Lots Of Rider News

The Saskatchewan Roughriders and Ottawa REDBLACKS announced the REDBLACKS historic debut in the Canadian Football League will take place in Saskatchewan on June 14^th. The game is the REDBLACKS “home” pre-season game and the “visiting” Roughriders have agreed to host it while Ottawa’s TD Place stadium undergoes its final fit-up for the regular season home opener in July.

 

“We’re going to have a lot of fun with this game,” stated Roughriders President/CEO  Jim Hopson.  “The REDBLACKS will be on the home side of the field, introduced from their own inflatable helmet and we’re working on a whole series of fan entertainment features to make it really seem like their home game.”

 

“What better place to open a new CFL era than in the city with the most vibrant fans in the CFL,” said Jeff Hunt, President of OSEG Sports. “Since we’re the home team, I was promised by Riders President and CEO Jim Hopson that the crowd will be cheering for the REDBLACKS and I fully expect that will be the case,” said Hunt (tongue in cheek).  “In all seriousness, though, it will be an incredible experience for fans at the game in Saskatchewan and a taste of things to come for our own incredible fan-base in Ottawa.”

 

Fans can expect further ticket and game day details by early March.

-----

The Saskatchewan Roughriders announced today that non-import defensive back Paul Woldu has re-signed with the team, while non-import receiver Jade Etienne has agreed to terms. As per team policy financial details of the contracts were not released.

 

Woldu (6’ – 170) will be entering his seventh CFL season and third with the Green and White, after originally signing with the team as a free agent ahead of the 2012 season. Last year, the Regina native led the team with 21 special teams tackles while appearing in all 18 regular season games. He added 1 special teams tackle and one fumble recovery in the playoffs.

 

The University of Saskatchewan product has played 98 career regular season games totaling 38 defensive tackles, 72 special teams tackles, and three interceptions - returning one 72 yards for a touchdown.

 

He is a three time Grey Cup champion winning with the Montreal Alouettes in 2009 and 2010 before adding his third in 2013 with the Roughriders.

 

Etienne (6’3 – 188) was acquired by the Riders in trade from Winnipeg on February 6^th.

 

The University of Saskatchewan product will be entering his fourth CFL season after originally being selected in the first round (4^th overall) by Winnipeg in the 2011 Canadian Draft.  Last season the Regina native totaled 19 receptions for 265 yards and two touchdowns in 14 regular season games.

-----

The Saskatchewan Roughriders  announced non-import fullback Graeme Bell is retiring from the Canadian Football League.

 

Bell (5’11 – 230) is a veteran of nine CFL seasons appearing in 97 career regular season games. The University of Saskatchewan product originally entered the CFL in 2005, signing as a free agent with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. In 2009 Bell joined the Edmonton Eskimos, before being acquired by the Green and White in May 2011, where he would spend his final three seasons.

 

The 33-year-old registered 18 career carries for 66 yards and one touchdown while adding seven receptions for 28 yards and two touchdowns. He also had 60 career special teams tackles.    

 

At the conclusion of the 2012 season, Bell received the Jake Gaudaur Veterans Award recognizing the CFL player that best demonstrates the attributes of Canada’s Veterans. 

 

Bell won his first Grey Cup in 2013 as a member of the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

 

The Riders have also announced the release of running back Chris Garrett, defensive back Milt Collins and defensive back Diamond Ferri

 

 

 

 

·

-----