Rob Vanstone
Verified
Helen's son is the Roughriders’ Senior Journalist and Historian — and the author of a new book. Brave Face, from Triumph Books, about maskless goalies.
Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Rob Vanstone
ROB VANSTONE: Tables turn as Roughriders benefit from game’s key penalty
The Saskatchewan Roughriders’ first practice of this past week was delayed by an extended team meeting that pertained to penalties, penalties and, for a change of pace, penalties. The messaging was emphatic from Head Coach Corey Mace, who was rankled by costly infractions that were assessed to his team in a 30-16 loss to the host B.C. Lions on Aug. 23. Six days later, penalties were again a huge part of the plot.
Riders win nailbiter before sellout crowd
Before a sellout crowd of 33,350 at Mosaic Stadium, the Saskatchewan Roughriders regained their winning touch by defeating the Toronto Argonauts 28-24 on Saturday. Tommy Stevens’ two-yard TD run with 2:57 left in the fourth quarter put Saskatchewan (7-4) ahead to stay. Toronto dropped to 5-6. The Roughriders snapped a two-game losing spell while assuming sole possession of second place in the CFL’s West Division. Trevor Harris threw for 316 yards and two scores.
ROBSERVATIONS: Lauding a legend … hail the home-grown receivers! … where were you in ’92? … Harris zings Riders’ OC!
One day, as an esteemed member of the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ alumni, Trevor Harris will be enshrined in the Canadian Football Hall of Fame. The Plaza of Honour is also a given for the fifth Grey Cup-winning starting quarterback in franchise history. The inevitable inductions will be well-deserved. But let’s put them off as long as possible, shall we? How about, say, a decade from now?
Having fun is priority No. 1 as Riders prepare for Argos
Aside from a winning performance, what does Corey Mace want to see from the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Saturday? “The main thing is the guys getting back to enjoying themselves and what they do,” the CFL’s 2025 Coach of the Year said leading up to the Roughriders’ looming home game against the Toronto Argonauts. “I spoke to them about celebrating each other’s success on the field and (it also applies) to the guys on the sideline, too.
ROB VANSTONE: Nobody celebrates a losing streak, but …
It would be preposterous to welcome a losing streak — albeit a skein that currently sits at a modest two games. But here is one thought to ponder: Four times in franchise history, the Saskatchewan Roughriders have made it through an entire regular season without suffering back-to-back losses. Those four formidable teams — fielded in 1969, 1970, 1975 and 1976 — combined to win zero Grey Cups. So maybe, just maybe, there is something to be said for a little adversity. Not a lot of it, please.
“Labour Day before Labour Day” — loud crowd projected for Saturday’s game
The Saskatchewan Roughriders’ players plan to sell out for the fans — ideally in front of a sellout crowd. Tickets are moving briskly for Saturday’s CFL game against the Toronto Argonauts. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m., at Mosaic Stadium. “I think people like evening games … Saturday night … end of the summer,” said third-year Roughriders defensive lineman Benoit Marion, who played his first 31 CFL regular-season games with Toronto.
3 Points Of The Game
#1: GET BACK ON TRACK Having endured back-to-back losses, the Roughriders aim to regain their winning ways on Saturday against the Toronto Argonauts (5 p.m., Mosaic Stadium). The offence looks for a return to form after being limited to one touchdown in each of the past two games. The Roughriders (6-4) remain in a strong position — second place in the West Division — but sights are set considerably higher by the defending Grey Cup champions.
Bridges already knows the path to the end zone in his new home
Shemar Bridges’ first CFL touchdown was witnessed by Trevor Harris and several of the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ quarterback’s friends and family members. But they weren’t ecstatic over the ice-breaking major, given the differing allegiances that applied at the time. Bridges hauled in a Bo Levi Mitchell aerial for a 16-yard major when the Roughriders visited the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on June 16, 2024.
Aaron Patrick excited to rejoin Roughriders for second-half surge
When Aaron Patrick last played in a professional football game, green and white confetti flew after all 60 minutes had elapsed. Patrick, whose first CFL season ended with the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ 2025 Grey Cup win, rejoined the team for Wednesday’s practice. He had been on the retired list since May 10. “I finished doing some things that I needed to handle in the off-season,” the 6-foot-5, 250-pound defensive lineman and special teams standout said.
One catch is all it took: Daniel Johnson sets Riders record
Daniel Johnson is the newest owner of a Saskatchewan Roughriders record — longest reception by an offensive lineman. Lining up as an eligible receiver, the Roughriders’ No. 65 collaborated with quarterback Trevor Harris for a 17-yard gain against the host B.C. Lions on Sunday. The previous mark was set against the visitors from Edmonton on Oct. 23, 2010, when Darian Durant found hulking Marc Parenteau for 13 yards and a first down.
ROB VANSTONE: Frustrating loss fuels Roughriders’ resolve
Not all recollections of the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ 2025 championship season are ones to preserve in watercolour. We take you back to Sept. 27, when the host Edmonton Elks defeated the Roughriders 27-25. It was the second successive setback for Saskatchewan — one that could not be sugarcoated. “It sucks,” quarterback Trevor Harris said from Commonwealth Stadium nearly 11 months ago.
Roughriders’ mistakes costly as Lions win fourth in a row
Missed opportunities, with a proclivity for penalties influencing the equation, were the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ nemesis in Sunday’s 30-16 CFL loss to the host B.C. Lions. The Roughriders suffered their second consecutive defeat and emerged with a 6-4 record. B.C. (5-5) won its fourth consecutive game. Saskatchewan had an assortment of opportunities, only to commit three turnovers — all inside B.C. territory — and endure some deflating moments.
Samuel Emilus ready to return after unique road trip
In-season road trips are part of the routine for Saskatchewan Roughriders receiver Samuel Emilus. But there was a departure from the norm last weekend, when Emilus and running back A.J. Ouellette were the special guests at a watch party in the town of Wakaw. Making the best of their time on the six-game injured list, Emilus and Ouellette interacted with fans during a Riders on the Road event while the Green and White opposed the host Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
ROBSERVATIONS: Fast pace at BC Place … head coach’s homecoming … mid-season musings … legendary doctor has Riders ties
To air is human — especially at BC Place. Some of the most riveting displays of aerial football in Saskatchewan Roughriders history have taken place when the team has enjoyed climatically controlled conditions in Vancouver, where the B.C. Lions are to face the Green and White on Sunday. Some highlights … Sept. 19, 1988: Ray Elgaard caught nine passes for 176 yards and three touchdowns as the Roughriders won 36-32.
Roughriders’ special teams live up to the label
During a time of transition, one thing has not changed. The Saskatchewan Roughriders’ special teams units, assessed as a whole, continue to be among the CFL’s very best. “I’m very pleased with the effort — the buy-in from our team,” Special Teams Co-ordinator Kent Maugeri said after Friday’s practice at Mosaic Stadium. “Our culture is strong and I think you see that by how hard we play in each phase.” The special teams have evolved to the point where a check mark can be applied to every facet.
Jermarcus Hardrick’s road to the CFL began in B.C.
When Jermarcus Hardrick was selling high-end automobiles for a living, he never suspected that the wheels were in motion for the resumption of his athletic career. “I thought I was done with football,” Hardrick, who has long been one of the CFL’s premier offensive linemen, reflected after practising with the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Thursday. “It was over. I wasn’t even working out or anything.
Milestone major for Johnny Johnson III
Johnny Johnson III celebrated a first. The 27-year-old Saskatchewan Roughriders receiver reached the end zone for the first time in his nascent CFL career when he caught a 21-yard touchdown pass on Saturday against the host Hamilton Tiger-Cats. “It felt great to put some points on the board and see the work pay off,” Johnson said after Thursday’s practice at Mosaic Stadium.
Woods lauds Mace … now it’s on to BC Place
One call said it all. A telephone conversation with Head Coach Corey Mace quickly sold Josh Woods on the benefits of joining the Saskatchewan Roughriders. It has been a mutually beneficial alliance. At the midpoint of the 2026 CFL regular season, Woods leads the league in interception return yards (126) and is tied for 11th in defensive tackles (42).
Roughriders are on pace to match last season’s record
At 6-3, the Saskatchewan Roughriders are on pace to match last season’s record of 12-6. The 2025 season proved to be historic, as the Roughriders won a Grey Cup championship for the fifth time since the franchise’s inception. Even though there is much more football to be played in 2026, does a 6-3 slate signal that the Roughriders are on the right trajectory? “No, it doesn’t,” Head Coach Corey Mace stated after Wednesday’s practice at Mosaic Stadium.
Danny Banda enters Regina Sports Hall of Fame
Danny Banda, a member of the Saskatchewan Roughriders from 1958 to 1962, is part of the Regina Sports Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026. The Regina-born Banda was a defensive back, linebacker and return specialist with the Green and White. Now 88, Banda enters the Regina sports shrine as a multi-sport athlete. He was also accomplished in hockey and baseball. The 5-foot-9, 155-pounder excelled on special teams at a time when the CFL prohibited blocking on punt returns.
Frost makes it 396: A history of the Roughriders’ opposing quarterbacks
Frost in mid-August? Yes, it is true … but there isn’t any need to cover the plants just yet. On Saturday, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats’ Harrison Frost became the 396th quarterback to throw at least one pass against the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the post-Second World War era. Of those 396 signal callers, 126 — including the ingeniously nicknamed “Frosty the Throwman” — has made one appearance versus Saskatchewan.
The wait was worth it for Ryder the Roughrider
Ryder Varga kicked off the Saskatchewan Roughriders portion of his CFL career in fine style. The first time he stepped on the field for a Roughriders kickoff return, he made a key block that helped Johnny Johnson III race 87 yards to set up a touchdown. That was on Aug. 1 in Edmonton, where the Roughriders defeated the Elks 28-26 in Varga’s introductory game with his hometown team. “It helps the confidence, for sure,” he said of making an impact early in the proceedings.
Saskatchewan sits in second after 26-19 loss in Hamilton
The Saskatchewan Roughriders are 6-3 at the midpoint of the CFL’s 2026 regular season after Saturday’s 26-19 loss to the host Hamilton Tiger-Cats. The result bumped Saskatchewan to second in the West Division, behind the Edmonton Elks. Edmonton improved to 7-3 by defeating the visiting Toronto Argonauts earlier on Saturday. Hamilton (4-6) snapped a three-game losing streak. The Tiger-Cats opened the scoring when Harrison Frost hit Myron Mitchell for a 27-yard touchdown at 4:28 of the first quarter.
ROBSERVATIONS: Resilient Roughriders’ remarkable receiver rotation … 50 years since 40-0! … Benson brings screen cred … surnames spotlighted
The defending CFL champions are poised to field an entire receiving corps that did not play for the Saskatchewan Roughriders in their 25-17 Grey Cup victory over the Montreal Alouettes on Nov. 16 in Winnipeg. Today in Hamilton, the Roughriders’ array of pass-catchers will consist of five starters (KeeSean Johnson, Dhel Duncan-Busby, Johnny Johnson III, Dylan Djete and D’Sean Mimbs) and two reserves (Daniel Wiebe and Vyshonne Janusas).
Roughriders ready for hostility in Hamilton
Devotees of the home team at Hamilton Stadium have been known to make comments that are, well, catty. That is part of the picture for a visiting team when it opposes the Hamilton Tiger-Cats — as will the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Saturday. “It takes me back to early in my career,” said Roughriders quarterback Trevor Harris, who was a member of the 2015 Toronto Argonauts when he journeyed to Hamilton for his fifth CFL start. “The place was really rockin’.
Good things come to pass with Marquay McDaniel as Receivers Coach
A three-time 1,000-yard receiver is a key contributor to the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ success through the air. And he has not played a down for the Green and White. Former CFL pass-catcher Marquay McDaniel, the Roughriders’ Receivers Coach, has done a tremendous job of helping the team weather a series of injuries at that position.
Johnny Johnson III is keen on wearing green
As one who proudly wore Oregon Green, Johnny Johnson III is a natural when it comes to playing for the Saskatchewan Roughriders. The former University of Oregon Ducks standout has quickly embraced a different shade of green. He is coming off a five-catch, 117-yard performance in last Friday’s 42-20 CFL victory over the visiting Ottawa REDBLACKS. “I’ve been in a lot of greens, but this is one of my favourites,” Johnson III said after Thursday’s practice at Mosaic Stadium.
Andersen did his part in first CFL start
Erik Andersen, No. 61 for the Saskatchewan Roughriders, went from 6 to 1 in a hurry. The initial blueprint called for him to be the Roughriders’ sixth offensive lineman on Friday against the visiting Ottawa REDBLACKS. However, he ascended to the No. 1 unit after illness sidelined Daniel Johnson, who was to play left guard in last week’s game. Andersen filled that spot admirably, helping the Roughriders win 42-20. “He did a really good job,” Head Coach Corey Mace said on Wednesday.
Bertrand-Hudon routinely reels off runs against REDBLACKS
“Thomas the Train” stayed on track against the Ottawa REDBLACKS. Thomas Bertrand-Hudon rushed for 63 yards — the second-highest output of his 3 1/2-year CFL career — on nine carries to help the Saskatchewan Roughriders defeat Ottawa 42-20 at Mosaic Stadium on Friday. In fact, his three highest single-game yardage totals have all been against the REDBLACKS. He rushed nine times for 72 yards — including a 26-yard touchdown — when the Roughriders defeated Ottawa 29-16 at Mosaic Stadium on Sept.
Saskatchewan’s Stevens set for Saturday showdown in Steeltown
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats’ next game theme is a perfect match for Tommy Stevens. WrestleFest is slated for Hamilton Stadium on Saturday — in conjunction with a CFL matchup between the Tiger-Cats and Saskatchewan Roughriders. Stevens has borrowed from the persona of wrestling legend Stone Cold Steve Austin, adding a flourish to a remarkable run of prosperity.
Johnson’s skills are apparent during another standout season
Six-year-old Jersie Johnson proudly wore a jersey with her surname on the back. Her younger sister, Harlem, was also decked out in Saskatchewan Roughriders garb, with one change that was made for practical reasons. In the case of two-year-old Harlem, there wasn’t room for seven letters on the back of her tiny jersey, so her green top included DADDY instead of JOHNSON on Friday night at Mosaic Stadium.
Roughriders rookies quench thirst for firsts
It was a night of firsts for Saskatchewan Roughriders rookies Dylan Djete and Liam Hoskins. Djete registered his first four CFL receptions — and his first touchdown in professional football — to help the Roughriders defeat the Ottawa REDBLACKS 42-20 at Mosaic Stadium on Friday evening. Late in the proceedings, Hoskins notched his first career sack. In so doing, he forced a fumble that was recovered by fellow Roughriders defensive lineman Benoit Marion.
Thunder’s Boersch beams as a member of two teams
Peter Boersch, the Prairie Football Conference’s leading ground-gainer in 2025, demonstrated a different kind of rushing prowess on Friday evening. Boersch practised with the Regina Thunder before hurrying over to Mosaic Stadium to watch his other team — the Saskatchewan Roughriders — put the finishing touches on a 42-20 CFL victory over the Ottawa REDBLACKS. It was a hectic night but Boersch, a junior-eligible member of the Roughriders’ practice roster, would not have it any other way.
ROBSERVATIONS: Classy passer hits major milestone … Tommy’s on a TD tear … KeeSean’s on a record pace
Trevor Harris has celebrated a 40th birthday and 40 grand in the same year. Most recently, he reached a CFL career milestone of 40,000 passing yards while helping the Saskatchewan Roughriders defeat the Ottawa REDBLACKS 42-20 on Friday at Mosaic Stadium. Head Coach Corey Mace recognized a landmark performance by presenting one of the game balls to Harris — just the 12th player in Canadian professional football history to pass for 40,000 yards.
Roughriders rout REDBLACKS to improve to 6-2
It took the Saskatchewan Roughriders nearly a half to register a touchdown on Friday. But when they did, the scores kept coming as the Roughriders downed the winless Ottawa REDBLACKS 42-20 before 29,798 spectators at Mosaic Stadium on Friday. The win moved Saskatchewan into a first-place tie with the Edmonton Elks, also 6-2, in the CFL’s West Division. Edmonton visits the Montreal Alouettes (7-1) on Saturday.
Roughriders hope injury inundation is a good form of deja vu
Rob Bresciani will watch Friday night’s CFL game from the comfort of Mosaic Stadium’s Alumni Lounge. At some point in the proceedings, he could very well be reminded of Oct. 8, 1989 — when he helped the Saskatchewan Roughriders overcome injuries to two premier Canadian receivers. Despite the absences of legendary pass-catchers Ray Elgaard and Jeff Fairholm, the Roughriders defeated the Calgary Stampeders 39-26 at McMahon Stadium. The victorious quarterback, Kent Austin, threw for 492 yards.
Different description for Dylan’s debut on Friday
Dylan Djete keeps stacking milestones. Djete, the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ second-round selection in the 2026 CFL Canadian Draft, made his professional football debut on Saturday in a 28-26 victory over the host Edmonton Elks. Now he is poised to make his first start — on Friday against the Ottawa REDBLACKS (7 p.m., Mosaic Stadium). Tickets are AVAILABLE HERE. “I feel like this is really going to be the milestone,” Djete said on Thursday.
Roberson savours another strong start with Saskatchewan
Derick Roberson’s introduction to the pro football sack column was a Brees. Roberson’s first two NFL sacks, on behalf of the Tennessee Titans, toppled legendary New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees on Dec. 22, 2019. The 30-year-old defensive end also has enjoyed a strong start in the CFL. In his Canadian football debut on Saturday, he registered one of the Roughriders’ three sacks in their 28-26 victory over the host Edmonton Elks.
Winter workouts pay off for Roughriders’ D’Sean Mimbs
Becoming a Grey Cup winner fuelled D’Sean Mimbs throughout the winter. The celebration of the fifth CFL championship in Saskatchewan Roughriders history had yet to abate when Mimbs, coming off his rookie season, resolved to elevate his off-season workouts and, ultimately, his game. “With winning the Grey Cup and everything after that, I want to feel that again,” he said after Wednesday’s practice at Mosaic Stadium.
What a rush! Saskatchewan’s Stevens is a Stone Cold sensation
The surname of Austin is most topical when marvelling at the feats and phenomenon of Tommy Stevens. The Saskatchewan Roughriders’ short-yardage specialist — a long-time connoisseur of the fine art of professional wrestling — enters the field of play during home games to the accompaniment of entrance music that has long been associated with WWE luminary Stone Cold Steve Austin. Then there is a Green and White legend, Kent Austin, who on Oct.
Bell chimes in after Roughriders’ impressive defensive effort
The Bell system has received a ringing endorsement. Complimentary comments from Head Coach Corey Mace extended to Defensive Co-ordinator Joshua Bell following the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ 28-26 CFL victory over the Edmonton Elks in Saturday’s West Division showdown at Commonwealth Stadium. Saskatchewan evened the score after losing 36-34 to Edmonton on July 23 at Mosaic Stadium — where the Elks’ Cody Fajardo passed for 510 yards and four touchdowns to open a home-and-home set.
Sweet 16: KeeSean Johnson joins Roughriders’ Octopus List
Welcome to the Octopus List, KeeSean Johnson! On Saturday, Johnson became the 16th member of the Saskatchewan Roughriders to register an Octopus — an eight-point scoring spree that consists of a touchdown and a two-point conversion by the same player. In collaboration with quarterback Trevor Harris, Johnson converted his own four-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter of the Roughriders’ 28-26 CFL victory over the host Edmonton Elks on Saturday.
New book honours Regina Rugby Club’s war heroes
Dale Richter’s pandemic project has been published. What began as a curiosity has turned into a new book — Glory, Duty & Sacrifice: The Regina Rugby Club and the Great War. “I wanted to tell stories of heroes from another era who answered the call and sacrificed a great deal,” the Regina-based Richter says. “It didn’t start out as a book.
ROB VANSTONE: Resourceful Roughriders rebound with gutsy win in Edmonton
Always a stickler for accuracy, Trevor Harris suggested a better term for a just-concluded home-and-home set between the Saskatchewan Roughriders and Edmonton Elks. “More like away-and-away,” Harris remarked to reporters at Commonwealth Stadium after quarterbacking Saskatchewan to a 28-26 CFL victory on Saturday night. Nine days earlier, the Elks had celebrated on enemy turf, winning 36-34 at Mosaic Stadium in this season’s first clash of the West Division’s top-ranked teams.
Stevens’ three scores help Riders turn tables on Elks
Led by three touchdowns from Tommy Stevens, the Saskatchewan Roughriders avenged a home-field loss to the Edmonton Elks by winning 28-26 on Saturday at Commonwealth Stadium. The defending Grey Cup champions shrugged off a spate of injuries and improved their record to 5-2. Edmonton leads the CFL’s West Division at 6-2. In the teams’ previous meeting, Edmonton won 36-34 at Mosaic Stadium on a last-play field goal. It was the Roughriders’ turn to win by two points on the road nine days later.
ROBSERVATIONS: Fair game! … Aug. 1 and QBs’ breakout games … Bell’s words ring true … Riders’ first 36-34 score
Talk about a memory stick! Seven years ago today, Cody Fajardo was shown holding a corn dog — the stick, actually — after quarterbacking the Saskatchewan Roughriders to a 24-19 CFL victory over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. The very same Cody Fajardo is preparing to call signals for the Edmonton Elks in today’s marquee matchup with the Roughriders at Commonwealth Stadium (5 p.m., TSN, CKRM).
Roughriders, Elks ready for “Round 2”
The Edmonton Elks are expecting a large crowd for a game of comparable magnitude. More than 30,000 spectators could occupy Commonwealth Stadium for Saturday’s CFL West Division showdown with the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Interest in the Elks has been buoyed by the team’s 6-1 start to the 2026 regular season. Saskatchewan, the defending Grey Cup champion, is second in the division at 4-2 after the Elks won a 36-34 classic at Mosaic Stadium on July 23.
Miller is a pillar on Roughriders’ special teams units
Aubrey Miller Jr. is on pace for a special achievement. With 11 special teams tackles one-third of the way into the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ season, he is on pace for a team-record 33 over a full 18 games. “It’s just another challenge,” the 27-year-old linebacker said after Thursday’s practice at Mosaic Stadium. “I’ve been beating challenges and records since I was a kid, so I’ll let my game play determine whether I get that (record). “It’s not a goal that I’m setting — just to go and make tackles.
Ryder on the Riders? It’s a natural!
After 100-plus years, the Riders finally have a namesake on the active roster. Ryder Varga is to make his debut with the hometown Saskatchewan Roughriders when they oppose the Edmonton Elks in a CFL West Division marquee matchup on Saturday at Commonwealth Stadium. Shortly after 5 p.m., Varga will formally become one of 2,173 game participants in the history of the Roughriders and the Regina Rugby Club — but the first player with a phonetic connection to the team’s nickname.
Gbenda has made an instant impact with the Roughriders
David Gbenda’s surname is routinely mispronounced. But there is no mistaking his impact when he suits up for the Saskatchewan Roughriders. “He flies around,” Head Coach Corey Mace said, “and he’s coming from the University of Texas, so you know he probably played a little bit of football.” A member of the University of Texas Longhorns from 2019 to 2024, Gbenda — pronounced “Benda” — attended training camp with the NFL’s Tennessee Titans last year before signing with Saskatchewan on March 31.
Show More
loading
Actions
Get in touch with Rob
Contact Rob, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack