DaShaun Amos and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats are set to enjoy the advantage of playing at home in the East Division final this Saturday. The team has confirmed that Hamilton Stadium is completely sold out and fans are urged to wear black to support the Ticats as they face the Montreal Alouettes. Amos recognizes the importance of performing well to keep the fans engaged and rallying behind the home team throughout the game.
Amos emphasized to reporters the significance of players executing their best game, stating that while the fans’ support is valuable, it ultimately depends on the team’s performance on the field. He acknowledged the boost that the home crowd provides but also highlighted the accountability that comes with playing in front of them.
Hamilton, with an 11-7 record, secured the top spot in the East, granting them home-field advantage for the conference final for the first time since 2019. The Ticats, who last clinched the Grey Cup in 1999, hold the longest championship drought in the CFL.
On the other side, Montreal (10-8) is making their fourth consecutive appearance in the division final and aiming to secure their second Grey Cup berth in three years, having claimed the CFL title in 2023.
Amos, a three-time Grey Cup winner with prior stints at Calgary Stampeders and Toronto Argonauts, expressed that the atmosphere in Hamilton this season has been exceptional. He highlighted the intense energy during the regular season and anticipated an even more electrifying atmosphere for the upcoming game.
Despite Hamilton sweeping the series against Montreal this season, the Alouettes are early 2.5-point favorites for Saturday’s matchup, largely due to the impressive performance of quarterback Davis Alexander. Alexander, who boasts a perfect record of 11 regular-season wins to start his career, led Montreal to victory against Winnipeg in his CFL playoff debut.
Reggie Stubblefield, a key player for the Ticats and part of Montreal’s 2023 Grey Cup win, emphasized the team’s focus on the present game rather than external factors like betting lines. Stubblefield highlighted the importance of staying focused on each play and handling their business on the field.
Stubblefield also shared his personal motivation, dedicating his efforts to winning for the late GM Ted Goveia and the Hamilton organization. Receiver Tim White echoed the team’s understanding of the high stakes and pressure they face, viewing it as a privilege and a significant opportunity to capitalize on.
Both players emphasized the team’s readiness to seize the moment and deliver a strong performance in pursuit of victory in the crucial East Division final.
