A new look stadium, a new look defence and a new voice to describe the action are in store for the Eskimos and their fans this season. History will be made as the Esks and Stamps take to the new artificial surface. It marks the first time since the stadium opened in 1978 that natural grass won't be underfoot. Work on the new Eskimo dressing room at the south end is in the home stretch and the team will be in it's new digs by the end of June. The rest of the new North Central Community Recreation Centre which includes a field house swimming pool, offices and Eskimo Team Store will officially open in 2012. Eskimo GM and Dir. of Football Operations Danny Maciocia did some renovating of his own during the off-season, especially to the defence. The Esks' football brain trust will be watching closely the play of the D-line and re-tooled secondary. Ex-NFL'er Kenny Pettway has had a strong camp and is making a real push to crack the roster. On the back end, the Esks are bigger and tougher thanks to the acquisitions of CFL vets Chris Thompson, Lawrence Gordon and Lenny Walls and a healthy Willie Amos who missed all of 2009 with a leg injury. Edmonton's offence is largely unchanged, but there's a stiff fight brewing at left tackle where Jeremy Parquet is looking to unseat incumbent Calvin Armstrong. Fred Stamps, the CFL's top pass catcher in '09 and the newly returned Kelly Campbell have a lock on jobs, but tonight's tilt is critical for some of Edmonton's rookie receivers. Portland State product Tremayne Kirkland has shown deep threat speed in camp. Undrafted Canadian rookie running back Pascal Fils has caught the attention of both teammates and coaches. #3 QB Jared Zabransky should see some significant field time against the Stamps. The former Boise State star needs the chance to show he can lead the offence and push eleven year CFL vet Jason Maas for the backup spot to Ricky Ray. Rookie Floyd Haigler has drawn praise for his raw athleticism and arm strength may get some "mop up" duty tomorrow evening. In a season of change perhaps it's fitting that there's a new man in the radio booth to call the action of Eskimo games. Morley Scott is no stranger to Edmonton listeners after 16 years doing colour on Oilers games. Scott's joined in the booth by Dave Campbell. Edmonton Eskimo Training Camp 2010 opens Sunday, June 6th at Clarke Stadium. Edmonton hosts Calgary Sunday, June 13th in the first pre-season game. For more information on the Edmonton Eskimo Football Club please visit our website at www.esks.com. Follow the Eskimos on Facebook and Twitter. The Edmonton Eskimo Football Club is one of the most successful teams in CFL history with 13 Grey Cup championships and a North American pro-sports record of 34 consecutive years in the playoffs. A community-owned team, the Eskimos pride themselves on giving back to the community that has supported the organization throughout its illustrious history.
