245 yards and one touchdown. 'Obviously, that injury… even if I'm not 100 per cent, I'm gonna try to beat the odds, whatever the timelines are, and try and get back out on the field as quick as possible,' Oliveira added. 'I think I've done that with that injury, and I think now I'm just trying to feel like myself, and I think every single week I'm starting to feel like myself.' It's a modest explanation from the 27-year-old, who has been efficient when the ball is in his hands. Currently, Oliveira is tying a career-high 5.9 yards per carry and has been reliable in the receiving game, catching 11 passes for 91 yards. However, catching a bunch of passes isn't how the Bombers prefer to incorporate him into the game plan. Throwing the ball 40 to 50 times per game is something the team is happy to do if that's what it takes to win, but they would rather stick the ball into Olivera's gut and let him churn out yards behind the offensive line. 'These last two weeks, none of us were expecting that outcome. So I think for me… I just want to win games,' said Oliveira, who is on pace for 180 carries and 1,068 rushing yards — both lows since 2022, his first season as a full-fledged starter. 'Whether it's us getting the ball 12 times a game, or 20 touches, or 25 touches, whatever it's going to take in any given week to win the game, because I know every single week is going to look differently,' he added. 'It's going to be challenging to be able to lean on the offensive line and run the ball when you need to score points. It's a long season. You're going to see plenty of games this year where the offensive line and myself are going to take a lot of games over this year and help this team win a lot of football games.' The Bombers (3-2) are in Toronto to face the Argonauts (1-5) at BMO Field on Saturday (6 p.m. CT). It's a matchup that perhaps has Oliveira licking his chops, as the Argos are allowing the third-most rushing yards per game to opponents this season (118). 'I think when you're trailing, you've got to throw the ball a little bit more. No frustration there,' offensive co-ordinator Jason Hogan said about whether the last two games have frustrated him and how he's used Oliveira. 'I mean, I love Brady to death. I love him like a brother. But at the end of the day, it's what's going to help this football team win, whether that's one carry for a yard or 100 yards. 'I'd like to see him have success, but I also think the injury, getting his legs back into it, I think we saw a difference from the previous game against Calgary. So, it's baby steps, one week at a time.' The Bombers have eclipsed 400 yards of net offence in each of the last two contests, but it's been the turnovers that have crippled this team. Zach Collaros and Chris Streveler have thrown six interceptions combined — two returned for touchdowns — which has put the team in deep holes. Ruth Bonneville / Free Press Files Winnipeg Blue Bombers offensive co-ordinator Jason Hogan said he has been forced to rely less on the running game because the Blue and Gold have found themselves trailing against the Calgary Stampeders. It's been a series of untimely mistakes that have this offence stuck in first gear. 'I think (the offence is) where we want it to be; we just got to find a way to execute and finish,' Hogan said. 'You look at statistically the last two games, we got 400 offensive yards, we just got to end in the end zone with points.' Oliveira said the onus is on the players to start faster. It's going to be critical on the road this weekend. 'I think, at the end of the day, we as players need to go out there and execute to make it maybe a little bit easier on his plate as a play caller,' he said. 'It's going to take all of us to win games.' Injury update Head coach Mike O'Shea maintained that he's reserving hope left tackle Stanley Bryant (ankle) will suit up this weekend, despite not logging a practice, so far, this week. 'I saw him moving around pretty damn good,' O'Shea said. 'We'll see, though. You know Stan doesn't need to practise, though? A lot of the vets do not need to practice.' Thursdays Keep up to date on sports with Mike McIntyre's weekly newsletter. Bryant hasn't practised since being injured in the Bombers' Week 5 contest in Calgary. Should that continue into Saturday's game in Toronto, it would mark more than two weeks since he was last on the field. 'A lot of guys have played really well for a very long time (without practising),' O'Shea added. 'I don't think he needs any tune-up in terms of scheme or anything like that. And, once again, unless he's cleared to play, he wouldn't be playing.' Also not practising are running back Peyton Logan (thigh) and long-snapper Mike Benson (hip). Logan was injured early in training camp and has yet to suit up for a game, while Benson was injured in the club's season opener. X: @jfreysam Joshua Frey-SamReporter Josh Frey-Sam reports on sports and business at the Free Press. Josh got his start at the paper in 2022, just weeks after graduating from the Creative Communications program at Red River College. He reports primarily on amateur teams and athletes in sports. Read more about Josh. Every piece of reporting Josh 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
03-07-2025
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Stamps itchin' to cowboy up
CALGARY — The Calgary Stampeders are fully embracing Thursday's inaugural Stampede Bowl. After wrapping up walk-through practice Wednesday morning at McMahon Stadium, each member of the red and white were handed cowboy hats to get into the spirit of things. 'How's it look?' asked Stampeders quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. 'Never really worn one before. First Stampede Bowl, and I'm just excited to be part of it. We're all excited.' It's hard to believe, but it's the first time the Stampeders have been home on the eve of the Calgary Stampede. They're committed to running this new kickoff event for at least the next three years and if it's a success, they'll keep up with it moving forward. And then, there's their opponent this week: the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. There are no wide-brimmed western hats, belt buckles, or boots being worn on their side. For them, this is just another business trip, and they're treating it as such. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. 'Winning the game is where our mindset is,' said head coach Mike O'Shea. The Bombers (3-0) and Stampeders (2-1) will get to know each other very well over the next month or so as the schedule has them playing three out of the next five weeks. To get you ready for their first showdown, here's the latest edition of 5 Storylines. Winnipeg Blue Bombers' Brady Oliveira runs against the BC Lions in a game on June 12. The star running back has missed the last two games with a shoulder injury. (The Canadian Press) Winnipeg Blue Bombers' Brady Oliveira runs against the BC Lions in a game on June 12. The star running back has missed the last two games with a shoulder injury. (The Canadian Press) Star running back Brady Oliveira will make his return to the lineup after missing the last two games with a shoulder injury. 'This is like my debut to the season it feels like,' said Oliveira, who was injured on the opening drive of the first game, on Wednesday shortly after landing in Calgary. 'I'm ready to go and I'm excited.' The Bombers failed to rush for 100-plus yards in their previous two games so it's an ideal time to welcome back the reigning CFL Most Outstanding Player. 'He's the best tailback in the league. Obviously, he does it all for us,' said O'Shea. Oliveira practised all week and is ready to take on a full workload. He'll aim to have a better showing than his last time in Calgary when Stamps held him to 26 yards on 10 carries on June 29, 2024. With Oliveira drawing back in, rookie American running back Quinton Cooley has been moved to the practice roster and American guard Micah Vanterpool has been added to the active roster. Now that he fits under the ratio rules, Vanterpool will start at left guard over second-year Canadian Gabe Wallace to give the Bombers three imports on the O-line. Zach Collaros was brilliant in last week's 36-23 home victory against Edmonton, completing 25-of-30 passes for 334 yards, three passing TDs and one rushing score. He made the Elks pay with the deep ball, with receivers Nic Demski, Keric Wheatfall and Dalton Schoen all getting in on the action. Ethan Cairns / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Zach Collaros completed 25-of-30 passes for 334 yards, three passing TDs and one rushing score last week against Edmonton. Ethan Cairns / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Zach Collaros completed 25-of-30 passes for 334 yards, three passing TDs and one rushing score last week against Edmonton. It'll be a challenge for Collaros to have a repeat performance considering how Calgary has allowed one 20-plus yard passing play this season. They also have the best red zone defence in the nine-team league as their opponents have made it past the Calgary 20 five times and two of those drives resulted in touchdowns. This isn't the same Stampeders team that allowed 29.2 points per contest a year ago, which was the second-worst in the CFL. They made big additions in all three phases of the defence this winter by signing defensive end Folarin Orimolade, safety Damon Webb and linebacker Derrick Moncrief in free agency. This defence has also had former Bombers linebacker Adam Bighill in their ear all week sharing everything he can about his previous club. Bighill, who signed to Calgary's practice roster last week after six seasons in Winnipeg, is still recovering from a torn ACL and will not play Thursday. Collaros, who passed the legendary Ken Ploen last week to move to No. 4 on the Bombers' all-time passing yardage list, is 10-6 in his career against Calgary. 'I think Zach is one of the best,' said Stamps head coach Dave Dickenson on Thursday. 'I love watching him play — not necessarily against us. He's one of my favourite guys… I just really have a lot of respect for him.' Thursdays Keep up to date on sports with Mike McIntyre's weekly newsletter. The Stampeders can make a massive statement with a win Thursday. They enter the week with the No. 2-ranked defence (21.6 points per game allowed) and rushing attack (135 ground yards per game) but haven't had a chance to test their skills against a West Division foe until now. They beat up on Hamilton and Toronto the first two weeks before falling 20-12 at home in Week 3 against Ottawa and their backup QB Dustin Crum on an afternoon that was heavily influenced by rain and wind. They've had extra time to prepare for this one as they were off last week, but oddly enough, they are 2-6 after byes dating to 2022. They also haven't done a great job of protecting their turf against Winnipeg lately as the Bombers have won three of their past four trips to McMahon Stadium. Overall, the Bombers have prevailed in 10 of 13 previous dates with the Stamps. To pull off a victory, it'll be important for Calgary to have the lead heading into the fourth. Since 2019, the Blue and Gold are 49-4 when leading after three quarters. Jeff McIntosh / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Stampeders quarterback Vernon Adams Jr., right, has helped Calgary to a 2-0 start this season. Jeff McIntosh / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Stampeders quarterback Vernon Adams Jr., right, has helped Calgary to a 2-0 start this season. With the Jake Maier era being a huge flop, the Stampeders made a deal with the B.C. Lions shortly after the Grey Cup to acquire Adams Jr. While he helped Calgary start 2-0, his numbers so far are rather pedestrian as he's still searching for his first passing touchdown. He's completed 63 per cent of his passes for 803 yards and three interceptions. His stats are a tad bit misleading as he has led the team to six touchdown drives. He's also found success with his legs with 108 rushing yards and a score. The magic number for Thursday is 275 passing yards because when Adams hits that mark, his teams are 23-7. He owns a 4-3 record against the Bombers in his nine-year CFL career. Defensive end James Vaughters spent four seasons with the Stampeders and recorded 21 sacks in 57 games. Calgary decided to release the 32-year-old in January and the Bombers jumped at the chance of adding a veteran pass rusher to their D-line to complement Willie Jefferson. 'The Stampeders, as a club, gave me an opportunity when I needed it the most at one point in my career,' said Vaughters. 'More important than my emotions is the club I play for now and to be able to contribute the way I want to. For me, it's coming back to a place where I played a lot, but for our team, it's the next team we have to play. I think that's more important than anything.' Vaughters was brought to Winnipeg to take down opposing quarterbacks but is still searching for his first sack as a member of the Blue and Gold. He'll have a good chance to get it against his old pals as the Stamps have surrendered seven through three games. 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.
Associated Press
26-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
A New Era of Stadium Retail: Vidir's Merchandise Vending Machine
WINNIPEG, MB, June 26, 2025 /CNW/ - Vidir Solutions, a leader in automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS), officially launched its Merchandise Vending Machine at the Winnipeg Blue Bombers' home opener on June 12, 2025. This groundbreaking product instantly enhanced the fan experience by offering a seamless way for supporters to purchase team merchandise on game day. It also improves team operations by automating the merchandise sales process in a compact space, greatly improving the speed of service while maximizing on-hand inventory quantities. While the Winnipeg launch showcases the machine's impact on the sports and entertainment industry, Vidir's automated retail solutions are already in use across Micro Center locations throughout the United States. These installations help retailers improve inventory management, reduce stockouts, increase sales, and enhance loss prevention efforts. The Merchandise Vending Machine is the first of its kind to be found at a North American sporting event. The solution maximizes the storage density of game day essentials, including hats and jerseys, ensuring more products are easily accessible to fans in the concourse. It automatically stores items up to 30 feet off the ground and delivers purchased goods to the customer in as little as 30 seconds. 'We're excited to launch the Merchandise Vending Machine at the Winnipeg Blue Bombers' home opener,' said Carissa Rempel, Co-Owner at Vidir Solutions. 'This product not only enhances the game-day experience by offering quick access to fan gear but also supports operational efficiency with its easy installation and fully assembled delivery. It's an honor to work with the Bombers to bring this cutting-edge technology to the stadium, providing a glimpse into the future of fan engagement.' About Vidir Solutions: Vidir Solutions is a global leader in automated storage and retrieval systems, specializing in high-density storage solutions that maximize space, efficiency, and safety. With a focus on innovation, Vidir Solutions provides a range of products designed to optimize operations across various industries. The Merchandise Vending Machine represents the company's commitment to revolutionizing how merchandise is distributed and accessed in high-traffic environments like stadiums, arenas, and club facilities. For more information on the Merchandise Vending Machine and other Vidir Solutions products, visit View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Vidir Solutions
Cision Canada
26-06-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
A New Era of Stadium Retail: Vidir's Merchandise Vending Machine
While the Winnipeg launch showcases the machine's impact on the sports and entertainment industry, Vidir's automated retail solutions are already in use across Micro Center locations throughout the United States. These installations help retailers improve inventory management, reduce stockouts, increase sales, and enhance loss prevention efforts. The Merchandise Vending Machine is the first of its kind to be found at a North American sporting event. The solution maximizes the storage density of game day essentials, including hats and jerseys, ensuring more products are easily accessible to fans in the concourse. It automatically stores items up to 30 feet off the ground and delivers purchased goods to the customer in as little as 30 seconds. "We're excited to launch the Merchandise Vending Machine at the Winnipeg Blue Bombers' home opener," said Carissa Rempel, Co-Owner at Vidir Solutions. "This product not only enhances the game-day experience by offering quick access to fan gear but also supports operational efficiency with its easy installation and fully assembled delivery. It's an honor to work with the Bombers to bring this cutting-edge technology to the stadium, providing a glimpse into the future of fan engagement." About Vidir Solutions: Vidir Solutions is a global leader in automated storage and retrieval systems, specializing in high-density storage solutions that maximize space, efficiency, and safety. With a focus on innovation, Vidir Solutions provides a range of products designed to optimize operations across various industries. The Merchandise Vending Machine represents the company's commitment to revolutionizing how merchandise is distributed and accessed in high-traffic environments like stadiums, arenas, and club facilities. For more information on the Merchandise Vending Machine and other Vidir Solutions products, visit
