The Calgary Stampeders concluded their pre-season schedule with a 21-18 victory over the host Edmonton Elks on Friday night. The game served as the final audition for players hoping to secure a spot on the 2026 roster. With training camp now complete, the coaching staff faces the difficult task of trimming the squad from approximately 90 hopefuls down to 46 active players, plus those on injured lists and the practice roster.
Coaches Face Tough Decisions
Stampeders general manager and head coach Dave Dickenson acknowledged the challenge ahead. "It's hard … and we're doing the best we can," he told Stamps TV after the game. "We're going to evaluate everybody fairly. We think we've got enough practice and film work to at least feel confident in our decisions, but you're not always right." Dickenson noted that being cut doesn't necessarily end a player's journey, citing Charleston Hughes as an example. Hughes was released early in his career but returned to become one of the CFL's all-time sack leaders with 136 or 137 sacks.
Weather Delay and Game Action
Friday's contest was delayed by about 45 minutes due to lightning in the early evening. Once play began, the Elks struck first with an early touchdown. However, the Stampeders responded with timely scoring drives and held off the hosts to secure the win. Calgary scored three touchdowns in total:
- Quarterback Josh Love connected with rookie receiver Dante Wright on a 42-yard touchdown pass to tie the game on the final play of the first quarter.
- Quarterback Ben Wooldridge ran for a one-yard touchdown to give the Stamps the lead in the second quarter.
- Rookie quarterback Jacolby Criswell scored from one yard out with 5:13 remaining, providing the winning points.
Kickers Jude McAtamney and Dawson Hodge added the extra points. McAtamney converted two of two, while Hodge connected on the final conversion.
Four Key Takeaways
1. A Win is a Win
While pre-season games are primarily about player evaluation, Dickenson was pleased to secure the victory. The Stampeders finished the pre-season with a 2-0 record, building confidence heading into the regular-season opener. Dickenson praised the team's overall effort and push throughout the game.
2. Quarterback Competition Heats Up
All three quarterbacks who saw action contributed to the win. Love showed his arm strength with the deep touchdown pass, Wooldridge demonstrated mobility, and Criswell displayed poise in leading the game-winning drive. The performances give the coaching staff plenty to consider as they finalize the depth chart.
3. Rookie Receivers Step Up
Dante Wright's touchdown catch highlighted a strong performance from the rookie receiver. The Stampeders have several young pass-catchers competing for roster spots, and Wright's big play will certainly help his case. The team will need reliable targets to support the quarterback position.
4. Special Teams and Kicking Battle
The kicking competition remains tight. McAtamney and Hodge both handled their opportunities well, connecting on all extra-point attempts. With the regular season approaching, the Stampeders must decide who will handle placekicking duties. Both kickers have shown promise during training camp and pre-season action.
The Stampeders now turn their attention to the regular-season opener against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Friday, June 5 at McMahon Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. MDT, with coverage on QR Calgary 770 AM and TSN. Final roster cuts are expected in the coming days as the team finalizes its 46-man active roster.
