Dressler hoping third time's a charm
Mitchell BlairRiderville.comREGINA --
Weston Dressler has been to the last two Grey Cups, but he hasn’t taken a snap in the CFL’s championship game. In 2008, Dressler was in Montreal for Grey Cup week as he was named the league’s Most Outstanding Rookie, and in 2009 he was there with his Saskatchewan Roughrider team-mates, but unable to play because of a broken leg. He hopes the third time is a charm.Dressler’s season came to an abrupt end October 10 when he suffered the injury late in a victory over the Toronto Argonauts. Rider fans were hoping the popular pass-catcher could make a miraculous recovery and make a contribution in the playoffs, but he knew that wasn’t going to happen.
“I was still a couple of weeks from playing when the season ended,” Dressler said. “I would have loved to have been out there playing in the championship, but rushing things may have been a setback that cost me some time next year so we did the right thing.”Doing the right thing wasn’t the easiest thing though as Dressler, who was the team’s leading receiver with 62 catches for 941 yards, admits it was tough being in Calgary with his team knowing he couldn’t do anything.“It was tough being in Montreal last year knowing my team wasn’t playing,”
Dressler reflected before leaving Regina for the winter. “But it was nothing compared to this year. Its hard to put into words how disappointing it is to see your team out there practicing for the big game and you can’t do a thing. Watching is not fun for me.”As far as the injury to his leg and ankle goes, Dressler says rehab is going well.“Its getting better,” Dressler states. “I’m doing all the rehab and everything to make sure its ready for next year. I’m confident I won’t have any problems with off-season workouts and that I’ll be back here 100 percent next season.”
The Bismarck, North Dakota resident is also very confident that he will have a good chance at getting back to a Grey Cup with his teammates in 2010.“I like what’s happening here,” stated Dressler.
“Everyone saw what Darian did this season. We saw some other guys really step up and they are only going to get better. Things will change in the off-season, but we have a really strong core group here and there are a lot of guys who are ready to step up to that next level. “Despite making that statement, Dressler isn’t going to make any predictions about 2010 and where this team could end up.
“I like where we’re at,” Dressler states. “We know there will be some changes and we know that we’ve got just as good a shot as anyone to win it all next year. There’s a lot of potential in this room. When you add the way this season ended, it will be an added motivator. Losing that game is the last thing we remember and I don’t think anyone wants to experience that feeling in here.
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