Stamps itching for some game action

Wednesday marked the official end to two-a-day practices for the Calgary Stampeders, meaning that the pre-season is just around the corner.

“Players understand that it’s coming and this is why we all play anyway,” said head coach Dave Dickenson. “This is why we’re here, is to get to the games. Our guys are excited and you can tell that it’s been a good camp but a fairly tough camp. They certainly need to get their energy back and go from there.”

The Stampeders will square off with the B.C. Lions in a friendly game on Friday and play the Saskatchewan Roughriders on June 8 in Regina.

Dickenson indicated that running back Ante Milanovic-Litre will miss Friday ’s clash with a heel bruise while DL Ese Mrabure, who was also absent from Wednesday ’s activities, suffered a “tweak” and won’t rush his return.

“We’ve been happy with (Ese) in camp … but I won’t put anyone out there, especially a veteran, that I feel I need to get healthy. Definitely more cautious with those type of guys.”

Meaning that there could be openings for others to prove themselves.

“I told them, ‘You came to camp and practice every day. You will get in a game,’” Dickenson said. “But after that, we have to see if you’re doing your job. If you can’t do your job and we can’t trust you, your opportunity is gone.”

EMERGING LEADERS

There will be a changing of the guard in the Stamps’ locker-room this season with the departure of vocal leaders like Rob Cote, Dan Federkeil, Marquay McDaniel, Deron Mayo (retirement), Josh Bell (now the defensive backs coach) and the losses of Jerome Messam and Charleston Hughes, both traded to Saskatchewan in the off-season.

And with two pre-season games on their docket, a 18-game regular season schedule, plus the potential playoff run through November, there will be plenty of time.

“We are looking for guys to step up,” Dickenson said. “You really can’t do it unless you’re on the field.

“Yes, camp is important to understand that they ’re accountable and I want them to practice hard. But I would say it’s more lead by example in camp.

“As the season goes on, things will come up and we’ll see which guys feel comfortable in that role and take ownership and become the leaders we’re hoping for.”