REGINA -- Quarterbacks Ron Lancaster and Russ Jackson would have swapped lives, and altered the sporting landscape of two different cities, if the fates had cut through a different hole in 1963.

“Ronnie and I often talked about that. We wondered what would have happened,” Jackson mused Tuesday when asked how his life would have changed had the Ottawa Rough Riders opted to trade him to the Saskatchewan Roughriders in 1963 rather than Lancaster.

“As it turned out, it was the best for both of us.”

Jackson — the guest speaker at Thursday’s University of Saskatchewan Huskies’ Dogs’ Breakfast — was locked in a two-quarterback duel with Lancaster through the early 1960s. Both men knew somebody had to go; the question was who?

At stake — though nobody knew it at the time — were storied careers by two football legends still in their formative years. Ottawa shipped Lancaster to Saskatchewan for $500 and the promise that the western Riders would never trade him to another eastern team.

“We often wondered about that, and I don’t think either of us ever knew why Coach (Frank) Clair traded Ronnie and not me,” Jackson said from his home in Burlington, Ont. “We guessed a little bit, and it was that I had “Canadian” tattooed on me which meant he could keep an import at another position. But whether that was it, who knows?”

Jackson, the best Canadian-born quarterback to ever play in the CFL, went on a brilliant career with Ottawa.

Lancaster, meanwhile, spent 16 seasons with Saskatchewan and emerged as the CFL’s all-time leader in every major passing category. He died this past September, and Jackson will be part of a Thursday tribute to Lancaster set up by Dogs’ Breakfast organizers.

Jackson lost to Lancaster’s Roughriders in the 1966 Grey Cup, but beat his former teammate in the 1969 title game. That 29-11 victory over Saskatchewan was also the last game Jackson ever played; he retired, despite winning the CFL’s outstanding player award that season as well as the Lou Marsh Award as Canada’s male athlete-of-the-year.

“Football was Ronnie’s life,” Jackson says. “I can’t say that about myself; football was my hobby and education was my profession. With Ronnie, football was his profession and his entire life. He had ups and downs. There were times when Saskatchewan people weren’t in his corner; when he first started to coach out there and wasn’t having much success, they were almost drumming him out of town. But overall, he was the perfect guy for Saskatchewan. He was quiet, down-to-earth and he loved football. And Saskatchewan loves football, too.”

Jackson notes that the fates twining him with Lancaster run even deeper.
Lancaster joined Ottawa as a defensive back in 1960, and moved behind centre when Jackson got hurt prior to a game against Montreal. Lancaster won that game and caught the attention of his coaches.

“The rest is history,” Jackson said. “If I hadn’t gotten hurt, who knows if Ronnie would have had a chance? I never missed a game after that. You think of the Bill Van Burkleos, Bill Clines and Bob O’Billoviches who all played defensive back and were backup quarterbacks, they never got a chance to prove whether they could or couldn’t play quarterback. Things fall into place for some reason, and it just happened that way. And when the trade was made, it fell into place even moreso for both of us because we were still young.”

Vanstone's all-century Roughriders


By Rob Vanstone, Leader-PostApril 27, 2009


REGINA -- Monday’s press conference was unlike any other I have experienced in half a lifetime of scribbling for the Leader-Post.
Typically, I just take illegible notes before Hoovering lethal quantities of doughnuts, pizza and puffed-wheat squares. But yesterday, I was a part of the show (albeit a minor one).

I was asked by SaskEnergy to cast one of the first votes in a contest that is being used to select an all-century team, to be featured on the 2010 Saskatchewan Roughriders Calendar for KidSport. (For more details, please see Page C2.)

In the interest of full disclosure, here is my ballot:

Top offensive lineman: Roger Aldag gets the nod over a decorated group on the basis of longevity (17 seasons) combined with excellence (two lineman-of-of-the-year awards, five all-Canadian selections, and membership in the Canadian Football Hall of Fame. Other candidates designated by the selection committee: Al Benecick, Gene Makowsky, Jeremy O’Day, Bob Poley, Ted Urness.

Top defensive lineman: Ed McQuarters was the difference-maker in 1966, arriving in September and helping the Roughriders win their first-ever Grey Cup. The following year, he was named the CFL’s top lineman. McQuarters’ speed rivalled that of a running back, as evidenced by a neck-and-neck match race with the mercurial Ed Buchanan. McQuarters was unblockable and really should have been in the NFL. He was that good. Other candidates: Ron Atchison, Bill Baker, Bobby Jurasin, Scott Schultz.

Top special-teams player: Dave Ridgway was automatic as a field-goal kicker, and as the selection in this category. The Kick makes him The Pick. Other candidates: Ken Clark, Luca Congi, Corey Holmes, Paul McCallum.

Top receiver: Ray Elgaard leads an elite group. He retired with eight 1,000-yard seasons, three outstanding-Canadian awards, 830 receptions and 13,198 yards. Elgaard left almost as many would-be tacklers in his wake. Other candidates: Hugh Campbell, Matt Dominguez, Don Narcisse, Joey Walters.

Top defensive back/linebacker: Wayne Shaw was an all-star linebacker in six of his 12 seasons with the Riders. Other candidates: Ted Dushinski, Eddie Lowe, Ken McEachern, Lorne Richardson.

Top versatile player/coach: As soon as the word “versatile’’ appears, Alan Ford’s name comes to mind. He was nicknamed Mr. Versatility. He was part of Grey Cup champions as a player (1966) and general manager (1989). Other candidates: Richie Hall, Ken Preston, Martin Ruby, Neil J. (Piffles) Taylor.

Top safety/cornerback: Glen Suitor, a three-time all-Canadian safety, is the leading interceptor in team history, with 51. Other candidates: Bruce Bennett, Steve Dennis, Omarr Morgan.

Top halfback: Buchanan was a long-distance threat as a running back, receiver and kick returner. He was especially effective in 1964, rushing for 1,390 yards (averaging 7.8 yards per carry) and catching 36 passes for 681 yards. Other candidates: Ken Charlton, Jack Hill, Ray Purdin.

Top head coach: Eagle Keys guided the Roughriders to a 68-25-3 record from 1965 to 1970. He was the first Saskatchewan head coach to celebrate a Grey Cup victory. There probably should have been more titles but, even so, Keys’ accomplishments as the Roughriders’ field boss are without parallel. Other candidates: Kent Austin, Joe Faragalli, John Gregory, Al Ritchie.

Top team: I must admit to a flagrant conflict of interest, having written a soon-to-be-published book on the 1966 Roughriders. How can I not vote for that esteemed group? Although the team’s 9-6-1 regular-season record was unremarkable, its ranks included nine eventual Hall of Famers (including Keys, Preston and Campbell, who were inducted as builders) and 23 players who went on to be enshrined in the Plaza of Honor. The 1966 Roughriders also finished first in the West, unlike the championship editions of 1989 and 2007. Other choices: 1970, 1989, 2007.

Top quarterback: Ron Lancaster. Other candidates: Austin, Tom Burgess, Kerry Joseph, Frank Tripucka.

Top fullback/running back: George Reed. Other candidates: Wes Cates, Bobby Marlow, Mike Saunders, Judge Thomas. (OK, I was kidding with the final “candidate.’’ Couldn’t resist . . .)

rvanstone@leaderpost.canwest.com

John Chick and Rider Quarterbacks

The Saskatchewan Roughriders' power trio is in Regina getting ready for the CFL season.
Darian Durant, Steven Jyles and Dalton Bell, the three Roughriders quarterbacks under contract for 2009, are spending a few days in the city taking part in community events and making appearances on behalf of the Riders.

"It's good for us to develop some camaraderie and get around the city a little bit,'' Durant said Thursday. "It's also a good thing for bonding and getting to know each other.''

On Thursday, the trio showed their support for Riders defensive end John Chick during a Learn and Lunch program at MacNeill Elementary School.

The three watched Chick's presentation on overcoming challenges presented by life and football. It was a timely presentation considering the challenges ahead for the unproven quarterbacks.

"We've been playing quarterback all of our lives, so I don't think we're unproven,'' said Durant, who threw for 1,122 yards, seven touchdowns and six interceptions in 2008. "People just need to see more of us. If we go out there and win games, you won't hear that term anymore.''

Head coach Ken Miller is committed to the trio of quarterbacks despite their limited starting experience in the CFL. That's where the term unproven rises. Jyles, who was acquired in a 2008 trade with the Edmonton Eskimos, said unproven is being used to describe them because the Riders' don't have a No. 1 quarterback.

"We have all pretty much proven ourselves but there are still areas where we can get better,'' said Jyles, who threw for 533 yards, four touchdowns and six interceptions in 2008. "That's really the fans saying we don't have a proven guy. You look at Calgary, they have Henry Burris. Edmonton has Ricky Ray and Montreal has Anthony Calvillo. They all have proven guys who are designated as the starter. Here, we have three guys who have the ability to start.''

Durant has been appointed the starter heading into training camp, which opens June 7 in Regina. Jyles is all right with Durant's top spot on the pecking order.

"I respect Coach Miller's decision because he's a wise guy,'' said Jyles. "He also told me that I'm still going to compete and prepare like that because you never know. Especially after a season like last year where we all got to play. I'm going to prepare like I'm the starter even though Durant is the guy. I'll be ready to play.''

Bell was added to the Riders' practice roster Oct. 9. He spent two NFL seasons on the practice rosters of the Carolina Panthers, Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks before making his way to Regina. He knows he's third on the depth chart heading into training camp.

"I'm OK with that right now,'' said Bell. "I'm going into camp with the expectations of doing my best and seeing what happens.''

It was an interesting 2008 season tracking the Riders' quarterback carousel to a 12-6 second-place record in the West Division. Marcus Crandell, Durant, Jyles and Michael Bishop all started at quarterback. Durant made three straight starts and threw for more than 700 yards and five touchdowns before being sidelined with a rib injury.
Jyles started one game late in the season. The Riders closed out the season with Bishop at the controls in a 33-12 loss to the B.C. Lions in the West Division semifinal. Two days later, the Riders showed their confidence in their young quarterbacks by releasing Bishop.

The coaching staff showed a similar type of confidence during the offseason when veteran quarterbacks Kevin Glenn and Casey Printers became available. The Riders didn't show any interest in those quarterbacks, preferring to remain with the players they have under contract.

"It shows that what we have accomplished is enough to lead this team,'' said Durant. "It's good to know that the organization has your back and they didn't have to get a veteran guy to come in here and do the job.''

RIDER QUARTERBACKS !!

Catching up with the QBs
By Murray McCormick 04-23-2009 COMMENTS(0) Rider Rumblings

Quarterbacks Darian Durant, Steven Jyles and Dalton Bell are in Regina for a few days making appearances and looking for places to stay in 2009.

I caught up with them at MacNeill Elementary School, where defensive lineman John Chick was the guest of honour. Chick's presentation on overcome and living with Type I diabetes was informative and motivating. It also made me think how many people we know that have diabetes. It's good that Chick gets the word out that it's not the end when one is diagnosed with the disease.

But I wasn't there to talk with John. The Riders' QBs were all going to be in the same place at the same time, what a great opportunity to talk to all three. It was and my efforts can be found online and in Friday's paper.I think it's going to be fun dealing with these guys in 2009. They are great interviews and actually tell you something when you ask them questions.

It's nice if they can play but it's even more important to give good interviews. At least in my book.

The NFL draft takes over the weekend football thoughts and once again people are wondering how the Riders will be effected. The key to remember is the Riders don't want to waste space on the neg. list with players who are going to be drafted or sign as a free agents with NFL teams. It's good that they are identified and it says the team is doing a good job of scouting but they really want guys on the neg. list who will play in Canada, not the United States.

Anyway, it still makes for good viewing and a bit a of break from hockey.

RIDERS SIGN TWO NEW RECEIVERS

The Saskatchewan Roughriders announced the signings of import receivers Brandon Myles and Byron Ross to a one-year plus an option contracts. Financial details were not released.

The 6-foot-3, 190-pound Myles played three seasons at West Virginia. He finished his collegiate career with 70 receptions for 1,142 yards and 12 touchdowns. He signed as a free agent with the New York Giants following his college career.Ross, who is 5-foot-10 and 186 pounds, spent three seasons at Southeastern Louisiana, registering 73 receptions for 851 yards and seven touchdowns during that time.

Ross signed as a free agent with the New Orleans Saints following his college career.

To see a utube video on Brandon Myles CLICK HEREhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7Ij-7Qa6UM

RIDER FAN AT THE MASTERS !!

Courtesy our man Jeff Armstead, we got it! Check out the guy just over Gary Player's right shoulder on the 18th green at the Masters on Friday.Now, we got to find out who this guy is????RP

WES CATES SPENDS THE OFF SEASON IN SASKATCHEWAN

REGINA -- Wes Cates experienced just about everything winter has to offer during his first CFL offseason in Saskatchewan.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders import running back drove through a Saskatchewan snowstorm in early December en route to some community events in the Maple Creek area. He has survived the sub-zero windchills which are part of spending the winter in Saskatchewan.

On the weekend, he tried curling for the first time during a fundraiser at the Highland Curling Club.
“I’m a master curler,’’ the personable Cates said Tuesday with a laugh. “On my very first shot I hit the button. I tripped a little bit on my slide but the rock landed right on the button. My next shot went way off the ice but I think I’ve found my second love. I might be good enough to get on Team Saskatchewan down the road.’’

Many of the Riders are busy during the offseason making appearances on behalf of the team. Cates isn’t any different and it sounds like he enjoyed himself.
“I’m trying to see what this Saskatchewan lifestyle and bleeding green is all about,’’ said Cates, who was the Riders’ nominee for the CFL’s most outstanding player in 2008. “I’m learning about being a Saskatchewanian on a more in-depth, up-close and personal way.’’

Cates was a CFL all-star in 2008 after rushing for 1,229 yards and scoring 16 touchdowns. He had decided to spend the winter in Saskatchewan to see what the community had to offer and to give something back to the Riders’ loyal supporters.

He talked to Kelly Forsberg, the Riders’ community relations and events co-ordinator, who proceeded to set up appearances across the province.
“It was a good time,’’ said Cates, who has emerged as a fan favourite in his two seasons with the Riders. “You get to these rural areas and they are just as big Rider fans as those from the city, if not more. It was great to share some of my life experiences with them and they could share with me about how they live.’’

The meetings with fans haven’t been limited to staged events. Cates has also been recognized and approached in such mundane places as a local grocery store.
“It’s not that big of a deal because it’s cool when people recognize me,’’ said Cates. “I haven’t had any situations where I might feel uncomfortable. It can be a bit of an inconvenience but I enjoy the fact that what I do makes people appreciate me to the point where they want to meet me.’’

Cates, a native of Columbus, Ohio, has also had a chance to stay on top of the Riders’ offseason moves. Even if he can’t, the fans are willing to help him out.
“A lot of time when I’m on the road, people ask me about this more (than anything else) or what do I think about that,’’ Cates said. “If I wasn’t on the website from time to time, I would know less than the fans. Our office does a good job of getting that information out but there are times when I honestly don’t know more about what’s going on than the next person.’’

Cates hears many questions but is asked the most about the changes the Riders have undergone this offseason. The squad lost all-star linebackers Maurice Lloyd and Anton McKenzie to free agency but acquired slotback Jason Clermont, offensive tackle Joe McGrath and others through free-agent signings and trades.

“We lost some great players and we gained some great ones,’’ said Cates. “It’s a matter of cohesion and we’ll have to see how everyone comes together. I’m like everybody else because I’ve seen what’s happened and I wonder how it’s all going to work out.’’

mmccormick@leaderpost.canwest.com

WES CATES INTERVIEW

By Murray McCormick 04-07-2009 COMMENTS(0) Rider Rumblings

Yep, it’s slow out there for Riders’ news but Wes Cates has stepped up to help fill the void.

Cates is spending his first winter in Saskatchewan and has been an eye-opener for the import running back. His thoughts appear online later and in Wednesday’s newspaper.As expected, Cates hears lots of questions from fans about the goings-on with the Riders during appearances.

He had this to say when asked about the quarterbacking situation with the Riders.As you know, the Riders are going with Darian Durant, Steven Jyles and Dalton Bell to start the 2009 season. They are young but Cates appreciates the fact they have been able to learn the Riders’ system while on the sidelines.“We have young guys who have playing experience and lot of experience with the clipboard,’’ said Cates. “That goes a long way. You want a quarterback to handle the clipboard and be that second-string guy for a while just so he can learn the terminology.

“Without even realizing it, it’s studying and teaching. He learns the terms and the ins-and-out of the game on the clipboard level. For that to happen to any quarterback is a good thing. We have quarterbacks who have been in that situation and now it’s time for them to hit the field.’’

Durant received Cates’s vote of confidence.“I’ve been around him for a couple of years and I know what I see on and off the field,’’ said Cates. “I also know that I like what I see.’’To see more, we’ll have to wait for training camp. It’s June 7 in Regina.

Rempel returning home to Saskatchewan to play for Roughriders

Jordan Rempel played for the University of Saskatchewan Huskies.
Photograph by: Greg Pender, StarPhoenix files

REGINA -- Jordan Rempel was set to settle down in Hamilton.

Rempel and his wife, Megan, purchased a townhouse last year and were looking forward to a long CFL career with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Those plans underwent a dramatic change on Wednesday when Rempel was traded to the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

The Tiger-Cats acquired import offensive lineman Dan Goodspeed and Saskatchewan’s fifth-round pick (38th overall) in the 2009 CFL draft. The Riders also received Hamilton’s second-round selection (ninth overall) in the 2009 draft.
“Now we have a place to sell,’’ Rempel said with a chuckle Wednesday from Hamilton. “Still, it’s great and I’m really excited about it.’’

Rempel, 23, knows all about Saskatchewan. He grew up on a farm south of Moosomin and attended high school in Caronport. He played three seasons for the University of Saskatchewan Huskies before being selected by Hamilton in the second round (22nd overall) of the 2007 CFL draft.
“It’s nice that I’m headed to Saskatchewan because I know it so well,’’ said Rempel, a 6-foot-6, 322-pound offensive lineman. “I don’t want to take anything away from Hamilton. I had great coaches and I learned so much. We planned on hanging around here and playing for a while.’’
Rempel laughed when asked about being from Saskatchewan and having an opportunity to play with the Riders.
“No pressure at all,’’ said Rempel, who played guard with the Tiger-Cats after being a CIS all-star tackle with the Huskies. “Here, I didn’t know anyone and I just played football. I grew up in Saskatchewan and I know that everyone watches the Riders. I just have to stay focused and remind myself of what I have to do.’’

Rempel becomes the ninth Saskatchewan-born player on the Riders’ current roster. He joins slotback Jason Clermont, receiver Chris Getzlaf, running backs Neal Hughes and Stu Foord, offensive linemen Gene Makowsky and Joe McGrath and defensive linemen Scott Schultz and Mike Stadnyk.
“There is a lot of talent in Canada and Saskatchewan as far as football,’’ said Rempel. “It makes the team that much better because people can say that, ‘I went to high school with that guy.’ It definitely brings out more of a connection with the fans.’’
Riders head coach Ken Miller suggested that Rempel is the type of player who could be a member of the Roughriders for a long time.
“I love to hear that because I would like to stay in one place for a while,’’ said Rempel, whose wife is from Frontier. “Saskatchewan is my home and when you grow up there, you know the roads and everything else. It’s familiar and it’s good to be around familiar people.
“It’s still going to take some time getting used to being a Rider. There will be some perks with being home but my main goal is to earn a spot and prove that I belong.’’
mmccormick@leaderpost.canwest.com

ST PIERRE TO SIGN WITH THE RIDERS

St-Pierre to sign with Riders
By Murray McCormick 04-03-2009 COMMENTS(0) Rider Rumblings

A source confirmed that the Saskatchewan Roughriders are to announce the signing of non-import centre Jonathan St-Pierre later today.

The Riders drafted St-Pierre in the second round (10th overall) in the 2008 CFL draft. St-Pierre had drawn interest from NFL teams after his senior season with the Illinois State Cardinals but has decided to forgo the NFL draft to take his chances with the Riders.

It was unlikely that St-Pierre would have been drafted and he elected to take a sure thing with the Riders than being an undrafted free agent trying to catch on with an NFL team.The source said St-Pierre has signed the "the highest Canadian rookie contract in the last 10 years if not ever in the CFL.'' I don't know the financial details but the contract is for three years and an option, which is impressive in its own right.

St-Pierre has also been told that he will have an opportunity to compete for the starting position with veteran Jeremy O'Day.

Saskatchewan Roughrider head coach Ken Miller announced today the Roughriders have signed non-import offensive lineman Jonathan St-Pierre to a three-year plus an option contract. Financial details were not released.

St-Pierre (6’3 – 310 lbs) was originally drafted in the second round (10th overall) in the 2008 CFL Canadian Draft, a draft pick the Riders acquired as part of the Fred Perry for Steven Jyles trade with the Edmonton Eskimos.

St-Pierre spent the past two seasons with Illinois State after a transfer from the University of Miami in 2006. He started all 11 regular season games last season and nine games in 2007.

"When we drafted this young man we felt he was well worth waiting on,” stated Coach Miller. “Now, we're excited to have him on our team and feel in time, he will develop into a very good lineman in our league. Jonathan has many assets and among those, his intelligence and tenacity will certainly serve him well as a professional."

MORE REACTION ON THE TRADE

Mixed reaction to the three way trade involving Adarius Bowman. A lot of people think the Riders should not have gotten rid of the 2nd year receiver because of the potential the Oklahoma State product had. No doubt Bowman is a talent…he is big and he is fast but his problem is his hands. He had a bad case of the dropsies as you know in 08. Receiver is the Riders strongest asset right now and with this deal they not only get a good young offensive lineman who is from Saskatchewan but they get another pick in the CFL draft and it’s a top 10 pick.

Lets see how this deal works once the regular season occurs. One person says Bowman could be the next Jamel Richardson. Yeah he could be but he also might be another Demetris Bendross.

By the way, this deal has Eric Tillman written all over it. Despite the legal problems hanging over his head, Tillman continues to do what he feels is best for this football team. He may not be doing it from his office but the passion this man for this sport and this organization has been proven. Eric if you read this(and I somehow think you do), nice job! By the way for those wondering who Tyler Roehl is

…..http://www.gobison.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=2400&ATCLID=74250

Import wide receiver Adarius Bowman was part of a three-way trade between the Roughriders, Blue Bombers and Tiger-Cats
Photograph by: Shaughn Butts, Edmonton Journal files

REGINA -- According to Saskatchewan Roughriders head coach Ken Miller, general manager Eric Tillman had been working for “a considerable period of time” on a trade that was announced Wednesday.



He had to have been — just to keep track of all of its twists and turns.
Following a convoluted three-way transaction, the CFL’s Roughriders wound up with one warm body (offensive tackle Jordan Rempel, who hails from Caronport) and a 2009 draft pick (the ninth overall selection) from the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, and the list rights to one player (North Dakota State University running back Tyler Roehl, an import) and at least one future draft pick from the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.



“It gives us an opportunity to have an earlier pick in this year’s draft and then we get to add to our young Canadian talent in Jordan Rempel, another player from the province,” Miller said. “That’s an important consideration for us.”
Before Wednesday, the Roughriders had just one pick, the 22nd overall, in the May 2 Canadian college draft.



In the deal with the Bombers — which was announced first — the Roughriders acquired import offensive tackle Dan Goodspeed, the rights to Roehl, a fifth-round pick in the 2009 draft, and a fifth-round pick in the ’11 or ’12 draft.



The Roughriders also get to choose from these options: They can swap first-round picks with Winnipeg in either the 2010 or 2011 draft, or, if not, Saskatchewan will receive two future second-round draft picks from Winnipeg.



The swap is a result of uncertainty about Winnipeg’s first-rounder in 2010. The pick could end up being sent to the Edmonton Eskimos as compensation for quarterback Stefan LeFors, whom Winnipeg obtained earlier in the offseason. If LeFors has a big year, the Bombers’ first-rounder in 2010 will go to Edmonton, leaving the Roughriders with the option of swapping first-rounders with Winnipeg in 2011 or taking the Bombers’ second-rounders in 2010 and 2012.



In exchange, the Bombers got import receiver Adarius Bowman, non-import offensive lineman Jean Francois Morin-Roberge, non-import defensive back Brady Browne, the rights to a player from the Roughriders’ negotiation list (University of Utah quarterback Brian Johnson), Saskatchewan’s sixth-round pick in 2010 and its fifth-rounder in 2012.



As a CFL rookie last season, Bowman had 23 receptions for 358 yards and three touchdowns. Miller said the 23-year-old Bowman was expendable due to the presence on the roster of players like Jason Clermont, Carl Berman, Gerran Walker and Chris Jones.
Saskatchewan then dealt Goodspeed — a CFL all-star in each of the past two seasons — and the fifth-rounder in ’09 to Hamilton for Rempel and the ’09 second-rounder.



“That was really a close call,” Miller said when asked if Saskatchewan had considered keeping Goodspeed. “But we think we have strong offensive tackles in the guys that we have on our roster.



“The fact that we may only play one American tackle and the fact that Goodspeed is a fairly high-priced player and probably a free agent in a year, those things kind of fit in together — and we also get a young player who may be a Rider for the duration of his career.”



Rempel, a 6-foot-6, 322-pound product of the University of Saskatchewan Huskies, was Hamilton’s second-round pick (12th overall) in 2007. He dressed in 11 games for the Tiger-Cats last season.



He becomes the ninth Saskatchewan-born player on the Roughriders’ roster, joining Clermont, receiver Chris Getzlaf, running backs Stu Foord and Neal Hughes, offensive linemen Joe McGrath and Gene Makowsky, and defensive linemen Scott Schultz and Mike Stadnyk.



“I don’t know that you can say that you ever have enough local talent,” Miller said. “Some people may think that we’ve addressed it with other people, but I think when you look at this from a future perspective, not just this season but 2010 or 2011, it makes sense.”
ihamilton@leaderpost.canwest.com

RIDERS, BOMBERS, TICATS INVOLVED IN BIG THREE-WAY TRADE

REGINA -- The Saskatchewan Roughriders acquired Dan Goodspeed in a trade with Winnipeg on Wednesday and then shipped him to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats for fellow import offensive lineman Jordan Rempel.

In the trade with the Blue Bombers, the Roughriders also acquired the negotiation list rights to import running back Tyler Roehl, a fifth-round pick in the 2009 CFL Canadian draft and a fifth-round pick in 2011 or 2012.

Saskatchewan also has the option to swap first-round picks in either 2010 or 2011 or, if not, the Riders will receive two future second-round draft picks from Winnipeg.

The Blue Bombers got import receiver Adarius Bowman, non-import offensive lineman Jean Francois Morin-Roberge, non-import defensive back Brady Browne, a player from Saskatchewan's negotiation list, the Roughriders' sixth-round draft pick in the 2010 CFL Canadian draft and a fifth-round pick in 2012.

Saskatchewan sent Goodspeed and a fifth-round pick in the 2009 draft to the Tiger-Cats for Rempel and Hamilton's second-round pick (ninth overall).
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