Lions and Stampeders collide in search of first win

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, June 25, 2026

The B.C. Lions and Calgary Stampeders, both winless after two games, will face off Saturday in Kelowna as they each look for their first victory of the 2026 CFL season. With key injuries impacting B.C.'s offense and Calgary's top rusher Dedrick Mills posing a threat, the game has major implications for breaking early-season losing streaks for both teams.

The B.C. Lions and Calgary Stampeders, both winless through their first two games, will meet Saturday night in Kelowna, B.C., as they seek their first victories of the 2026 Canadian Football League season. The matchup is taking place at Apple Bowl Stadium due to scheduling conflicts with World Cup matches at BC Place.

B.C. enters the game with key injuries, particularly on offense. Receivers Stanley Berryhill, Jevon Cottoy, and Seven McGee remain on the six-game injured list, while veteran Keon Hatcher Sr. is listed as questionable after missing last week’s game in Hamilton with a thigh issue. Additionally, offensive linemen Isiah Cage, Josh Coker, and Joshua Donovan, along with veteran defensive back Garry Peters, are sidelined. Despite these setbacks, the Lions’ offense still features quarterback Nathan Rourke, last season’s CFL Outstanding Player and Canadian Player of the Year, running back James Butler, who compiled a career-best 1,213 rushing yards in 2025, and Canadian receiver Justin McInnis.

B.C.’s offense has shown potential but struggled to capitalize fully on scoring opportunities, managing three field goals on their first three drives last week against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in a 41-27 loss. Rookie receiver Nick Cenacle provided a bright spot with nine receptions for 120 yards and two touchdowns in that game. Overall, the Lions rank eighth in the league in scoring offense, averaging 27 points per game and five touchdowns, while generating 431 net yards per contest.

Defensively, B.C. ranks eighth in points allowed (36 per game) and touchdowns surrendered (nine). The Lions have been effective against the run, allowing just 70 yards per game, third-best in the league—a promising sign against a Calgary offense that features Dedrick Mills, last year’s top CFL rusher, who has averaged 150 rushing yards per game so far. However, the Lions’ pass defense has been vulnerable, allowing opposing quarterbacks to complete 83.3 percent of their passes, the highest in the league, and surrendering 351 passing yards per game.

Calgary quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. has completed 64.9 percent of his passes for 493 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions through two games, but he has also been sacked five times, tied for the league lead with Rourke. Adams is 1-3 in games against B.C. and 0-2 in direct matchups against Rourke. Canadian receiver Jalen Philpot leads the Stampeders with eight catches for 149 yards.

On the injury front for Calgary, a notable development is the return of defensive lineman Folarin Orimolade to full practice participation after recovering from a torn Achilles tendon sustained last September.

Both teams face pressure to avoid starting the season 0-3. Calgary has not begun a campaign with three consecutive losses since 2002, while B.C. last endured such a start in 2019. The outcome of Saturday’s game carries significant implications for both clubs as they try to gain traction early in the season.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.