As the voting for the Tiger-Cats All-Time Team presented by AM 900 CHML continues, this week fans must determine the greatest Ticats kickers and punters in history. With some incredibly talented players considered, only by voting can fans ensure that their choices are picked for the final squad.
KICKERS
Tommy Joe Coffey
Coffey handled the kicking duties for the Ticats towards the tail end of one of their most successful periods. His 75 converted field goals over 70 games helped him earn two Grey Cup rings, and a place in Ticats history. While probably more well known for his skills as a receiver, Coffee played multiple positions in a time where that was the norm, and did it well.
Paul Osbaldiston
One of the most decorated players in team history, “Ozzie” handled the kicking duties for the Ticats for an astounding 17 CFL seasons. He owns no less than eight of the team’s all-time kicking records and cemented his place in team history by winning two Grey Cups. The leading scorer in Tiger-Cats history, Osbaldiston is considered one of the greatest kickers ever to play the game.
Ian Sunter
Sunter took on the pressures of kicking for the Ticats at an early age, and didn’t shy away from the challenge. Sunter’s late field goal in the 1972 Grey Cup helped seal the victory for the Ticats and assure the 19-year old Burlington native’s place in Black and Gold lore.
Bernie Ruoff
Bernie Ruoff converted 68% of his field goals for Hamilton over his very successful eight-year career. Chosen as an East Division All-Star five times, Ruoff racked up the second-most points in team history over his career. Over his career, Ruoff converted the second-most field goals in team history, second only to Osbaldiston.
Don Sutherin
Sutherin was another throwback whose athletic ability enabled him to play multiple positions. Not only was he one of the better defensive backs around at the time, but he also successfully kicked 76 field goals in his eight-year stint in Black and Gold. His multi-tool skills helped lead the Ticats to six Grey Cup appearances and two championships during his time in Hamilton.
PUNTERS
Ken Clark
Clark spent four seasons in Hamilton, amassing over 20,000 punting yards in his 53 games. His impressive 45.9 yard average is good enough for second all-time, and he sits fifth in team history in terms of total punting yardage.
Cam Fraser
Cam Fraser spent 12 seasons punting the ball for the Black and Gold, racking up over 44,000 yards in his career. His 44.8 yard career average is the third-best in team history and his 785 punting yards on Sept. 14, 1958 are a team record.
Paul Osbaldiston
As valuable as it is to have a player that both punts and kicks field goals, it is even more valuable when they are Canadian. Ozzie handled both duties for the Ticats during is 18-year career in Hamilton, earning All-Star nods at both positions. His 88,462 punting yards are the most in team history and he owns three of the Ticats all-time punting records.
Bernie Ruoff
Another player with the ability to punt and kick field goals, Ruoff was named an East Division All-Star three times. His 7,302 punting yards in 1984 stand today as a team record, the same year that he was named a CFL All-Star as a punter.
Joe Zuger
Most people remember Zuger as a quarterback but he also handled the team’s punting duties to the tune of 48,930 punting yards over his career. In fact, Zuger’s 48.5 yard average in 1971 is a franchise record, and is an indication of the skilled punter that he was. Zuger sits second all-time in three punting categories, behind only Osbaldiston.
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