The Regina Rams and Calgary Dinos open their 2025 season this Friday night at McMahon Stadium in Calgary at 6:30pm MDT.
Regina enters the season as the defending champions of the 2024 Hardy Cup. For them, the opener is a chance to build on momentum from last year, where their late season push included a 29-22 Week 8 win that eliminated Alberta from the playoffs.
With an experienced quarterback and a strong receiving corps, Regina will once again rely on its passing game to set the tone.
Rams quarterback Noah Pelletier is most likely going to be well protected this season, with an offensive line that is over 6'4" and 300 lbs on average.
The fourth-year quarterback started last season as a backup before taking over from Owen Sieben after he was injured in Week 1 against Calgary.
Pelletier went on to start for the rest of the season, throwing 2462 yards and seven touchdowns in 11 games. He also broke a Rams all-time single game record, with a 83.9 completion percentage during Week 2 against Saskatchewan.
The Regina native helped lead his team towards a Hardy Cup victory and to the Mitchell Bowl where they were defeated by Laval. However, Pelletier threw for 356 yards, finishing 28 for 44 in that tight loss to Laval.
The question will be whether the Dinos — who are looking to make a mark after finishing last season with a 2-6 record will be able to keep up with Regina's offensive leader and swift run game.
The Dinos enter 2025 determined to bounce back after a tough season last year with a new-look roster. Calgary struggled to find rhythm in 2024, and missed the playoffs after a Week 8 loss against Saskatchewan, but the program still boasts one of the deepest pipelines in Canada West.
Calgary's secondary unit as a whole is something to keep an eye out for. The defensive squad will rely heavily on leadership from senior players such as DB Gideon Agyei, LB Osasare Odemwingie, and DB Tyreese Bristol to set the tone for the secondary this opener.
Calgary is also sporting a young unit of running backs this season, with the majority being rookies behind fourth-year Mathieu Clarke. The Dinos welcomed first-year running backs Aaron Oboh and Eri Olarubofin to the official 2025 roster.
Whoever lines up at quarterback for the Dinos in the absence of Dom Britton will have to contend with the loss of three of the team's top four receivers from last year, with Ben Britton and both Gutek brothers gone.
Watching if the new youngsters' offence can compete with Regina's seasoned defensive unit is crucial this season opener.
Players to Watch
Regina:
- QB Noah Pelletier
- WR Nicholas Sirleaf
- DB Jaxon Fuchs
- REC Emmett Steadman
- OL Nnadozie Marendiukobianwa
Calgary:
- RB Aaron Oboh
- OL Chris Pachula
- LB Osasere Odemwengie
- REC Brendt Adams
- DB Gideon Agyei
What’s at Stake
The Dinos are in the hot seat this season opener against the 2024 Hardy Cup victors. Their 2-6 record last season and a fresh set of personnel puts them in a prime position for an impressive comeback if their young running backs deliver a swift run game.
Final score prediction: Regina Rams 27, Calgary Dinos 21