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As the Hamilton Tiger-Cats make preparations to welcome their 2026 rookies for the start of training camp the Tiger-Cats continue working to improve their depth when it comes to Canadian players. The most recent additions to the Tiger-Cats training camp roster are Canadian offensive center Riley Schick, and Canadian specialist Zach Copeland. Schick and Copeland will both have an opportunity to make the Tiger-Cats roster due to Hamilton's need for more depth when it comes to Canadian players.
In addition, the offensive center position has been an area of need for Hamilton during the last few seasons. During the 2025 season, Coulter Woodmansey stepped into play center, but he left Hamilton during free agency. Along with Schick the Tiger-Cats added Copeland, and he could potentially be a significant bargain for the Tiger-Cats. While playing at the University of Ottawa Copeland served as a punter and place kicker for the Gee-Gees.
Canadian offensive lineman Riley Schick is a 6'1", 305-pound offensive center who played CJFL football for the Regina Thunder and U Sports football for the University of Regina (2024-2025). In addition, Schick spent time with the Saskatchewan Roughriders during training camp and on their practice squad in 2022 and 2023. While playing for the Rams, Schick demonstrated exceptional mental acuity and communication skills, and, technically, he is a master at using leverage to overcome his shortcomings, including his smaller size and lack of elite strength.
In addition to signing Schick, the Tiger-Cats also signed Canadian punter/kicker Zach Copeland. Copeland spent five seasons punting and kicking for the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees. His versatility could make him a prime candidate to make the roster as a specialist. While with the Gee-Gees, Copeland averaged 42.2 yards per punt on 98 attempts. As a kicker, he excelled as a kickoff specialist. However, he struggled with field goal consistency, making 33 of 45 attempts (73%).
Eight Tiger-Cats Draft Picks Sign Before the Start of Training Camp
Along with adding Schick and Copeland, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats had a big day securing their 2026 draft picks ahead of training camp. In the CFL, drafting players is only half the battle; successfully signing them is just as crucial. This year, the team reached agreements with seven of eight Canadian draft picks, including first-round pick Jonathan Denis, marking a significant success. The only 2026 Canadian draftee not signed, wide receiver Malick Meiga, remains with the Carolina Panthers in the NFL as an undrafted free agent, preventing his arrival in Hamilton.
In addition to signing 7 out of 8 Canadian draft picks from the 2026 class, Hamilton also signed 2026 CFL Global draft first-round pick Nick Haberer. Haberer officially comes into training camp with the Tiger-Cats after punting at Vanderbilt in the SEC and Washington State in the PAC-12. While Haberer is expected to come to Hamilton's training camp, the Tiger-Cats still need to reach an agreement to bring in former Indiana University punter Mitch McCarthy.
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