Bert Faibish
Ticats.ca
In his eight seasons in the CFL, Hamilton receiver Arland Bruce III has seen his fair share of ups and downs. Nothing however, could prepare him for the tumultuous year that he experienced last season.
Bruce began the season with the Toronto Argonauts and played a big role in their season-opening victory over the Ticats at Ivor Wynne Stadium. Less than a month later, Bruce was dealt to Hamilton in a rare trade between rivals.
“It was crazy man, I mean this is my career, this is my life,” said Bruce.
That’s behind him now, and Arland is looking forward to spending his first training camp with his teammates in Hamilton and adding to the storied tradition of the Tiger-Cats.
“15 Grey Cups for this organization, that speaks volumes. I want to be a part of 16,” said Bruce.
Although he is a veteran of countless training camps, being on a new team in a new city has Bruce excited to get started. A week ago, he was among a dozen offensive players in town that took part in several community appearances.
“Even though we don’t have pads on or anything like that, just to be in the same room with the quarterbacks and the other receivers and running backs it’s exciting,” said Bruce. “It lets you know that (the season) is almost here.”
It’s no coincidence that Hamilton’s success last season coincided with Bruce’s arrival. Even with only a limited time to learn the playbook and get to know his quarterbacks, Bruce was a major contributor on and off the football field.
“Just by the way he practices and prepares for games, he’s a mentor out there for the younger receivers,” said General Manager Bob O’Billovich. “He’s been a very welcome addition to this football team,” he said.
Theres no doubt that Bruce presents a dangerous target when he’s on the field but the attention he attracts from opposing defenses also allows his teammates to find a little bit of extra space.
“People have to respect him as a playmaker so they know where he is at all times and that opens up the field a bit for our other guys,” said O’Billovich.
Bruce’s skills are known by opposing teams throughout the league but he has still managed to surprise a veteran GM like Obie.
“The impressive thing about Arland after watching him last year is that he can make plays even when he is well covered,” he said. “He can go up and take the ball away from a defender and catch the ball in traffic.”
According to Obie, there’s a reason; “If you ever shake hands with him he’s got a very strong grip, he’s got extremely strong hands,” he said.
“When he catches the ball you don’t even hear it hit his hands.”
After playing for the double blue for so many years, actually being cheered by the fans at Ivor Wynne stadium was tough to get used to.
“To get booed by the Hamilton fans all those years playing with Toronto and Winnipeg and then to come here and they are on your side, it’s a special feeling,” said Bruce. “This town will back you up no matter if you’re winning or losing,” he said.
