THE CANADIAN PRESS
HAMILTON — The Hamilton Tiger-Cats have locked up their longest-serving player, agreeing to a contract extension with veteran offensive lineman Peter Dyakowski through 2017.
A 31-year-old Vancouver native, Dyakowski was selected by the Ticats in the second round, 11th overall by the Ticats in 2006, since becoming a regular on their offensive line. The move should pay dividends both on and off the field.
“Peter is a team leader, our longest serving player, and a vital member of our organization both on and off the field,” said Vice President of Football Operations and Head Coach Kent Austin. “This move, along with the extensions of both Mike Filer and Ryan Bomben late last year, ensures stability and continuity amongst our Canadian starters on the offensive line.”
Dyakowski, who will enter his 10th season with the Tiger-Cats in 2016, has appeared in 132 career CFL regular season games, including 118 starts at guard or tackle. He has also seen action in seven playoff games, including two Grey Cup appearances in 2013 and 2014. The 6-5, 325-pound offensive lineman was an Eastern Division All-Star in 2012 and the Tiger-Cats Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman in 2011.
After suffering a torn patellar tendon in his left knee in the 2013 Grey Cup, Dyakowski missed the entire 2014 regular season schedule before returning for the playoffs. Subsequently, the 31-year-old went on to play in all 20 regular season and playoff games for the Tiger-Cats last season, and was the team’s 2015 nominee for the CFL’s Jake Gaudaur Veterans’ Award for strength, perseverance, courage, comradeship and contribution to Canadian communities.
Dyakowski was selected by the Tiger-Cats in the 2006 CFL Draft out of Louisiana State University. The Vancouver, B.C. native became the first Canadian-born player to sign a football scholarship at LSU. He would start 13 of 27 games for the Tigers at right tackle from 2003 to 2006, and was part of the school’s national championship team as a freshman.
