CFL.ca Staff
HALIFAX — The 2009 season was a bit of a roller coaster ride. Having lost the first game of the regular season to St. FX the Huskies rolled off eight straight wins before losing to the Can West champions – Calgary Dinos. The team accumulated many awards throughout the year, winning 10 AUS all-star awards and three 2nd Team All-Canadians. A tough loss to end the season has allowed the Huskies to refocus on the task at hand for the 2010 season. A good recruit class will add to great number of returning veterans to help the Huskies aim for their 4th straight AUS title.
Head coach Steve Sumarah on the 2010 Team: “Sometimes the best thing that can happen is a loss to refocus your team and the direction of your program. The commitment of the players in the weight room and offseason development has been at its highest level in years. A solid group of recruits coming into the program this year will add depth and competition at all positions. We are excited to see where the hard work will take us in 2010.”
2009 in review:
2009 regular season record: 7 – 1
2009 regular season standings: 1st place
2009 playoff record: 1 – 1
2009 playoff finish: Lost to Calgary in the Uteck Bowl
Head Coach – Steve Sumarah
Number of seasons as head coach with team (including 2010): 5th season
Number of seasons as head coach in CIS (including 2010): 5th season
Career regular season record with team: 24 – 7
Career regular season record in CIS: 24 – 7
Career overall record with team (reg. season & playoffs only): 29 – 11
Career overall record in CIS (reg. season & playoffs only): 29 – 11
OFFENCE
Key returning players:
RB – Craig Leger returns for his 4th season with the Huskies an AUS All-star last year and MVP of the Loney Bowl. He was the second leading rusher in the conference with 477 yards and 3 TD’s.
OL- Adam Baboulas returns for his 5th year after a stint with the BC Lions. Adam was a conference All-star last year and after being drafted by the Lions he spent 8 weeks on their practice roster before returning to lead the OL.
QB – Jack Creighton returns for his 3rd year as the Huskies QB. He has steadily improved each year with last year being his best statistically with 1862 yards passing, 10 TD’s and only 6 INTS.
RB – Devon Jones returns for his 4th year of eligibility as part of the dynamic duo of backs. Last year he was an AUS All-star and led the league with 490 yards and 6 TD’s.
Key recruits (or newcomers: transfers):
OL – Sean Swanney 6’6”, 300 lbs from Foothills HS Calgary, AB, Sean was one of the top O-lineman last year in Alberta and brings size and aggressiveness to the OL.
REC – Kyle Ritchie 6’0, 185 lbs from Cathedral HS in Hamilton, ON. One of the top athletes in Hamilton Kyle comes from the same school as former Huskie and CFL great Dave Stala. He has great speed and moves and will be counted on right away to contribute.
REC – Harrison Brown 6’3”, 180 lbs from Citadel HS in Halifax, NS. The top receiver in Nova Scotia this year, Harrison had to choose between basketball and football. He has great speed and hands and should make an immediate impact.
FB – Kurt Tonowski 5’10”, 240 lbs from Edmonton, AB who played last few years with the Victoria Rebels. He played OL for them and was a physical player who liked to smack heads.
Key losses:
C – Derek Weber 2nd team All-Canadian centre.
REC – Carl Hardwick AUS All-star
P/K – Justin Palardy 2nd Team All-Canadian and CFL draft pick
DEFENCE
Key returning players:
DL – Dan Schutte 5’11”, 270 lbs Defensive tackle from Red Deer, AB. Dan was a former All-Canadian who was hurt most of last year but when healthy is one of the most dominating players in the country.
LB – Ryan King 5’11”, 215 lbs middle linebacker from Edmonton, AB. Ryan was an AUS All-star last year and a team captain. He brings extensive knowledge and is our defensive leader.
DB – Mark Holden 6’2”, 180 lbs. from Halifax, NS. Mark was a 2nd team All-Canadian last year and the leader of the secondary. He is an intelligent player who comes up with big plays every game.
Key recruits (or newcomers: transfers):
DB – Eric Black from Toronto, ON. Eric has the speed and genetics (brother playing in the CFL) to make an immediate impact at the corner position. Has been a corner and return this past OVFL season with the Toronto Wildcats.
LB – Matt Lalande from Edmonton, AB. Matt was one of the most sought after players in the country, he is big at 6’3”, 240 lbs. and plays physical.
DL – Gary Graham 6’3”, 300 lbs. from Smith Falls, ON. Gary played the past few seasons with the Ottawa Sooners and played both on both sides of the ball.
Key losses:
DB – Jeff Zelinski former 3 time AUS All-star
DB – Quinton Meaders AUS All-star DB
DL – Devon Hicks AUS nominee for Lineman of the Year
-With files from the University of Saint Mary’s Huskies
