Demski and Cadwallader Recipients Of Blue Bombers Community Service Awards

[ModAdmin]

Nic Demski and Tanner Cadwallader Recipients Of Blue Bombers Community Service Awards

WINNIPEG, MB., April 2, 2025 – The Winnipeg Blue Bombers are pleased to announce Nic Demski and Tanner Cadwallader as the latest recipients of the team's annual community service awards – the Ed Kotowich 'Good Guy Award' and the Cal Murphy 'Heart of a Legend Award.'

Demski has been saluted for the first time as the 2024 Kotowich award winner, recognizing the Blue Bombers player who has 'excellent football ability, is a leader in the locker room and shows outstanding effort in the community.'

The award was first presented in 1987 and is named after Ed Kotowich, who played for the Blue Bombers from 1955-61 and later served as an alderman, worked as a sportscaster, and coached the Winnipeg Rods while working with minor football programs in the city before his sudden death in 1986.

Demski led the Blue Bombers in receiving in 2024 with 76 receptions for 1,030 yards and six touchdowns, earning him a spot on the West Division All-Star Team for a fourth consecutive season. The Winnipegger and proud product of the University of Manitoba Bisons made numerous appearances on behalf of the club in 2024, including I Love to Read, the High School Leadership Conference, Blue & Gold Showcase, a northern trip to Thompson and Children's Hospital Holiday visit.

Cadwallader is the 2024 recipient of the Murphy award presented to the player who has shown 'outstanding sportsmanship and dedication to the Canadian Football League and the community.' This award was first presented in 2001 and is named after long-time Blue Bombers head coach and GM Cal Murphy, a Winnipegger who worked with the club from 1983-86 and built Grey Cup champions in 1984, 1988 and 1990 and passed away in 2012.

A four-year Blue Bombers linebacker who was drafted by the club in 2020, Cadwallader finished with 16 special teams tackles in 2024 and now has 54 in his career, ranking him in the Top 20 in that department in franchise history.

Cadwallader was busy representing the club in the community through I Love to Read, the Blue & Gold Showcase, Children's Hospital Holiday Visit, the W Football Academy and Crunchers Night as well as with the team's involvement with the Winnipeg Aboriginal Sport Achievement Centre.

[TecnoGenius]

Well done Nic, and Cadwall.

I've been praising Cadwall since his rookie season.  He instantly stood out as (at least!) the "next great" STer.  He has great closing speed and that superb "lunge factor" Biggie used to have in his heyday.

Top-20 in franchise history already?!  He's exceeding expectations already.

I'm really hoping we're working on making him more experienced & viable on D.  A guy that can become a decent injury-starter (like Gauthier (is) and Briggs (was)) would be a great next-step.

It's probably too much to hope he achieves Kramdi level (i.e. week 1 starter) anytime soon, but you never know!  To me he's more a WILL than a MLB, but it's hard to tell.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Well done Nic, and Cadwall.

I've been praising Cadwall since his rookie season.  He instantly stood out as (at least!) the "next great" STer.  He has great closing speed and that superb "lunge factor" Biggie used to have in his heyday.

Top-20 in franchise history already?!  He's exceeding expectations already.

I'm really hoping we're working on making him more experienced & viable on D.  A guy that can become a decent injury-starter (like Gauthier (is) and Briggs (was)) would be a great next-step.

It's probably too much to hope he achieves Kramdi level (i.e. week 1 starter) anytime soon, but you never know!  To me he's more a WILL than a MLB, but it's hard to tell.

I think Caddie is setting himself up to be the next Mike Miller, not sure he'll get much of a crack at LB with a long lineup forming in front of him.

[TecnoGenius]

I think Caddie is setting himself up to be the next Mike Miller, not sure he'll get much of a crack at LB with a long lineup forming in front of him.

But Miller had the niche of also being a TE/FB and getting the odd target.  It's always nice if a STer can add useful and relevant non-ST snaps.

I really like the idea of STers that are O and not the usual D.  Like JA27 always was, and Miller.  I think we can make more use of them on non-ST snaps on the O side, and they make for valuable backups.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

But Miller had the niche of also being a TE/FB and getting the odd target.  It's always nice if a STer can add useful and relevant non-ST snaps.

I really like the idea of STers that are O and not the usual D.  Like JA27 always was, and Miller.  I think we can make more use of them on non-ST snaps on the O side, and they make for valuable backups.

I don't think Miller ever played FB before coming to Wpg. he was a backup LB in Edmonton, they just plugged him in there because he had reasonable athleticism and was tough. Doesn't matter if the ST leaders ever rotate in a position or not, many of the better ones like Miller and Jason Arakgi never became starters. 

[TecnoGenius]

Doesn't matter if the ST leaders ever rotate in a position or not, many of the better ones like Miller and Jason Arakgi never became starters.

Ya, not starters, but nice if they can do some snaps a game spelling the regulars.  Super bonus if they can become legit starters, but ya that's very rare.  I'm hoping Cadwal is like the next Briggs: a guy that can start a few games a season when injuries require.

He's fun to watch, and seems much more athletic than Briggs or Gauthier or Rush ever were.