Linebackers.

A position steeped in tradition where some of the most iconic men in all of football have ruled. Calling the shots and bravely patrolling the maelstrom like generals in a war torn region.

Being routinely called upon to cover the errors of those around him, the linebacker must be athletic enough to cover the elegant receiver yet bullish enough to take on a hulking lineman head-on.

A position of strength for the BC Lions heading into the 2013 season, Adam Bighill, Solomon Elimimian and Anton McKenzie lead a group of formidable LB’s for our beloved orange squad but maybe the best ‘Backer the Leo’s ever had was also the first one they ever had: Norm Fieldgate.

His number 75 adorns the distinctive Ring of Honour at BC Place. His name is synonymous with the franchise itself, having been both a former player and a former president. An original roster member from the 1954 squad, Fieldgate spent 14 seasons on the gridiron for BC. 14 years and was out of the lineup one game.

Fieldgate helped guide the Lions to their first ever Grey Cup in 1964. (Photo: BC Lions)

He could be honoured just for that feat alone, but Fieldgate contributed so much more than a warm body in a jersey. The ultra-talented young man from the Regina Rams Junior football program played Tight-End, Defensive End and Safety but he truly excelled at the Linebacker position.

The stalwart defender could range from sideline to sideline while doling out some of the most severe punishment in the league.

Widely known for his tenacity, Fieldgate became a CFL Western Division All-Star 3 times. In 1963 he was voted to the CFL All-Star team.

A year later he earned an even bigger award.

A constant on the defensive front, Fieldgate helped guide the Lions to their first ever Grey Cup in 1964.

He finished his career with 62 turnovers; 37 interceptions, 2 returned for TD’s and 25 fumble returns. 37 picks in an era where throwing the ball was the second option.

He also had a knack for blocking kicks. 6 blocks with 2 recoveries for TD’s.

When his playing days ended, Fieldgate continued to be associated with the club, first by sitting on the Board of Directors and eventually heading the organization as the team president until 1989.

Although no longer on the board, he is still very visible with the Lions making appearances at club functions and alumni recognitions.

Upon retiring he was inducted into the BC Sports Hall of Fame in 1970, the CFL Hall of Fame in 1979 and voted onto TSN’s list of top 50 CFL players.

Fieldgate definitely set the standard for all those have come after him. An inspiration to fans and players alike, he was the prime example for doing whatever it takes for the betterment of the organization.

Truly deserving of his place in the Ring of Honour.

Cheers, The Bartender

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After the second-straight season where the Vancouver Canucks have been bounced out of the NHL playoffs in the first round, GM Mike Gillis stepped to the microphone and offered his synopsis of the season, state of the franchise, and the new direction the ‘Nucks will be heading.

“Younger and bigger” was Gillis’ answer on how to produce results.  Concerned that the NHL is trending to a more physical, less skilled nature and tired about his team being leaned on too much without much push back, Gillis wasn’t shy on what type of players he will be looking for in the future.

Looking back a few months ago, Gillis had already started his new regime by making a quiet signing in mid-March.   That’s when Kellan Lain became the newest Vancouver Canuck.  Who’s Lain? A 6’6” 225lb forward from Lake Superior State University.

A solid skater with good face-off skills, Lain’s physical attributes are exactly what the Canucks, and Canucks fans, are looking for.

But one man does not make a team.

So here is a list of other potential big fish that could join Lain as larger, younger, and imposing Canucks.

Keith Aulie – Defenseman – Tampa Bay Lightning

Keith Aulie be an option for the Canucks (Gregory Campbell/AP)

The 6’7” 23-year-old rear guard has struggled to keep pace with his Canadian World Junior teammate, Tyler Myers (the 2010 NHL Rookie of the Year), but the second part of the Twin Towers defensive pairing is starting to find his game in the NHL. 

Keith Aulie is still somewhat of a project but his skating ability, and his added inches, allow him to recover quickly when defending.  An ideal second unit D-man that could blossom into a pure road grader in front of the net.

Jamie Oleksiak – Defenseman – Dallas Stars

While Jamie Oleksiak is still a prospect at this point, his size will make him a marketable commodity. Standing 6’7”, over 240 pounds, the 20-year-old d-man is just starting to fill out.

A first round pick with Dallas, his potential is as enormous as his skate size.

Martin Hanzal – Center – Phoenix Coyotes

The 6’6” 26-year-old forward from the Czech Republic has played the past 6 seasons with the ‘Yotes.  A solid playoff performer and national team member, Martin Hanzal has the range and ability to play a 200 foot game.  And with his size he also has the ability to out-work and out-reach defenders down low.

Jimmy Hayes – Right Wing – Chicago

The right-handed 6’6”, 221lb 23-year-old Boston native, like Lain, has gone through the NCAA college route to the NHL but tasted championship success by winning the Frozen Four with the Boston College Eagles in 2010. Playing in only 10 regular season games with the Hawks, Hayes is listed as a black ace during this playoff season.

With the consecutive early exits from the playoffs and the increasing age of the Sedins, it seems that the flagship of the Northwest Division is about to enter the dreaded re-building era.

How long we wait and how many rosters spots get overhauled is still unclear, but one thing is for certain, the Canucks are determined to never be pushed around again.

Cheers, The Bartender

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Breaking News

AV Is Gone! We’re still trying to find positives from #Canucks season nwsportsbeat.com/canucks/five-2… via @canucks_lions

— Q Smith (@NWSBQ) May 22, 2013

Too many apologies should result in the departure of the Canucks classy Head Coach.

So the big discussion at my pub, and most watering holes in BC, is naturally who could be the next head coach of our beloved Vancouver Canucks?

It seems that everyone around here is a General Manager and that Alain Vigneault has sucked his last lozenge on the Canucks bench. 

The winningest coach in franchise history, AV had a knack for keeping his steely resolve but also favoured mixing his lines like a bartender at a martini bar.

There are many names floating about, but the lads here seem to think that whoever gets the job must possess certain criteria.

They must be of a certain pedigree, have coached in a major market, experienced at the NHL level and have a certain level of command with professional hockey players.

From these qualifications I give to you my Top Five best options for the man at the helm of the Canucks.

Marc Crawford

A familiar face that makes Van City his home year round. The former ‘Nucks bench boss still has some life and fire left in him.

Is it time for the Canucks to bring Marc Crawford back? (Photo: Google)

Most evident when he was let go from his job in Dallas, he was visibly dejected.

Crow has a Stanley Cup in his pocket, definitely knows the market, is already a media darling but most importantly can get results from a bunch of nobodies.

Don’t forget the “West Coast Express” was one line, the unheralded Sedins were on the third line and the rest of the squad was made up guys like Artem Chubarov and Magnus Arvedson.

Lindy Ruff

The longtime Coach of the Buffalo Sabres who was released of duties earlier this year.

A former Jack Adams award winner for coach of the year, Ruff has a coaching style that mimics his last name.

Like Vigneault, he is reluctant to play young talent and prefers a defensive, clogging style of play.  Ruff has been to a Cup final once before in 1999, but since then, the Sabres have struggled in the playoffs.

While he may be a strong candidate, I feel fans in this market are clamoring for a more open style of play.

And as far as coaching in Buffalo goes, it is not a major market but the fans there are rabid enough to make it feel like a larger city.

Right now Ruff is the leading candidate for most open positions available, so I’m sure he’ll weigh his options until after the playoffs. It may be hard to remove him from the East coast.

Ted Nolan

The former Sabres and Islanders coach hasn’t coached in the League since 2008, and is the current coach of the Latvian Men’s national team.

How about Ruff, his gritty style would shape these boys up. (Photo: Google)

He has had two famous, yet short stints in the NHL, lasting only two years at each of his two postings.

Nolan would most likely thrive in an environment with established ownership and strong management, unlike the circus that is the New York Islanders.

Bonus points: His son Brandon is currently a Canucks prospect and his other son Jordan has won a Stanley Cup with the LA Kings.

But aside from his own progeny, Nolan is quite capable of getting lesser known talent to excel at the NHL level, having guiding both franchises to the playoffs while he was at the helm.

Tom Renney

Another Canuck retread from a previous era that knows both the area and the market. Was last behind the Vancouver bench in 1997 but has bounced about the League ever since.

The Cranbrook BC native would crave a chance to coach in his home province again.

If the Vancouver ownership and management are only thinking of dispensing with AV and retaining GM Mike Gillis, Renney may have a better chance than most.

If Gillis is so hell bent on copying the Detroit model of running an NHL franchise then it would seem logical to bring in the Red Wings assistant coach.

Patrick Roy already has a Memorial Cup under his belt. (Photo: Toronto Sun)

If you’re going to run like Detroit you may as well bring in a Detroit disciple.

Renney has a penchant for coaching young talent, and if there is a complete overhaul of the Canucks roster he may be the perfect fit.

Patrick Roy

Look at the date this article was written before you jump all over me

Yeah, I know what you’re thinking, he has never coached in the NHL, but come on, he’s Patrick Roy. NHL Royalty.

4 Stanley Cups with two franchises as a player, and a Memorial Cup as a head coach in the CHL.

A fire and brimstone coach that would demand the highest qualities of the players around.

His lack of experience behind the bench at the professional level may hinder his chances in a large market but there is such a disdain for the current slate of Canucks that a famous name behind the bench may be needed to bring the casual fan back to Rogers Arena.

A bit of a reach and a little gimmicky, but the Hall of Fame goalie may just bring the right spark.

So there you have it, a list of candidates ranging from the obvious to the obscure, and each one bringing something different to the table.

Whether these fellows get the job or not they should at least be considered. Anyone of them could represent the City and the organization well.

Just my thoughts, but if Gillis and owner Francesco Aquilini get stuck in their search for a new head man, they could just walk into any pub west of the Rockies and ask the first person they see.

I’m sure he’ll have an answer to improve the lack-luster power play.

Cheers, The Bartender

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Lion’s go after some uncut gems with their 2013 CFL Draft selections

The BC Lions added seven new Non-Import players to the den in what turned out to be a very calculated and analytical CFL Draft, but they managed to fill out the two biggest concerns on the team; Offensive Line and Defensive Back.

Here’s a glimpse on who may report to camp in Kamloops come early June.

1st Round

Hunter Steward OL from Liberty University.

A big, versatile, athletic lineman that has played both sides of the ball in college.

Standing 6’7” and 290 lbs he has the length to play O-Tackle in the CFL but may return to Liberty to gain some much needed experience at the position.

BC figures he will be the heir apparent to Ben Archibald.

2nd Round

Seydou Junior Haidara WR from the University of Laval.

The best receiver in the draft. Knows what it takes to be a champion having competed in two Vanier Cups, winning the re-match against McMaster this past season.

A solid 6’2” 215 lb physical receiver that hauled in 3 receptions for 106 yards in that winning title game.

The non-import receiver is probably the most polished talent of all BC selections and will most likely turn some heads at main training camp.

3rd Round

The picks are in. How did the Leo’s do? (Photo: Google)

Bo Lokombo LB from the University of Oregon.

Widely considered the best talent, and biggest gamble in the draft.  The BC native is a steal for GM Wally Buono and Head Coach Mike Benevides. Especially in the third round.

Lokombo is slated to head back to the Ducks for his final season and try his luck with the NFL draft next April.

Odds are slim that he will wear our Orange but he may one day make a valuable asset for the Lions.

4th Round

Matt McGarva DB from Windsor University.

Here’s what you need to know about McGarva;  a two-time OUA All-Star even though he only played in 4 four games this past season.

The 6’0” 190 lb Surrey native will expect to make a push for playing time this season with the Leo’s. An Academic All-Canadian, McGarva will help fill out the depth in the defensive secondary.

5th Round

Matthew Albright from St. Mary’s University.

The 6’5” 305 lb Tackle is just as impressive off the field as he is on it. The Academic All-Canadian won the AUS conference major award for Community Service.

He was a book-end of a dynamic Offensive Line that led the CIS in rushing, averaging 201.4 yards per game and only gave up 10 QB sacks.

Albright was among those selected to play in the East-West Shrine Bowl.

6th Round

Matt Walker DB from UBC.

Picked from their own backyard, BC hopes Walker can transition to the pro level despite playing in only 1 game this past season for the Thunderbirds.

A workaholic that developed from a receiver to DB and to the CIS from the CJFL.

In that one game for UBC in 2012, Walker did have two solo tackles and an interception in addition to 28 yards in punt returns.

7th Round

Cameron Thorn OL from the University of Guelph.

Was playing along the Defensive Line at University but is projected to be an Offensive Lineman at the CFL level.

Had decent stats in his last season with Guelph, finishing with 29 tackles and one sack with 2 pass deflections.

He will make an athletic OL, much like Steward, and could see some special teams action as he can block but is fast enough to cover the punt or long Field Goal attempts. A real sore spot for the Lions in 2012.

Thanks to all for following me on Twitter, the draft is always a time of great emotion, anticipation, and celebration.

Glad you could take the time to share it with me. Step one is in the books for these young lads.  Step two comes in June; making the team. Good Luck.

Cheers, The Bartender

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Heading into Monday’s draft, the BC Lions were looking to fill some large voids on their roster, most notably along the offensive line.

And if filling large gaps was the plan, Mission Accomplished.

Hunter Steward is a big individual, standing 6’7” and over 290lbs, with room to grow.  Gauged as one of the most athletic lineman in the draft, he is only starting to play O-Line after transferring to Liberty from Virginia, where he was playing along the D-Line.

Was he worth a first round pick?  Murmurs abound and I’m not sure at this point. After being burned last year by Kirby Fabien, the U of Calgary first rounder who never reported to camp, I was sure BC was going with a safer bet, notably Brett Jones, who could develop into a center to eventually replace Angus Reid.

Hunter Steward was BC’s first round pick. (Liberty.edu)

Do I like the pick? Of course. He has the potential to be a Canadian left tackle, a spot generally reserved for American athletes much like what BC has now.

This is a smart choice because of his past as a defender but with the desire and willingness to learn a whole new craft.

His ceiling is very high: Steward has only played 11 games at tackle and became a first round selection at a professional level.  If he’s this good after so few games, the sky’s the limit for this young man.

If the Lion’s personnel management were more adamant to replace the tackle positions in the upcoming years, then Steward was the optimal choice, even if he is a little raw at the position. Steward will most likely return to Liberty in the fall to gather some experience and playing time, leaving Ben Archibald and Jovan Olafioye to man the tackle spots.

Injuries plagued this group early and often; from the start of training camp right up until the Western Conference Final there was a revolving door of the front five.  It was a no brainer that BC was going OL early in the selection process.

I’m sure that they had Corey Watman from Eastern Michigan pegged in that slot, but since he went right before, GM Wally Buono went with Steward. Watman, like Jones, is projected to be a Center at the CFL level.

In addition to playing in the trenches on a consistent basis, being a rangy and mobile lineman allows Steward an opportunity to see some action on the special teams unit.  The Lions punt return, punt coverage and field goal coverage units were futile, at best, in 2012.

I largely suspect that Steward, like most of their picks, were safety picks, selected more for protecting the current Lion assets for when Ottawa holds their expansion draft prior to the 2014 season.

But if you’re anything like me, you’ll hope that Steward finds his way onto the team as he looks to have a wide variety of skills that could help the Leo’s from just about any position.

Welcome to the Lion’s Den.

Cheers, The Bartender

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With a slew of roster changes made this offseason, BC Lions General Manager Wally Buono has made some big, bold moves to our beloved ball club. He has let go of some seasoned big-time talent and extended contracts to his new corps of players. Travis Lulay, Andrew Harris and Adam Bighill are players that will be operating under new deals.

Buono has also brought in some little known talent to fill out the depth at quarterback and O-Line, but he is still a few players removed from bringing in a full squad to the upcoming training camp in Kamloops.

So to fill in the gaps, Buono loves to build through the draft. Here’s what I still think needs to be addressed.

O-Line

Now is time to draft a true center, but with all the top prospects being either Tackles or Guards, the Leos may try to convert one into a center. If that’s the case, look for them to select Corey Watman, a guard from the University of Eastern Michigan or Brett Jones, another guard from the University of Regina.

What Will Wally Do? (ottowasun.com)

Running Back

BC will definitely be in the mix to pick up University of Calgary’s top rusher Steven Lumbala. The dual-threat Canadian running back has a similar playing style to BC’s Harris. With the CFL draft extended to seven rounds, I could see the Lions taking another rusher later in the day.

D-Line

The deepest group in the draft is possibly even the group with the fewest question marks too. If any of the top choices are still available in the second round, look for BC to add in this department.

Defensive Back

With the departures of Cauchy Muamba and Byron Parker, the Lions still have holes to fill at safety and corner. I wouldn’t be shocked if the Lions went with rising prospect Chris Robertson from Concordia University, the fastest player in this year’s draft.

As we’ve seen in the past, Wally is prone to making draft day deals and I suspect that this year will be the same. But instead of moving up, I can see scenarios where the Lions could shift back in the selection process to pick up talent on another team’s roster. I can also envision the GM to offer a package of picks to go after the number 1 or 2 spots from Hamilton or Winnipeg respectively.

Follow me on Twitter @ShotsRGood, I will be live tweeting throughout the draft to keep everyone up to date on the Lions picks.

Cheers, The Bartender

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All right, with a series of roster moves the BC Lions have re-shuffled the deck this off-season, it’s time to sit back, re-gather and let the great debate begin on whether GM Wally Buono made the right decisions.

But before we preview the future we should review the past with a little who’s in and who’s out.

Who’s In

Quarterbacks

Rudy Carpenter.  A 6’2” 220lb chucker out of Arizona State.  The former Sun Devil has been on the roster for two NFL clubs, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Dallas Cowboys.  He also had a tryout with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Receivers

Justin Harper. 6’3” 215lb from Virginia Tech who was acquired by BC in a trade with Saskatchewan.

Elvis Akpla. 6’1” 190lb from Travis Lulay’s alma mater Montana State.  He was a Free Agent signee earlier this month.

In comes Rudy to backup Lulay

DJ Woods. 6’0” 180lb from the University of Cincinnati.  Actually signed by the Leo’s in October for their practice roster, could see an expanded role in training camp.

O-Line 

Johan Asiata. 6’4” 300lb Tackle from UNLV who has been with Saskatchewan.

Levi Horn. 6’7” 315lb Tackle out of the University of Montana was once part of the Chicago Bears organization.

Andre Ramsay. 6’5” 322lb Tackle from Ball State who saw some time on the Buffalo Bills roster.

All three of the newest O-lineman were free agent pick-ups that signed with BC in April.

D-Line

Julius Williams. 6’2” 265lb Defensive End from Connecticut that came over in a trade with Edmonton.

Adrian Awasom. 6’5” 280lb Defensive Tackle from North Texas who was acquired in a trade with Toronto.

Steven Doege. 6’3” 230lb Non Import prospect from the Okanagan Sun BCJFL program. Doege trained with the Lions for the most part of last season and will look to have a bigger impact with the club in 2013.

Who’s Out

Quarterbacks

Mike Reilly. BC’s resilient back-up was dealt to Edmonton where he looks to take on the starting role in the Alberta capital.

Receivers

Geroy Simon. In case you’ve been living off the grid, Superman has left the building, for the Riders.

Arland Bruce III. Released by BC in January and has since signed with Montreal.

O-Line

Jesse Newman does not appear on the active roster list but I’m not sure if he has been released by BC or has retired from the league.

Superman has left the building

D-Line

Khalif Mitchell. A possible addition by subtraction situation, the troubled but effective DT was dealt to Toronto.

Linebackers

Anthony Reddick, the veteran outside linebacker was released, most likely to give Lin-J Shell or Solomon Elimimian additional playing time.

Defensive Backs

Cauchy Muamba, the young safety was made available in the free agent market where Winnipeg picked him up to play alongside his brother Henoc.

Byron Parker, we hardly knew you.  The veteran cornerback only played on season with the Lions after being an off-season acquisition in 2012.

It was definitely an eventful off-season for Buono and the coaching staff as there have been some major departures but also some shiny new pieces to work with, but now that everyone is up to speed on who is still hanging around the Surrey practice facility, we can now set our gaze on the up-coming draft and let the speculation begin on whose names the Lions should call.

Onwards and upwards.

Cheers, The Bartender.

Follow me on Twitter @ShotsRGood.

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With 2012 fading in the rear view mirror, the latest rendition of the Coach Mike Benevides led BC Lions, hit the practice field last Tuesday to kick off a 3 day mini-camp.

With the emphasis on the offense; all Quarterbacks, receivers, running backs and centers reported to the Surrey practice facility for the three day event.

Headlining the show was obviously the Lions main trigger man, Travis Lulay, who was looking to improve his familiarity with the Leos new offensive play calling system.

Although he missed the last end of the camp due to back spasms, he seemed to have a firm grasp on the new play calling method.

Also making appearances at the mini-camp were QB’s Thomas DeMarco, Jarrett Brown, and newest to the mix; Rudy Carpenter.

What’s in store

Taking a page out of the University of Oregon game-plan, BC will try to cycle through plays quicker and minimize the amount of dialogue between QB and coach.

The quarterbacks took the time to adapt to the new system under Offensive Coordinator Jacques Chapdelaine.

Travis Lulay won’t have his go to target in 2013. (Photo: Google)

The veterans also adjusted to the new look receiving unit, without the familiar faces of Geroy Simon and Arland Bruce III, but with the likes of free agent Elvis Akpla and Justin Harper, who came over with the Simon trade to Saskatchewan.

With the three day camp wrapping up last Thursday, the Lions hope to get an early jump on 2013 after last season came to a crashing halt against Calgary.

The offense seemed to struggle last year with no flow or cohesion between the units.

With a focus on high tempo action, the pin point accurate of Lulay, the dual threat Andrew Harris, and the younger more efficient WR’s should catch some teams napping, especially late in games.

Who takes over for Simon?

As the Lions head into the post-Simon era the spotlight will shine brighter on veteran receivers Shawn Gore, Marco Iannuzzi and Paris Jackson, but youngsters like Harper will get every opportunity to prove their worth.

Harper did in fact turn some heads with his play during the mini-camp because of his size and his physical play.  The 6-4 213lb receiver out of Virginia Tech is hoping to improve on his career totals of 9 catches of 95 yards.

The next scheduled mini-camps for BC are this week-end, Friday April 26^th in Dallas Texas and Saturday April 27^th in Los Angeles California.

The CFL Draft will take place May 6^th, as the Lions continue their search for a championship roster.

Follow me on Twitter @ShotsRGood as I will be live tweeting throughout the selection process.

Cheers, The Bartender

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Like any noble treasure hunter will know, great finds are often where you least expect. The same sentiment can be made for the head of the BC Lions personnel staff GM Wally Buono.

With all the off season activity in the CFL the most impactful transaction probably happened right here in BC with trade with Edmonton, where the BC Lions lost their valuable backup QB Mike Reilly.  Buono and Coach Mike Benevides have been left searching for a high-quality number two option behind CFL All Star Travis Lulay.

By default, the reins appear to go into the hands of Thomas DeMarco but there should be a heated battle for the coveted back-up role as Jarrett Brown will also vie for the number two rank.

I’m sure that the coaching and personnel staffs haven’t stopped looking for other options either.  Most likely, BCJFL all-star Jordan Yantz of the Vancouver Island Raiders will likely get a call back to camp, even though he is slated to join the University of Manitoba squad for the 2013 campaign.

Yantz was recently named the Junior player of the year for his outstanding 2012 season.

Buono and Coach Mike Benevides have been left searching for a high-quality number two option behind CFL All Star Travis Lulay.

But sometimes you have to look further than your own back yard if you want to find to a real gem.  With the free agent market on QB’s less than sparse and no real game-breaker emerging in the draft, the Lions brass will look to evaluation camps to bring in some additional depth.

These evaluation camps are open to anyone willing to participate and prospects will be put through a gauntlet of tests and drills.  Anyone showing above average talent may be asked to report to the Leo’s main camp in Kamloops.

The Lions will host several of these camps in the upcoming weeks with schedule posted here:

http://bclions.com/page/team_tryouts

While there are reports that these camps often do draw some “extraordinary” talent.  Like the 59 year old who tried out for Roughriders wearing a ripped T-shirt and jorts.  Some prospects will eventually find themselves on a professional roster.  Such as the case with Lulay, who himself was gleaned from one of these camps.

This may be the year where BC has to do some extra groundwork to load up the talent pool.

 And while these tryouts are may seem like Craig’s List ads for people seeking roommates, there is also a little Hollywood feel to them as dream chasers may just prove themselves worthy enough to earn a paycheck. 

So maybe, just maybe there’s an Uncle Rico out there somewhere who just may be wearing Lions colours in the near future.

Lord knows true life is stranger than fiction.

Cheers, The Bartender

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The BC Lions schedule was announceded on Tuesday, so get your Sharpie and mark these dates down.

Preseason

June 14 and June 21 @ the Stampeders and then home to the Eskimos.

Opening Day

Friday June 28^th @ Calgary.

The first real opportunity Coach Mike Benevides has to match up against the squad that humbled his Lions in the 2012 Western Conference Final.

First Home Game

Plenty to look forward to in the 2013 Lions season (Photo: Google)

Thursday, July 4^th vs. Toronto.

BC plays host to the defending Grey Cup Champs. Interesting note, this is the 1000^th BC Lions game in franchise history.

Saskatchewan Game at BC Place

Friday, October 4^th we welcome back CFL legend Geroy Simon.

But let’s not forget other notable Rider acquisitions; O’Dell Willis and Ricky Foley.

Western Conference Final

Sunday November, 17^th.

101^st Grey Cup

Sunday November, 24^th in Regina.

Other Notable games

Saturday July 20^th

BC fans will have the opportunity to witness former QB Mike Reilly in enemy colours as the Eskimos come back to play in a regular season match-up.

Monday August 5^th

Wrapping up our Provincial holiday week-end with a home date versus those pesky Winnipeg Blue Bombers; featuring former Lions Safety, Cauchy Muamba patrolling their defensive secondary.

The most surprising feature of the Lions schedule could be the fact that they finish with five straight division games.

Depending how the Leo’s enter that stretch, this slate of foes could decide their playoff fate.

The full BC schedule for 2013 can be found here:

http://bclions.com/schedule/list/team/1/

The complete CFL schedule can be found here:

http://www.cfl.ca/schedule/year/2013/time_zone/0

Get ready Lions fans, it’s about to get real out here.

Cheers, The Bartender

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