Kicking Showcase

Blue In BC · February 20, 2026, 01:05:59 PM

Blue In BC · February 27, 2026, 06:25:38 PM

So anyone know anything about any of these kickers and have any idea which might draw Bomber interest? It's pretty normal in the global draft in particular to draft a kicker to sit on the PR.

There are 6 or 7 Canadian kickers which might end up as late round choices across the CFL. I haven't checked to see which are punters or kickers but it's a ratio bonus if they can play well.

Throw Long Bannatyne · February 27, 2026, 06:36:48 PM

Quote from: Blue In BC on February 27, 2026, 06:25:38 PMSo anyone know anything about any of these kickers and have any idea which might draw Bomber interest? It's pretty normal in the global draft in particular to draft a kicker to sit on the PR.

There are 6 or 7 Canadian kickers which might end up as late round choices across the CFL. I haven't checked to see which are punters or kickers but it's a ratio bonus if they can play well.

Canadian kickers need a lifeline extended, with no CFL teams willing to give them a start their careers now end prematurely in USports. If the only purpose of the Global program is to supply Australian kickers with jobs, they should end it now.

Tecno · February 28, 2026, 04:00:17 AM

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on February 27, 2026, 06:36:48 PMCanadian kickers need a lifeline extended, with no CFL teams willing to give them a start their careers now end prematurely in USports. If the only purpose of the Global program is to supply Australian kickers with jobs, they should end it now.

Punters yes, place kickers, no. The only GLOB PK I can think of is that Mexican MTL has?

To make it in the CFL a NAT has to either be a good PK, or better yet, a dual threat P/PK.

Yes, kind of sucks for NAT P's... but if they are as good as the ozzies, then there's no reason they can't make the roster. Yes, it seems some teams want to "hide" their "weak GLOB" at P because there are so few GLOBs who are good at non-kicking posotions... but the situation isn't THAT dire. Especially seeing as how the rules force you to dress only 1 if you want to.

And speaking of Mexicans: our Castillo is as Mexican as the MTL guy, I'm sure. Why do they get the chintzy GLOB designation and we are stuck wasting a DI?? Seems unfair.

bunker · February 28, 2026, 04:34:29 AM

Quote from: Tecno on February 28, 2026, 04:00:17 AMPunters yes, place kickers, no. The only GLOB PK I can think of is that Mexican MTL has?

To make it in the CFL a NAT has to either be a good PK, or better yet, a dual threat P/PK.

Yes, kind of sucks for NAT P's... but if they are as good as the ozzies, then there's no reason they can't make the roster. Yes, it seems some teams want to "hide" their "weak GLOB" at P because there are so few GLOBs who are good at non-kicking posotions... but the situation isn't THAT dire. Especially seeing as how the rules force you to dress only 1 if you want to.

And speaking of Mexicans: our Castillo is as Mexican as the MTL guy, I'm sure. Why do they get the chintzy GLOB designation and we are stuck wasting a DI?? Seems unfair.

Castillo was born in Texas, and played college football at West Texas A and M.
If you're not careful, you may end up getting ICE on his tail.

Tecno · February 28, 2026, 04:37:33 AM

Quote from: bunker on February 28, 2026, 04:34:29 AMCastillo was born in Texas

Could have sworn he said he was born in Mexico. Though maybe he just meant he was born to Mexican parents. Anyhow, it's clearly a big part of his identity and what he talks about.

I guess it's the "played at an American college" part that makes people ineligible to be a GLOB? Or is it merely the "born outside of USA/Canada" aspect?

gobombersgo · February 28, 2026, 12:26:10 PM

Quote from: Tecno on February 28, 2026, 04:00:17 AMPunters yes, place kickers, no. The only GLOB PK I can think of is that Mexican MTL has?

To make it in the CFL a NAT has to either be a good PK, or better yet, a dual threat P/PK.

Yes, kind of sucks for NAT P's... but if they are as good as the ozzies, then there's no reason they can't make the roster. Yes, it seems some teams want to "hide" their "weak GLOB" at P because there are so few GLOBs who are good at non-kicking posotions... but the situation isn't THAT dire. Especially seeing as how the rules force you to dress only 1 if you want to.

And speaking of Mexicans: our Castillo is as Mexican as the MTL guy, I'm sure. Why do they get the chintzy GLOB designation and we are stuck wasting a DI?? Seems unfair.

They should change the rules for Globals that are playing offense or defence.

As it stands, if a team wants to field a 2nd Global that player takes the place of a National in the line-up. However, if they are playing offense or defence then they need to replace an American on the field.

They should have it where the Global can replace a National on the field.

It would be alot easier to get a guy like Munier-Bailey onto the game day roster.

gobombersgo · February 28, 2026, 12:56:31 PM

Quote from: Tecno on February 28, 2026, 04:37:33 AMCould have sworn he said he was born in Mexico. Though maybe he just meant he was born to Mexican parents. Anyhow, it's clearly a big part of his identity and what he talks about.

I guess it's the "played at an American college" part that makes people ineligible to be a GLOB? Or is it merely the "born outside of USA/Canada" aspect?

Nope, more and more Global players are attending US colleges. Just look at the list of kickers attending the showcase. Or check out who was drafted last season. All the players from the 1st round (and 8 of 9 from the 2nd round) of last year's Global draft attended US colleges.

Here is the Global player definition:

"Any player who does not hold Canadian or American citizenship, and has not been physically resident in Canada for an aggregate period of five (5) years prior to attaining the age of eighteen (18) years, or who does not qualify as a National in any other way."

Blue In BC · February 28, 2026, 01:40:30 PM

Quote from: gobombersgo on February 28, 2026, 12:26:10 PMThey should change the rules for Globals that are playing offense or defence.

As it stands, if a team wants to field a 2nd Global that player takes the place of a National in the line-up. However, if they are playing offense or defence then they need to replace an American on the field.

They should have it where the Global can replace a National on the field.

It would be alot easier to get a guy like Munier-Bailey onto the game day roster.

Hard to say if that would have any impact. Using Bailey as an example, he'd come in replacing an import because of the position he plays.

The reality is their aren't many good globals that aren't kickers. 2 rounds of draft and half will fall into that category.

Jesse · February 28, 2026, 01:51:16 PM

Quote from: Tecno on February 28, 2026, 04:37:33 AMCould have sworn he said he was born in Mexico. Though maybe he just meant he was born to Mexican parents. Anyhow, it's clearly a big part of his identity and what he talks about.

I guess it's the "played at an American college" part that makes people ineligible to be a GLOB? Or is it merely the "born outside of USA/Canada" aspect?

Maltos was born and raised in Mexico and went to a Mexican college.

Castillo was born and raised in Texas going to an American college.

There's no confusion or skirting rules in either definition.

Blue In BC · February 28, 2026, 03:02:49 PM

Quote from: Jesse on February 28, 2026, 01:51:16 PMMaltos was born and raised in Mexico and went to a Mexican college.

Castillo was born and raised in Texas going to an American college.

There's no confusion or skirting rules in either definition.

Sure but we see players born in the USA with Canadian parents designated as Nationals. Why doesn't that concept apply to global players? That may be the current rule but it's in conflict when players like Woli are designated as Canadians because of parentage.

I don't know whether Maltos or Castillo had a Canadian parent but it's an interesting question about global designations.

Seems ironic that to get a 2nd global on the AR it comes at the cost of a Canadian on the roster but he can't replace a Canadian to play.

I'm neither suggesting or wanting that to happen but it is a self imposed restriction. We don't need all these multiple conditions.

Having said all that, the best option is having both a kicker and punter roles filled by a global under the current ratio premise.

Throw Long Bannatyne · February 28, 2026, 05:37:24 PM

Quote from: Blue In BC on February 28, 2026, 03:02:49 PMSure but we see players born in the USA with Canadian parents designated as Nationals. Why doesn't that concept apply to global players? That may be the current rule but it's in conflict when players like Woli are designated as Canadians because of parentage.

I don't know whether Maltos or Castillo had a Canadian parent but it's an interesting question about global designations.

Seems ironic that to get a 2nd global on the AR it comes at the cost of a Canadian on the roster but he can't replace a Canadian to play.

I'm neither suggesting or wanting that to happen but it is a self imposed restriction. We don't need all these multiple conditions.

Having said all that, the best option is having both a kicker and punter roles filled by a global under the current ratio premise.

Have to wonder What are the residual benefits of the Global program? There is no lack of Canadian talent to fill these positions, so it's not related to a shortage of supply. Is CFL viewership or gambling revenue up in any of these countries, have contracts been signed? Initially Ambrosie indicated there would be benefits for Canadian players playing football in foreign countries, but I haven't heard a peep about those opportunities in 6 long years.

Sir Blue and Gold · February 28, 2026, 06:05:17 PM

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on February 28, 2026, 05:37:24 PMHave to wonder What are the residual benefits of the Global program? There is no lack of Canadian talent to fill these positions, so it's not related to a shortage of supply. Is CFL viewership or gambling revenue up in any of these countries, have contracts been signed? Initially Ambrosie indicated there would be benefits for Canadian players playing football in foreign countries, but I haven't heard a peep about those opportunities in 6 long years.

Look at this this way, has it hurt? That is, are less Canadians watching because of it? No.

Is there a better chance of international viewership with an international program? Yes.

If the argument is that we need to mandate Canadians to play for Canadian fans to support the league then wouldn't the same be true for those elsewhere in the world. Also yes.

You either buy into that ratio or you don't don't.

I'd rather both be gone but here we are.

Blue In BC · February 28, 2026, 06:56:46 PM

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on February 28, 2026, 06:05:17 PMLook at this this way, has it hurt? That is, are less Canadians watching because of it? No.

Is there a better chance of international viewership with an international program? Yes.

If the argument is that we need to mandate Canadians to play for Canadian fans to support the league then wouldn't the same be true for those elsewhere in the world. Also yes.

You either buy into that ratio or you don't don't.

I'd rather both be gone but here we are.

It hurts in the sense that it takes away positions for Canadian players. At the max 2 per team on the AR and 3 on the PR.

Sir Blue and Gold · February 28, 2026, 08:58:20 PM

Quote from: Blue In BC on February 28, 2026, 06:56:46 PMIt hurts in the sense that it takes away positions for Canadian players. At the max 2 per team on the AR and 3 on the PR.

Oh no, not the 23rd and maybe the 22nd best Canadian player on every team.

Blue In BC · February 28, 2026, 10:22:59 PM

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on February 28, 2026, 08:58:20 PMOh no, not the 23rd and maybe the 22nd best Canadian player on every team.

Yes those players. Either you want a ratio to support Canadian players or you don't. I've never liked the ratio. Finding unique ways to add players from other countries to replace is counter productive.

Globals players are essentially a sub set of imports.

You could argue that the # 23 or # 22 on the Bombers were players like Gauthier or Hallett. Both were more productive in the long term than any global besides a kicker / punter.

The newer bottom of the Bomber Canadian roster might be Kelly, Ball or Novak that all contribute on ST's and could have long careers.

Would you rather have Weitz, Karamoko, Ogbevoen, Mauro, Machino, Oyelolo or Perez as their replacements? Yeah, that's a group of winners. NOT.

Tecno · February 28, 2026, 11:01:48 PM

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on February 28, 2026, 05:37:24 PMHave to wonder What are the residual benefits of the Global program?

Hate to say it, but the GLOB program was always a forced DEI-type program to try to gin up Good Feelz within the zeitgeist of that era. Look at us, good global citizens.

That era has passed. Ambrosie is gone. The GLOB program should go with it.

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on February 28, 2026, 06:05:17 PMLook at this this way, has it hurt? That is, are less Canadians watching because of it? No.

Is there a better chance of international viewership with an international program? Yes.

Oh look, we have Hansen's mom & grandpa watching in Frankfurt now. Yay.

Ya, you're right that it's a net positive, but the magnitude is so tiny that it's hard to justify the complication and expense. The GLOB combine/draft must cost the league at least $0.5M annually.

The only way you'd ever get decent TV/streaming numbers in foreign countries (ex-USA) would be if you had the same number of GLOBs from one country on each team as IMPs. And that's not going to happen.

Johnston could have come in day 1 and said "no more forced GLOBs or GLOB draft", but he's too busy moving the goal posts.

theaardvark · March 01, 2026, 12:02:17 AM

Marketing rarely hits 100% immediately. Sure, you got Hansen's Mon and Dad, and maybe some cousins... but eventually the more eyeballs you get to check it out because a local is playing, the more chance you get of getting a "Hey, you really should check out the CFL" around the water cooler, or after church... its a building thing, it takes time

Sir Blue and Gold · March 01, 2026, 02:13:53 AM

Aardvark is right on this one.

And without the global program what is the plan to try and generate interest in non traditional markets?

Haven't heard a better one.

Again, I'd do away with the ratio yesterday if I could. But if we're going to have one under the theory that it generates interest, then it makes sense to apply the theory everywhere.

It is certainly better than doing nothing and being all out of ideas. Which is how the league operated for long enough to get itself into trouble to begin with.

Blue In BC · March 01, 2026, 01:22:11 PM

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on March 01, 2026, 02:13:53 AMAardvark is right on this one.

And without the global program what is the plan to try and generate interest in non traditional markets?

Haven't heard a better one.

Again, I'd do away with the ratio yesterday if I could. But if we're going to have one under the theory that it generates interest, then it makes sense to apply the theory everywhere.

It is certainly better than doing nothing and being all out of ideas. Which is how the league operated for long enough to get itself into trouble to begin with.

The market place is not outside of North America. The global program is a failure. Taking time is one thing but I'd have to see a curve showing any impact over time. I'd have to see some games broadcast in Europe or Australia.

IMO the reality is that most global players seem to have Australian heritage since they are the kickers.

The CFL could play pre season games in the US even if they have to play on a different type of field.

Or:

They could play all pre season games in Canada outside the normal market. Saskatoon, Brandon, London, Halifax, Victoria for example.

Sir Blue and Gold · March 01, 2026, 01:33:17 PM

Quote from: Blue In BC on March 01, 2026, 01:22:11 PMThe market place is not outside of North America. The global program is a failure. Taking time is one thing but I'd have to see a curve showing any impact over time. I'd have to see some games broadcast in Europe or Australia.

IMO the reality is that most global players seem to have Australian heritage since they are the kickers.

The CFL could play pre season games in the US even if they have to play on a different type of field.

Or:

They could play all pre season games in Canada outside the normal market. Saskatoon, Brandon, London, Halifax, Victoria for example.

Or they could do both. Perhaps that's some of the rationale behind smaller fields that fit the footprint of more stadiums?

They should be trying to grow the game in Canada.

Tney should be trying to grow the game globally.

Suggesting you ignore "the world" and go after Saskatoon and Brandon doesn't play well in the board room. Go ahead and suggest that and see what happens.

Blue In BC · March 01, 2026, 02:01:45 PM

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on March 01, 2026, 01:33:17 PMOr they could do both. Perhaps that's some of the rationale behind smaller fields that fit the footprint of more stadiums?

They should be trying to grow the game in Canada.

Tney should be trying to grow the game globally.

Suggesting you ignore "the world" and go after Saskatoon and Brandon doesn't play well in the board room. Go ahead and suggest that and see what happens.

The CFL already plays a game outside of the normal cities once a season. That could be expanded. Because of the world cup, the Lions and Argos will be doing that to start the season.

A variant of that would be more focus on holding training camps in new cities

I disagree with the global concept outright.

Aside from Hansen can anybody name a global player that is not from Australia or Mexico?

The CFL can't even get a 10th team off the ground. So don't give me that globalization is a great idea. Success starts at home.

I'm not in favour of the ratio either and have said that often over the years.

I'd go so far as suggesting with no ratio and more American players we'd see more interest in the USA. That would lead to broadcast revenue as an outcome. It would lead to the CFL being a higher profile for players.

dd · March 01, 2026, 02:58:38 PM

The ratio is the fundamental principle to the league and it isn't going anywhere, nor should it. Couldn't give a rip if the game is more popular in the states, fact is, it never will be, and that's fine by me

Blue In BC · March 01, 2026, 03:15:07 PM

Quote from: dd on March 01, 2026, 02:58:38 PMThe ratio is the fundamental principle to the league and it isn't going anywhere, nor should it. Couldn't give a rip if the game is more popular in the states, fact is, it never will be, and that's fine by me

That supports the argument that there is little or no value in the global program. On that aspect I agree. The global aspect of the ratio essentially replaces most Canadian kickers or punters.

I can't dispute that the ratio is fundamental principle. However, I'm old enough to remember roster size in the low 30's and imports playing both ways. That meant less Canadians seeing the field.

In that era there were no DI's on rosters. A backup QB probably was a DB returner

It depends on your definition of ratio and where you want to draw the line. Global players are a recent subset of ratio. What's next on how they modify ratio away from Canadians.

Anyway. Back to the topic of kicking showcase. There is a good chance one of these candidates ends up on our PR after the 2026 draft.

theaardvark · March 01, 2026, 06:55:34 PM

Why is it an "either/or" grow the product domestically/globally? Why can't it be both, and even synergistic, growing it at home BY growing it abroad (we do have a lot of "New Canadians". If only cricket produced candidates like Aussie Rules does. I guess, soccer?

As to broadcast, while TSN is the lifeblood of the game, we all know that streaming is the key to the future, and does not require broadcast infrastructure to reach any corner of the globe.

The global initiative is not a home run, but it is also not a total bust. The cost has been minimal, and we have had exposure. And found players. Hansen was exciting, and even created an issue with being worth more than the Global capped salary. Which is great. And its not like he's the only one, Maltos will be bringing in a good paycheck next year.

And even discussing the Global initiative, on either side, is accomplishing the goal of improving engagement.

Blue In BC · March 01, 2026, 07:46:45 PM

Quote from: theaardvark on March 01, 2026, 06:55:34 PMWhy is it an "either/or" grow the product domestically/globally? Why can't it be both, and even synergistic, growing it at home BY growing it abroad (we do have a lot of "New Canadians". If only cricket produced candidates like Aussie Rules does. I guess, soccer?

As to broadcast, while TSN is the lifeblood of the game, we all know that streaming is the key to the future, and does not require broadcast infrastructure to reach any corner of the globe.

The global initiative is not a home run, but it is also not a total bust. The cost has been minimal, and we have had exposure. And found players. Hansen was exciting, and even created an issue with being worth more than the Global capped salary. Which is great. And its not like he's the only one, Maltos will be bringing in a good paycheck next year.

And even discussing the Global initiative, on either side, is accomplishing the goal of improving engagement.

It's not whether expanding the global market is a good idea or not. My issue is that adding a 9 ( min ) to a max of 18 to CFL rosters won't succeed in that effort. I don't think fans in any country watch games in order to see the kicking game which is where the globals land on rosters.

The discussion we're having is in Canada. Any proof anybody in Europe is discussing this issue? Are there any games being broadcast?

DM83 · March 16, 2026, 08:23:12 AM

Young men trying to make a buck doing something they love. Yeah that's a bad thing.unemployment or a low paying entry position? Come on! Being young means you can experiment for a few years. Some of our ex superstar Bisons not drafted and/or failed to get anywhere. Hmmm!

Now he has created his own company, training "wanna be
"young players for that shot. Great idea!

Throw Long Bannatyne · March 16, 2026, 04:23:26 PM

Quote from: Blue In BC on March 01, 2026, 07:46:45 PMIt's not whether expanding the global market is a good idea or not. My issue is that adding a 9 ( min ) to a max of 18 to CFL rosters won't succeed in that effort. I don't think fans in any country watch games in order to see the kicking game which is where the globals land on rosters.

The discussion we're having is in Canada. Any proof anybody in Europe is discussing this issue? Are there any games being broadcast?

Not likely, if really enthused fans could stream CFL games from any country, but without any direct promotion or national attention it would only amount to a handful of viewers.