CFL NOTEBOOK

CALGARY – Jay McNeil is the new president of the Calgary Stampeders.

The former Stampeders offensive lineman was promoted to the post Tuesday. He succeeds John Hufnagel, who will remain with the organization as a special adviser to both McNeil and Dave Dickenson, Calgary’s head coach/GM.

“From the time of Jay’s arrival, the plan was always for Jay to grow into the president’s role and he’s done an excellent job,” Hufnagel said in a statement. “He’s earned this opportunity.

“I look forward to continuing to represent the Stampeders organization and to assisting both Jay and Dave.”

McNeil, who played 14 seasons with Calgary (1994-2007), returned to the organization in 2022 as its vice-president of business operations.

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CALGARY – Bruce Covernton, a former offensive lineman who won two Grey Cups with the Calgary Stampeders, died Tuesday. He was 57.

The Stampeders confirmed Covernton’s death but the cause wasn’t divulged.

“Quick-witted and big-hearted, Bruce was a larger-than-life personality,” said Calgary president Jay McNeil, a former teammate of Covernton’s. “He was a great teammate, a great friend and, more importantly, he had a giant heart for people in need.

“He will be missed by many. We offer our deepest condolences to his family and friends.”

Calgary selected Covernton first overall in the 1992 CFL draft out of Weber State.

The native of Morris, Man., spent seven seasons with the Stampeders, starting as a rookie and helping the franchise win Grey Cups in 1992 and ’98.

He was the West Division’s top rookie in 1992. Twice the six-foot-five, 292-pound Covernton was a West Division all-star (1993-94) and earned CFL honours in 1993.

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WINNIPEG – The Winnipeg Blue Bombers will have a new home this season.

The CFL club announced Tuesday its home venue will go by the name of Princess Auto Stadium. The official change will come about in April.

The facility had been known as IG Field, but will be renamed at the expiration of the club’s 12-year naming rights agreement with IG Wealth Management.

The new deal with Princess Auto is a 10-year agreement.

The 32,000-seat stadium originally opened in 2013 as Investors Group Field but was renamed IG Field in 2019.

(Canadian Press)

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REGINA -The Saskatchewan Roughriders have signed American quarterback Mason Fine to a two-year contract extension. 

Fine (5’11-190) returns to the Roughriders after making a career-high four starts behind centre in 2023. Fine was thrust into action in Week 6 against the Stampeders, after an injury to Trevor Harris in the fourth quarter, and completed six passes for 122 yards and two touchdowns. Those two touchdowns, one to Jamal Morrow (six yards, at 12:22) and Tevin Jones (69 yards, 14:24), were the fastest pair of touchdown passes by a Roughrider since Nov. 11, 2012. In total, the Oklahoma native completed 94 passes for 1,043 yards and three touchdowns in 2023, including a 302-yard game against Toronto in Week 8. Fine nearly hit the 300-yard mark the following week, tallying 296 yards in a 26-24 victory over the Ottawa REDBLACKS. His 69.1 completion percentage led the team.