Winnipeg Blue Bombers prepare for home opener against Hamilton Tiger-Cats
4 minutes read
👁 135 views 
Game Preview | #2: Blue Bombers vs. Tiger-Cats - Winnipeg Blue Bombers
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers are set to host the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Thursday night at Princess Auto Stadium for their home opener. The Blue Bombers enter the game with a 1-0 record after a 30-28 victory over the Calgary Stampeders last Friday. The Tiger-Cats, meanwhile, are 0-1 after a 30-27 overtime loss to Montreal in their home opener.
Anticipation for the home opener is high, with the team nearing a sellout crowd. Running back Brady Oliveira expressed confidence in the fan base, expecting another sold-out stadium. A sellout would mark the Blue Bombers‘ 15th consecutive capacity crowd, a franchise record.
Familiar Faces and Home Advantage
The upcoming game features several players facing their former teams. Receiver Tim White, who spent five seasons with the Tiger-Cats, including four consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, is now with the Blue Bombers. He joined Winnipeg after being released by Hamilton this winter. White had five catches for 60 yards and a touchdown in the season opener against Calgary.
Another former Tiger-Cat, cornerback Jonathan Moxey, also joined the Blue Bombers this year. Moxey, a 2022 divisional all-star, spent the past two seasons in Hamilton. He noted the difficulty of playing in Winnipeg as a visitor due to the loud crowd noise. Defensive tackle Jake Ceresna, another new Blue Bomber, echoed this sentiment, expressing excitement to have the home crowd advantage.
The Blue Bombers have a strong home record, posting the CFL’s best home record in 2025 at 7-2. Since 2017, Winnipeg has an eight-season winning streak at home, with a 56-14 record. Including playoffs, their home record since 2017 is 60-15.
Several former Blue Bombers are now with the Tiger-Cats, including Chris Kolankowski, Keric Wheatfall, Kenny Lawler, Liam Dobson, Marc Liegghio, Myron Mitchell, Johnny Augustine, Jake Dolegala, Miles Fox, Owen Hubert, and Jakub Szott. Additionally, Blue Bombers kicker Sergio Castillo and quarterback Zach Collaros are also former Tiger-Cats.
Quarterback Matchup and Team Adjustments
The game will feature a matchup between two experienced quarterbacks, Zach Collaros of the Blue Bombers and Bo Levi Mitchell of the Tiger-Cats. Collaros has 144 career starts with a 90-54 record, is a two-time CFL Most Outstanding Player, a three-time Grey Cup champion, and a two-time CFL All-Star. Mitchell has 159 starts with a 110-47-2 career record, is a two-time CFL Most Outstanding Player, a three-time CFL All-star, a two-time Grey Cup champion, and a two-time Grey Cup MVP.
In their previous game, Mitchell completed 34 of 39 passes for 307 yards with one interception. Blue Bombers defensive coordinator Jordan Younger noted Mitchell’s extensive experience, stating it is difficult to confuse him due to his exposure to high-level football.
The Blue Bombers are looking to build on their Week 1 win. Offensive coordinator Tommy Condell acknowledged areas for improvement despite the victory, emphasizing the importance of winning games. He dismissed narratives about his play-calling, stating his focus is on securing a win.
Kicker Sergio Castillo, who kicked the game-winning 38-yard field goal against Calgary, described the conditions as challenging due to swirling winds. He successfully made the kick after a last-minute decision to relieve himself with a portable urine bag, a detail he shared from the sidelines.
Injury Report and Game Details
For the Blue Bombers, receiver Nic Demski is listed as questionable for the home opener due to an ankle injury. He missed Tuesday’s practice but was a full participant on Monday. Defensive lineman De’Shaan Dixon has been ruled out with a hamstring injury and is on the six-game injured list. Linebacker Jaiden Woodbey is questionable with a calf injury, having missed a second straight practice day. Defensive back Major Williams (hip), offensive lineman Tui Eli (ankle), and linebacker Brody Clark (thigh) were all full participants in practice after sitting out Monday.
The Tiger-Cats have ruled out linebacker Wynton McManis for a second consecutive game due to a knee injury. Kickoff for the game is scheduled for Thursday at 7:30 p.m. CDT at Princess Auto Stadium.
Read Also
Source: bluebombers.com
About the Author
