WEDNESDAY CFL NEWS, RIDER MOVES

SASKATCHEWAN

The Saskatchewan Roughriders announced today national defensive back Michael Carter, national linebacker Kyle Jones, and national defensive back Kristopher Robertson have signed with the team. As per club policy, details of the contracts were not released.

Carter (5’10 – 175) has signed with the Riders after spending the last three seasons with the Montreal Alouettes. The Windsor, ON native spent his first CFL season with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats after originally being selected by the by B.C. Lions in the 3rd round (19th overall) of the 2011 Canadian Draft.

Through his first four seasons, the 28-year-old has collected 15 defensive tackles and 10 special teams tackles in 39 career games.

Jones (6’2 – 209) will join the Green and White for what will be his sixth CFL season. The Mississauga, ON native spent last season with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, appearing in 14 regular season games.

Through his first five seasons, the 28-year-old Bishop’s product has collected 36 special teams tackles, seven defensive tackles and one quarterback sack in 66 regular season games.    

Robertson (5’9 – 185) joins the team’s roster after the Riders acquired his rights in December’s 2014 negotiation list draft. The Pickering, ON native was originally selected by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the 2nd round (11th overall) of the 2013 Canadian Draft.

The 24-year-old missed the 2013 season after suffering an injury. He returned to Concordia University for his final collegiate season, where he was named a 2014 All-Canadian after finishing second in the CIS with five interceptions.

—

CALGARY

Calgary Stampeders head coach and general manager John Hufnagel is pleased to announce that national offensive lineman Dan Federkeil has signed a contract extension. As per team policy, terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Federkeil has played 24 regular-season games, two playoff games and a Grey Cup over two seasons with the Stamps. Playing right tackle, Federkeil was part of an offensive line that allowed the fewest sacks in the league in both 2013 and 2014 and helped pave the way for running back Jon Cornish to finish as the CFL’s leading rusher in both of those seasons.

“For the past two seasons, Dan has been an important part of an offensive line that has been a big contributor to our success,” said Hufnagel. “He brings great ability, intelligence and veteran leadership to the unit.”

The Medicine Hat native spent four seasons with the National Football League’s Indianapolis Colts, for whom he played 28 regular-season games and a playoff game and earned a Super Bowl ring. He was the fifth overall draft pick by the Toronto Argonauts in the 2006 CFL Draft and was traded to Calgary on Apr. 8, 2013.

Federkeil played five seasons with the University of Calgary and in 2005 was a finalist for the J.P. Metras trophy as top lineman in Canadian university football and was the Dinos’ male athlete of the year.

“I’ve enjoyed playing in Calgary and look forward to this opportunity to continue my career here,” said Federkeil. “Winning a championship with this group of players was a great experience and I’m ready for the challenge of trying to do it again in 2015.”

—

EDMONTON

(Edmonton) – Long-time Eskimo Locker Room Attendant Joey Moss has been named to the 2015 Alberta Sports Hall of Fame induction class in the Achievement category.

Born with Downs syndrome, Moss joined the Eskimo family in 1986 and has remained an integral member of the Green and Gold through nearly three decades. The third longest-serving member of the organization, Moss works with the Eskimos from the opening day of training camp in June through mid-August when he heads to the Edmonton Oilers – a club he joined in 1984 with an assist from Wayne Gretzky.

Moss’s tireless work ethic and dedication to both clubs was commemorated with a mural on Oct.20, 2008 at 7016 99 Street. He was recognized again on Nov.14, 2012 with a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, honouring significant contributions and achievements by Canadians.

Beyond sports, in 2007, Moss became the name sake of “Joey’s Home,” a $1.5-million, 12-unit barrier-free long-term assisted-facility overseen by the Winnifred Stewart Association.

This year, 11 individuals and one team have been named to the 2015 Alberta Sports Hall of Fame induction class. Athletes include participants and winners of Olympic medals and world championships, and builders who have dedicated endless hours to build sports and sport event legacies.

The Alberta Sports Hall of Fame induction banquet will be held on Friday May 29, 2015 at the Sheraton Hotel in Red Deer.

—

B.C.

(Vancouver) With the 2015 CFL season just around the corner, the BC Lions Football Club is pleased to announce that auditions for this year’s edition of the Felions Dance Team will take place on Sunday, March 8 at the Dance Centre (677 Davie Street, Vancouver) from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm with registration beginning at 9:00 am.

Long considered one of the CFL’s most skilled and entertaining group of dancers, Felions hail from all over the Lower Mainland and balance their time between attending weekly practices, thrilling fans at BC Lions home games and their own pursuit off-field endeavors such as attending university, teaching dance and working in varied fields such as law and broadcasting.

In addition to having dozens of players active in the community, the Lions also proudly boast this dedicated group of young women who are an essential source of team ambassadors and appear at up to 200 charity and corporate events throughout the year. Felions also take part in the club’s much-anticipated annual swimsuit calendar which continues to be a favourite among Lions fans and CFL supporters across Canada.

Up to 100 Felion hopefuls will showcase their dance skills and showmanship on Sunday, March 8th with 34 to 40 finalists being selected over coming weeks to form the 2015 squad. In addition to receiving an honorarium, members of the Felions will also proudly represent the BC Lions at the 103rd Grey Cup Festival in Winnipeg.