Lancer Football Interim Head Coach Joe D’Amore will get an early look at what type of football team he will have this fall when the Lancers head out west to take on the University of Saskatchewan Huskies at the end of August.
The Lancers and Huskies will square off in an exhibition game on Friday, August 26th at 7pm at Griffiths Stadium in Saskatoon. This will be the first time in over a decade that the Lancers will head outside of Ontario for a pre-season match-up.
With a brand new coaching staff and a number of new additions to the team, Coach D’Amore believes this trip will be a great opportunity to build team cohesion while also taking on a very high quality opponent.
“We are really excited to take on the Huskies and we think this will be a great way for us to come together as a team,” added D’Amore. “Saskatchewan has consistently been one of the best teams in the country and how we compete out west will go a long way in building our confidence going into the regular season.”
With his new coaching staff in place, D’Amore feels the extra game will also help them get settled in prior to the Labour Classic home opener at Alumni Field against Toronto on Sept. 5th.
“There is a lot of benefit to getting a game in prior to our season opener, especially for my staff,” added D’Amore. “The chance to establish our offense, defense and special teams and to work through some game day strategies is a real plus for our program.”
Though they will only have seven practices in before taking on the Huskies out west, D’Amore is confident they will field a very competitive team.
“With such a short time to prepare, the first few days of camp will be high energy because players want to prove that they deserve to go,” added D’Amore.
The Lancers anticipate taking approximately 50 players from their 85-man roster to Saskatoon. “Obviously we wish we could take everyone, but we’re likely looking at a number closer to 50 for this trip.”
The Saskatchewan Huskies are coming off a 6-2 season and a first place finish in the Canada West conference in 2010. The Huskies were upset 31-30 by Alberta in the conference semi-finals last year.
“This is a great opportunity for Lancer Football and our program going forward,” said D’Amore. It will help with recruiting and will give us some needed national exposure. We’re excited to get going.”
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