The start of the CFL season is always an exciting time. 

Regardless of what happened the previous season or in this preseason, everyone starts new. Teams’ past accomplishments or failures mean nothing. 

The only thing that matters is what happens this season. 

Both the Calgary Stampeders and Hamilton Tiger-Cats would like to move past and forget their 2024 seasons. 

2024 Season

Neither team had a 2024 season to remember. Both teams missed the playoffs, but they got there in different ways. 

Calgary finished last in the West Division with a 5–12–1 record. However, they started the season 4–4. Unfortunately, they didn’t secure their 5th win until week 21.

Hamilton finished last in the East Division with a record of 7–11. They finished the season a respectable 7–6. Unfortunately, that wasn’t enough to overcome their 0–5 start. 

Calgary vs. Hamilton

The Stampeders and Tiger-Cats faced off twice in 2024. They were two very different games.

The Calgary Stampeders won the week one matchup 32–24. 

The Tiger-Cats completely dominated the week 20 matchup, 20–42.

2025 Outlook

Despite 2024 struggles, both teams are optimistic about the new season. There is reason to believe both have the potential to improve. 

Hamilton Tiger-Cats

The Tiger-Cats are led by a familiar face to Stampeders fans. Bo Levi Mitchell is coming off a monster season where he threw for 5451 yards. 

After splitting a pair of preseason games with Toronto, the Tiger-Cats look to improve on their 7-win season. 

This will be their second year under legendary coach Scott Milanovich. The offseason has been a mixture of change and improvement. The East Division is tough, but there’s no reason Hamilton can’t contend for a playoff spot. 

Assuming they get off to a faster start than last season. That starts this weekend in Calgary.

Calgary Stampeders

The Stampeders have enjoyed coaching stability under Dave Dickenson. Coach Dickenson has been the head coach since 2016. 

This is also Coach Dickenson’s second season as GM. That has allowed him to bring in and evaluate lots of new talent that fits his vision for the future. 

That vision involved prioritizing size, speed, and quickness. Dickenson has also focused heavily on building more depth, which makes sense given how long the seasons are in Canada. 

Vernon Adams Jr. will be leading the Stampeders this season. Interestingly enough, he’ll be trying to become the first QB to lead the Stampeders to a winning record since Hamilton’s Bo Levi Mitchell. 

While both teams seem improved on paper, the games are played on the field. We will just have to wait and see on Saturday night. 

Game Information

Date and Time: Saturday, June 7, 7:00 pm Eastern

Location: