THE CANADIAN PRESS
WINNIPEG — What happens when you put on a blue and gold uniform after eight years in green? Weston Dressler is about to find out.
Dressler signed with the Bombers on Tuesday after nearly a week of speculation.
“I’m looking forward to getting to experience the other side,” chuckled the receiver from his home in Regina Tuesday afternoon.
After weeks of speculation, the news was made official only hours earlier, and passionate CFL fans didn’t hesitate to express their feelings; celebration in Winnipeg, dismay in Regina.
When a former fan base mourns a player’s loss, and the new fans embrace him with open arms, it doesn’t go unnoticed. So how does it feel to join ‘the dark side’, as a Saskatchewan fan put it?
“It feels really good,” said Dressler over the phone. “I’m just really excited about the opportunity to be there and to work with the guys in that organization right now. I think they’re doing a good job and have been improving this team every year for the past couple years here.”
The 30 year-old receiver is already familiar with a few of his new teammates including quarterback Drew Willy, linebacker Sam Hurl and Offensive lineman Pat Neufeld. But it’s his long-standing bond with Offensive Coordinator Paul LaPolice that first sparked the North Dakotan’s interest in crossing over to the Manitoba capital.
Watch: Dressler introduced as a member of the Bombers
“A lot of the interest started with my relationship with Coach LaPo,” said Dressler, a two-time CFL All-Star. “Him being the offensive coordinator and having worked with him in the past, I’m very comfortable with his system and what he brings to the table.
“I understand how his offence works and the spots where I would be best utilized in my opinion, and that’s really the same opinion that he has to develop me as a player.”
Dressler received calls from both LaPolice and Willy in the past few weeks, which contributed to his ultimate decision.
“They expressed how much they wanted me to be there and be a part of what they’re trying to do,” explained Dressler. “It meant a lot to me to hear from those guys throughout the whole process.
OFFICIAL:
Bombers sign Dressler to two-year deal
“They were genuinely interested in having me be a part of that team.”
Returning to Regina for the Labour Day Classic and facing off against his former team for the Banjo Bowl are already near the top of his list heading into the upcoming season. But like all of his new teammates in Winnipeg, Dressler has a single goal in mind.
“Winning,” he answered without hesitation. “That’s the name of the game. I’m looking forward to putting the work in and trying to do everything I can to help this team win football games and achieve that ultimate goal of winning the Grey Cup.”
And to fans in Winnipeg, he has only one message: “Get ready, we’re going to have some good years ahead of us and we’re going to win some games, that’s for sure.”
