For another season the Hamilton Tiger-Cats started the CFL season with 26 to 38 losses to the Calgary Stampeders. Many of the problems that the Tiger-Cats struggled with in 2024 still appear to exist early during the 2025 season. Those problems involve failing to run the ball effectively and an inability to stop the Stampeders running game.
In addition to the Tiger-Cats on-field challenges, the Hamilton organization is also facing challenges off the field. Recently, Tiger-Cat’s new GM, Ted Goveia, announced that he has cancer and that the cancer has spread in his body. Goveia’s cancer treatments will require him to spend time away from the Tiger-Cats facilities, but he will still stay connected to the team by phone and with his computer.
Coming into the 2025 season, Goveia implemented a series of personnel changes to enhance the Tiger-Cats roster, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. Some battles are more important than football, and Goveia’s battle against cancer will be a big hurdle for Hamilton’s GM to overcome. The Tiger-Cats still need more improvements, but the efforts to make the right moves could become the responsibility of Tiger-Cats president Orlondo Steinauer and Director of Player Personnel Cyril Penn in Goveia’s absence.
Tiger-Cats Sign QB Jake Dolegala
In Week 2 of the 2025 CFL season, Hamilton will be facing an excellent Saskatchewan Roughriders team in their home opener. After Hamilton lost their first game of the season against the Calgary Stampeders, the Tiger-Cats are taking an aggressive approach to their preparation. According to the CFL Transactions list, the Tiger-Cats have signed former Roughriders quarterback Jake Dolegala.
Dolegala spent the 2022 and 2023 CFL seasons with the Saskatchewan Roughriders. During that time, Dolegala played in 15 games and completed 232 out of 368 passes for 2,795 yards, resulting in 12 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. Dolegala also ran the ball 28 times for 107 yards and a rushing touchdown.
Despite playing for the BC Lions in 2024, few players have more insight into the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ offensive game-planning process than Dolegala. There is also a chance that the 6’7″, 242-pound Dolegala could potentially earn himself a more active role with the Tiger-Cats. A backup quarterback with a wealth of successful CFL experience can be a valuable asset for Hamilton beyond this week of preparation.
The Tiger-Cats have also released American wide receiver Josh Johnson from their roster.
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