SASKATOON — Saskatchewan Roughriders rookie receiver Daniel Wiebe is poised to make his first appearance at Winnipeg’s Princess Auto Stadium since Aug. 31.
He would love to replicate his production of nearly nine months ago when the Roughriders face the host Winnipeg Blue Bombers in CFL pre-season action on Saturday (2 p.m., CKRM, CFL+).
Wiebe caught 11 passes for 202 yards and one touchdown — a 63-yarder — for the University of Saskatchewan Huskies in their 2024 season opener against the host Manitoba Bisons.
Fast forward to this weekend. Wiebe, the Roughriders’ eighth-round selection in the 2025 CFL Draft, is about to make his pre-season debut at the professional level.
That long-awaited opportunity is imminent after the 5-foot-9, 185-pound speedster has consistently impressed at Coors Light Training Camp.
“He is exactly who we thought he was,” Head Coach Corey Mace said after a training-camp workout at Griffiths Stadium on the U of S campus.
“The biggest knock on him is obviously his size, but his heart is unbelievable and his work ethic is danged near unmatched.
“He just takes advantage of the opportunities that are presented to him. He’s certainly got the respect from everybody in the building — players and coaches alike.
“I’m excited to see him probably live out a childhood dream and run out of the tunnel with a Riders helmet on.”
What will that be like?
“It’s going to be electric … exciting,” Wiebe said with a smile.
Wiebe savoured a welcome-to-the-CFL moment early in camp when he caught a pass from marquee quarterback Trevor Harris.
“It’s crazy being out here and super surreal,” Wiebe marvelled.
“It’s nice to start to adjust and start to feel a little more comfortable in that environment. It has been going well. I just want to keep working hard every day.”
Such a mindset was employed by another diminutive pass-catcher, Weston Dressler, over his eight stellar seasons in Green and White.
“He was a smaller guy who had great success in the league,” said Wiebe, who played high school football at Rosetown’s Central High School before moving back to Saskatoon (his birthplace) and joining the Holy Cross Crusaders.
“Actually, I did a camp in Grade 9 or 10 and (Dressler) was coaching, so I’ve had some coaching tips from him. It’s kind of crazy to have that coaching from him to begin with.
“Obviously, growing up a Riders fan and seeing him play on the Riders and have that success, it’s huge. It gives a lot of hope for smaller receivers like me.
“I’m just trying to do what I can with what I have and control what I can control. It’s nice to have those guys to look up to.”
Height-wise, Dressler actually has to look up to Wiebe, who referenced the 5-foot-7 Roughriders legend while being interviewed by the team’s brass at the CFL Combine in Regina.
“We asked him about his and how he overcomes being a little bit shorter and he actually talked about Weston Dressler,” Vice-President of Football Operations and General Manager Jeremy O’Day said after Wiebe was drafted 69th overall on April 29th.
“It’s a strong name for him to throw out there, but good on him for thinking it through.”
He has followed through with a strong training camp.
“I can’t control my height,” Wiebe said. “I can only control my effort.
“At the end of the day, I just go out there and do my best. That’s what I’ve been trying to do every single day. Whatever comes of that is meant to come.”
“HAPPY” TIMES FOR SAAD
Saturday’s contest will also be the first in a Roughriders game jersey for No. 96, Ali Saad, who was selected fourth overall in the 2025 CFL Draft.
“I’m really, really excited,” said the former Bowling Green defensive lineman, who is from Windsor, Ont.
“Honestly, I just can’t wait to get a phone call from my mom after that game, with her being happy, and hearing from my dad and my brothers and everyone.
“I’m looking forward to it, for sure. It’s a dream come true.”
SASKATOON HAS BEEN “A-1”
Friday’s walk-through at Griffiths Stadium concluded the on-field component of the Roughriders’ annual training camp visit to Saskatoon.
After Saturday’s game in Winnipeg, the final week of camp will be held at Mosaic Stadium.
“Number 1, the people (of Saskatoon) have been outstanding,” Mace said. “Everybody has been coming out and supporting us.
“There’s a gentleman here (Dwayne Bzdel) who walks almost nine kilometres a day to get here to watch practice and support the team. With things like that, I’m not shocked. Our fan base is excellent.
“Just a huge thank you to everybody who comes to watch us and supports us at the dorms and takes care of us at the mess hall. It has been incredible. Thanks as well to the U of S and their football staff for allowing us to use their facility.
“It has just been A-1.”
