In the first episode of Tiger-Cats Game Day of the season, hosts Louie Butko and Mike Daly breakdown the Ticats first preseason game of the 2025 season when they host the Toronto Argonauts at Hamilton Stadium. The pair take a look at training camp, how preseason games are vital for players on the bubble, building chemistry on both sides of the ball and more.

Key Takeaways

• Training camp is crucial for team bonding and performance.
• Starting the season strong is a key focus for the team.
• Veteran players are essential in guiding younger teammates.
• The team is motivated to improve from last year's performance.
• Preseason games are vital for players on the bubble.
• The coaching staff is focused on refining game strategies.
• Player dynamics are shifting as new members join the team.
• The excitement of hitting different colors in games is palpable.
• The team aims to translate their motivation into early season success. Every player has a different mindset going into training camp.
• Stacking good days is crucial for players on the bubble.
• Training camp is like a reality show for players.
• Building chemistry is essential for team success.
• The culture of a team can create a family atmosphere.
• Offensive chemistry is strong with returning players.
• Defensive chemistry needs to be developed with new players.
• Special teams players are vital for team dynamics.
• The offensive line is often overlooked but crucial for success.
• The secondary has the potential to be one of the best in the league.

Chapters:

00:00
Introduction and Team Updates

02:54
Training Camp Insights and Player Dynamics

05:59
Season Expectations and Team Motivation

09:12
Preseason Game Preparation and Roster Decisions

13:39
Mindset of Players in Training Camp

17:02
Building Team Chemistry in Training Camp

20:05
The Importance of Culture in Team Dynamics

21:44
Evaluating Team Chemistry: Offense vs. Defense

24:02
Special Teams: The Unsung Heroes

26:09
Offensive Line Dynamics and Challenges

30:57
Defensive Strategies and Player Roles

33:46
Secondary Strengths and Potential

40:10
Preseason Expectations and Rivalry Dynamics

Listen live at ticats.ca/listen

The Ticats Audio Network provides Hamilton Tiger-Cats fans with the most comprehensive, entertaining and informative news and information about their favourite football team. Featuring Steve Milton, Mike Daly, Bubba O’Neil, Courtney Stephen, Simoni Lawrence, Mike Morreale, Rob Hitchcock, Brian Simmons, Louie Butko, Ticats players, coaches and front office personnel, other Canadian Football League experts and many more. Regular shows include Ticats Today, Ticats This Week, Tiger-Cats Game Day, Tiger-Cats Pregame, Tiger-Cats At The Half, Tiger-Cats Postgame, Speaking With The Enemy, Morreale & Hitch, CFL This Week, and so much more. Ticats Audio Network content can be found on the Tiger-Cats YouTube channel, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, at listen.ticats.ca and anywhere else you find podcasts. Please follow, like, leave a review wherever you find our content, and follow the Hamilton Tiger-Cats social media channels to keep up to date with all Ticats Audio Network content.
Twitter: @Ticats
Insta: @hamiltontigercats
TikTok: @hamiltonticats
Facebook: cfltigercats
YouTube: ticatstvchannel

On this episode of Ticats Today, host Steve Milton sat down with hometown defensive lineman Kyle Samson to chat about his upbringing in Hamilton, his journey to the University of British Columbia, getting traded to the Tiger-Cats from the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and more.

Key takeaways:

• Returning home to play for hometown team
• His upbringing
• Adjustment to playing on the Hamilton defensive line
• His schooling
• Bringing a winning culture to the Hammer

Listen live at ticats.ca/listen

The Ticats Audio Network provides Hamilton Tiger-Cats fans with the most comprehensive, entertaining and informative news and information about their favourite football team. Featuring Steve Milton, Mike Daly, Bubba O’Neil, Courtney Stephen, Simoni Lawrence, Mike Morreale, Rob Hitchcock, Brian Simmons, Louie Butko, Ticats players, coaches and front office personnel, other Canadian Football League experts and many more. Regular shows include Ticats Today, Ticats This Week, Tiger-Cats Game Day, Tiger-Cats Pregame, Tiger-Cats At The Half, Tiger-Cats Postgame, Speaking With The Enemy, Morreale & Hitch, CFL This Week, and so much more. Ticats Audio Network content can be found on the Tiger-Cats YouTube channel, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, at listen.ticats.ca and anywhere else you find podcasts. Please follow, like, leave a review wherever you find our content, and follow the Hamilton Tiger-Cats social media channels to keep up to date with all Ticats Audio Network content.
Twitter: @Ticats
Insta: @hamiltontigercats
TikTok: @hamiltonticats
Facebook: cfltigercats
YouTube: ticatstvchannel

On the newest episode of Ticats Today, host Steve Milton met up with prized free agent acquisition Kenny Lawler in the bowels of Ron Joyce Stadium at McMaster to discuss his excitement for the first pre-season game on Saturday against Toronto, his relationship with Tim White, immersing himself and his family in Hamilton and more.

Key Takeaways:

• Lawler feeling at home in Hamilton
• His 'secret sauce' to receiving
• How he goes up against the league's defensive backs
• What to expect from Lawler and his teammates on Saturday against the Argos

Chapters:

0:44 - Excitement for first pre-season game

1:54 - Being at home in Hamilton

3:14 - How he's adding his own spin to the Ticats playbook

4:45 - Tiger-Cats backups looking strong

5:22 - Forming a relationship with Tim White

7:28 - Going against defensive backs

9:05 - How his family is adjusting in the community

10:59 - His son

12:53 - What to expect from Lawler on Saturday

The Ticats Audio Network provides Hamilton Tiger-Cats fans with the most comprehensive, entertaining and informative news and information about their favourite football team. Featuring Steve Milton, Mike Daly, Bubba O’Neil, Courtney Stephen, Simoni Lawrence, Mike Morreale, Rob Hitchcock, Brian Simmons, Louie Butko, Ticats players, coaches and front office personnel, other Canadian Football League experts and many more. Regular shows include Ticats Today, Ticats This Week, Tiger-Cats Game Day, Tiger-Cats Pregame, Tiger-Cats At The Half, Tiger-Cats Postgame, Speaking With The Enemy, Morreale & Hitch, CFL This Week, and so much more. Ticats Audio Network content can be found on the Tiger-Cats YouTube channel, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, at listen.ticats.ca and anywhere else you find podcasts. Please follow, like, leave a review wherever you find our content, and follow the Hamilton Tiger-Cats social media channels to keep up to date with all Ticats Audio Network content.
Twitter: @Ticats
Insta: @hamiltontigercats
TikTok: @hamiltonticats
Facebook: cfltigercats
YouTube: ticatstvchannel