SHARING MOSAIC
Riders glad to step aside for NHL
Craig Dickenson has one wish when it comes to the Saskatchewan Roughriders being on the road for the NHL’S Heritage Classic.
“The only thing I regret is we won’t be able to watch the game, because we play on the same night,” the Riders’ head coach said of Saturday’s hockey game at Mosaic Stadium between the Winnipeg Jets and Calgary Flames.
The CFL game between the Riders and the host Edmonton Eskimos starts Saturday (5 p.m.) at Commonwealth Stadium. The Heritage Classic is slated for 8 p.m.
“It’s huge and it’s really special and a treat and an honour to be able to host the game,” Dickenson added after Thursday’s practice at the University of Regina. “The Roughriders are more than happy to be a little flexible when it comes to that.”
The Riders have practised at the U of R while Mosaic Stadium is being prepared for the Heritage Classic. Saturday’s game will be the Riders’ third straight on the road.
“A lot of guys understand hockey and how important (hockey) is to Canada,” Dickenson said. “They are more than happy to take the bus to the (U of R) to allow that to happen.”
As for the game in Edmonton, receiver Manny Arceneaux returns to the Riders’ active roster after being a healthy scratch for three games. Jordan Williams-lambert will likely be bumped after recording five receptions for 57 yards during his three-game stint on the active roster.
Takoby Cofield is slated to make his first start at left tackle since being sidelined by a hamstring injury in Week 3.
Defensive tackle Micah Johnson also returns after missing the Riders’ 27-19 win over the B.C. Lions on Saturday with an ankle injury.
Entering this weekend’s play, the Roughriders and Calgary Stampeders are tied for first place in the West Division at 11-5.
Calgary is to visit the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (10-7) on Friday night. Ex-roughrider Zach Collaros is to make his first start at quarterback for the Blue Bombers.
A Winnipeg victory would help the Roughriders in their pursuit of first place. To claim top spot, Saskatchewan needs to register a superior record to Calgary. The Stampeders own the tiebreaker by virtue of having swept the two-game season series with the Roughriders. A Calgary victory on Friday would secure a home playoff game for Saskatchewan.