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MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS Riders QB Trevor Harris (above) broke into the CFL in 2012 with Bombers QB Zach Collaros.

Veteran CFL QBs aging well

Taylor Allen 5 minute read Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025

It’s hard to believe the Toronto Argonauts once had Ricky Ray, Jarious Jackson, Zach Collaros and Trevor Harris all in their quarterback room in 2012.

If you ask Harris, it’s even harder to believe he and Collaros — who broke into the CFL that season together as rookies — are still in the three-down loop today slinging it.

“I remember our first year in the league, we (were leaving after the season) and Swayze Waters (the Argos kicker at the time) was like ‘Man, we’re never going to see Zach Collaros ever again,’” said Harris.

“Because he was ready to go home. He was like ‘I’m done, I’m ready to get out of here.’ And here he is all this time later. I thought he’d get into coaching a little bit sooner, but he’s really turned himself into a first ballot hall-of-famer. He’s been absolutely incredible.”

Manitoba Open

Alouettes’ Philpot looks to replicate 2023 Grey Cup impact

Joshua Frey-Sam 5 minute read Preview

Alouettes’ Philpot looks to replicate 2023 Grey Cup impact

Joshua Frey-Sam 5 minute read Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025

The last time Tyson Philpot was in this spot, he left a champion and a hero.

It’s a day that Winnipeg Blue Bombers fans would rather forget, but it’s hard to erase the image of Philpot coralling a touchdown that gave the Montreal Alouettes the lead (and the win soon after) with 11 seconds remaining in the 110th Grey Cup.

The catch, made by a 23-year-old, second-year pro, stymied the Bombers from reaching dynasty status for the second year in a row.

It also elevated the Delta, B.C. product to prominence. He was named the Grey Cup’s Most Valuable Canadian on that night and, two years later, Philpot, now 25, is regarded as one of the brightest homegrown talents in the CFL.

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Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025

Chris Young / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES

Montreal Alouettes receiver Tyson Philpot celebrates his game-winning touchdown in the 110th Grey Cup.
Chris Young / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Montreal Alouettes receiver Tyson Philpot celebrates his game-winning touchdown in the 110th Grey Cup.

Long week of rehab for Alouettes’ Alexander

Joshua Frey-Sam 5 minute read Preview

Long week of rehab for Alouettes’ Alexander

Joshua Frey-Sam 5 minute read Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025

No limp. No restrictions. No problem?

Montreal Alouettes quarterback Davis Alexander was a full-go as the club practised for the first time as a part of their Grey Cup preparations on Wednesday.

Dealing with a season-long hamstring injury that flared up in last week’s Eastern final, all eyes were on the star pivot as he went through drills at Princess Auto Stadium. Alexander, who, albeit, didn’t take off running at any point, looked comfortable while working from the pocket, stepping into short and deep throws as he normally does.

“Better than expected. I’ll tell you that — better than I expected, just because I think I’m finally not sore… from the Hamilton game. So that helps a little bit,” Alexander said. “I felt great. This is playoff football, and I’ll be ready to go.”

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Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025

Frank Gunn / THE CANADIAN PRESS

Montreal Alouettes quarterback Davis Alexander had seven carries in the Eastern final against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

Frank Gunn / THE CANADIAN PRESS Montreal Alouettes quarterback Davis Alexander had seven carries in the Eastern final against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

Riders O-lineman says playing in Winnipeg helped make him a man

Taylor Allen 7 minute read Preview

Riders O-lineman says playing in Winnipeg helped make him a man

Taylor Allen 7 minute read Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025

Peeking out of Jermarcus Hardrick’s Saskatchewan Roughriders Grey Cup hoodie on Wednesday was a tattoo that you wouldn’t expect to see on someone in green and white.

Displayed on his left forearm is the Grey Cup trophy, featuring the Winnipeg Blue Bombers logo and their unofficial mantra: FIFO — which stands for Fit in or F-off.

Hardrick, a standout right tackle for the Bombers from 2016-23, got inked shortly after Winnipeg captured the top prize in Canadian football in 2019. He wasn’t the only one.

“We literally got (to the tattoo parlour) at eight in the morning and we left by midnight. Every other hour a truck (with players) was pulling up… and next thing I know we looked up and everyone had blood on their arms,” said Hardrick during media day at the RBC Convention Centre.

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Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025
Hardrick savours memories of Big Blue

Morrissey leads the Jets to 5-3 win over Canucks

Ken Wiebe 8 minute read Preview

Morrissey leads the Jets to 5-3 win over Canucks

Ken Wiebe 8 minute read Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025

VANCOUVER – Josh Morrissey took matters in his own hands.

With the Winnipeg Jets in the midst of a three-game losing streak, the top-pairing defenceman and alternate captain was the picture of calm after the morning skate.

While acknowledging that the Jets were working through some issues, Morrissey exuded a quiet confidence when laying out some thoughts on what needed to change for his team to get back on track.

“For us, we feel that there is another level — or multiple levels — to our game,” said Morrissey. “Obviously, we’ve got some new faces but we’re 15 games in now. Everyone should know the system and structure and be comfortable in it. So now, it’s about let’s get on the gas and let’s get playing here.

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Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025

Winnipeg Jets’ Adam Lowry, front left to right, Nino Niederreiter and Alex Iafallo celebrate Niederreiter’s goal against the Vancouver Canucks during the first period of an NHL hockey game, in Vancouver, on Tuesday. (Darryl Dyck / The Canadian Press)
Winnipeg Jets’ Adam Lowry, front left to right, Nino Niederreiter and Alex Iafallo celebrate Niederreiter’s goal against the Vancouver Canucks during the first period of an NHL hockey game, in Vancouver, on Tuesday. (Darryl Dyck / The Canadian Press)

Olympic hockey a ‘dream come true’ for defender Tabin

Mike McIntyre 5 minute read Preview

Olympic hockey a ‘dream come true’ for defender Tabin

Mike McIntyre 5 minute read Yesterday at 7:57 PM CST

MILAN — It’s not every you day get a “good luck” greeting from Connor McDavid on the way to your hockey game.

Then again, these are not exactly ordinary days for Winnipegger Kati Tabin, who can now officially say she is an Olympian.

The 28-year-old defender — who twice walked away from the sport only to be pulled back — made her debut on Saturday here in Milan in a 4-0 victory over Switzerland. That was followed up with a 5-1 triumph on Monday night over Czechia, a few hours after the NHL’s biggest star wished her well as they crossed paths in the athlete’s village.

Enjoying the Olympic experience so far?

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Yesterday at 7:57 PM CST

Darryl Dyck / THE CANADIAN PRESS

Canada’s Julia Gosling (88) celebrates her goal against Czechia on Monday. Gosling netted two of Canada’s five goals in the game.
Darryl Dyck / THE CANADIAN PRESS Canada’s Julia Gosling (88) celebrates her goal against Czechia on Monday. Gosling netted two of Canada’s five goals in the game.

Van Horne sets sights on 2030 French Alps Games

Joshua Frey-Sam 5 minute read Preview

Van Horne sets sights on 2030 French Alps Games

Joshua Frey-Sam 5 minute read Yesterday at 6:41 PM CST

Skylar Van Horne was in the middle of training at the Olympic Oval in Calgary on Monday morning when she and the rest of her teammates stopped in their tracks with intrigue as the TV cut to the women’s 1,000-metre speed skating final in Milan.

One of her favourite Olympic events, the Winnipeg-born speed skater marvelled as a pair of Dutch athletes sped to gold and silver, and Béatrice Lamarche of Quebec City narrowly missed the podium in fifth place, which was the best of three Canadians in the event.

The winner, Jutta Leerdam, set an Olympic record previously held by Japan’s Miho Takagi, who won bronze and happens to be someone Van Horne idolizes.

The 18-year-old Van Horne, who will take a different world stage later this month, couldn’t help but feel inspired after watching her fellow countrywomen and witnessing a piece of sports history.

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Yesterday at 6:41 PM CST

Kiyoshi Ota / International Skating Union

Winnipeg’s Skylar Van Horne will represent Canada at the ISU Junior World Cup Final (Feb. 21-22) and ISU World Junior Speed Skating Championships (Feb. 27 to March 1) in Inzell, Germany.
Kiyoshi Ota / International Skating Union Winnipeg’s Skylar Van Horne will represent Canada at the ISU Junior World Cup Final (Feb. 21-22) and ISU World Junior Speed Skating Championships (Feb. 27 to March 1) in Inzell, Germany.

Sports Editor's Picks

Winnipeg Free Press:

Special Coverage: CFL Grey Cup 112

Special Coverage: CFL Grey Cup 112

Mike McIntyre:

Lowry a leader in every sense of word

Winnipeg Jets’ Adam Lowry (17) celebrates as Kyle Connorís (not shown) shot sneaks through the pads of Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros (74) for the winning goal in NHL overtime action in Winnipeg, Thursday, December 15, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods

Taylor Allen:

Sky’s the limit for ‘Double Gold’ MacDonald

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS sports - jiu jitsu fighter, Logan MacDonald What: Brazilian jiu jitsu fighter who recently won gold at an event in California. Family owns a BJJ gym in town. Photos of Logan with his dad, MATT MACDONALD, in their home gym. See Taylor's story Dec 13th, 2022

Mike Sawatzky:

Deadline deal pays off for Terriers

Scott Stroh photo Defenceman Hayden Lacquette has become a key cog in Portage’s attack.

Joshua Frey-Sam:

Bob Dyce never considered coaching as a career; now he’s a CFL boss

The way the Dyce roll

Mike Sawatzky:

Brennan makes the most of opportunities

SUPPLIED Lucas Brennan is known for his willing to do the work required to improve and be successful on the ice.

More Sports

Last minute changes to Canada’s Olympic hockey quests

Mike McIntyre 5 minute read Preview

Last minute changes to Canada’s Olympic hockey quests

Mike McIntyre 5 minute read Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026

MILAN — The winds of change were blowing hard Thursday around the Canadian Olympic hockey teams.

The culprit: illness and injury.

It began with word that Canada’s women’s team would have to wait an extra 48 hours to hit the ice for its opening round-robin game. Their scheduled opponents, Finland, had been decimated by norovirus, which is commonly referred to as a stomach flu.

The first case was reported Tuesday night, but the nasty bug spread quickly. By Thursday morning’s scheduled skate, only 10 Finnish skaters had been cleared to play, with the remaining 13 either confirmed sick or quarantining due to symptoms.

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Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026

FRANK GUNN / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES

Ste. Anne’s Jocelyne Larocque (left) is suiting up for her fourth Olympic games. Saturday’s matchup will serve as the round-robin opener for Team Canada after illness in Finland’s locker room postponed the Thursday clash until Feb. 12.
FRANK GUNN / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Ste. Anne’s Jocelyne Larocque (left) is suiting up for her fourth Olympic games. Saturday’s matchup will serve as the round-robin opener for Team Canada after illness in Finland’s locker room postponed the Thursday clash until Feb. 12.

Weekes making the most of time with Bisons before move to Division 1

Joshua Frey-Sam 7 minute read Preview

Weekes making the most of time with Bisons before move to Division 1

Joshua Frey-Sam 7 minute read Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026

A few walks were all Jordon Heppner needed to understand what the Manitoba Bisons had in Owen Weekes.

The two first met as teammates in the summer of 2024 as Heppner prepared for his third year of university men’s volleyball and Weekes, a highly anticipated recruit out of Vincent Massey Collegiate, got set for his first season at the next level.

As fate would have it, Heppner and Weekes parked near each other every day — often the only two teammates to park in this particular parking lot — and would make the lengthy walk to their cars together after each practice.

Aided by their similar interests and humour, it was inevitable that they would grow close.

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Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026

BROOK JONES / FREE PRESS

Manitoba Bisons’ Owen Weekes leads the men’s volleyball team with 3.29 kills per set, the sixth most in the Canada West conference. The left side is committed to transferring to reigning NCAA Division 1 champions Long Beach State this fall.
BROOK JONES / FREE PRESS Manitoba Bisons’ Owen Weekes leads the men’s volleyball team with 3.29 kills per set, the sixth most in the Canada West conference. The left side is committed to transferring to reigning NCAA Division 1 champions Long Beach State this fall.

Jets’ Niederreiter officially a Swiss flag bearer for Milan Cortina opening ceremonies

Ken Wiebe 6 minute read Preview

Jets’ Niederreiter officially a Swiss flag bearer for Milan Cortina opening ceremonies

Ken Wiebe 6 minute read Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026

Nino Niederreiter has ample experience leading the Swiss national hockey program. But on Friday, the Winnipeg Jets winger will be leading an entire nation on the world’s largest stage.

Niederreiter was unveiled as one of the flag bearers for Switzerland on Thursday, which is an incredible honour for the 33-year-old forward who is set to participate in his second Olympic games.

Niederreiter, who also played for Switzerland’s men’s hockey team in 2014, will be joined as a flag bearer by ski cross veteran and two-time Olympic bronze medallist Fanny Smith.

Following Wednesday’s 5-1 loss to the Montreal Canadiens (and before the official announcement had been made), Niederreiter shared his enthusiasm about what was on the horizon.

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Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026

JOHN WOODS / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES

Winnipeg Jets forward Nino Niederreiter was named an opening ceremonies flag bearer for Switzerland on Thursday.
JOHN WOODS / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Winnipeg Jets forward Nino Niederreiter was named an opening ceremonies flag bearer for Switzerland on Thursday.

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