Seven Carleton Ravens will clash head-to-head as the 2022 CFL season kicks off this Thursday. Spread across three teams in the CFL's East division, the seven former Ravens will be joined by two 2022 CFL Draft picks assigned to their team's practice rosters, bringing the total number of Ravens in the league to nine.
Hamilton Tiger-Cats Tunde Adeleke (2013-16) and Michael Domagala (2013-2018) lead the Ravens contingent. Fresh off a Grey Cup finals appearance in 2022, Adeleke is considered one of the top Canadian safety in the CFL. A flexible defender, Adeleke has transitioned from a defensive back into one of the league's premier safeties. A back-to-back East Division All-Star, Adeleke was also named the Tiger-Cats top Canadian in their run to the league finals. Domagala on the other hand looks to complete his first full season with the Tabbies. After winning the starting job in week four, Domagala showed off his powerful leg going 13-for-16 including a perfect 6-for-6 in the playoffs, which included three field goals in the Grey Cup game.
In Toronto, it's more Ravens on the defensive side of the ball as Jack Cassar (2016-19) and Trevor Hoyte (2017-19) will patrol the middle of the field for the Argos. Hoyte led the two Ravens rookies in 2021 recording 20 defensive tackles and 6 special teams tackles while Cassar added 2 defensive tackles and 9 on special teams. As the Argos look to get past their 2021 East Finals loss, look for Hoyte and Cassar to make an impact in the middle of the field.
Closer to home a conspiracy of Ravens continues to dawn familiar colours as they suit up for the Ottawa REDBLACKS. Led by veteran Nate Behar (2013-16) a core of Ravens will play a key role on both sides of the ball. Behar is coming off a career year, having recorded 38 receptions for 439 yards. With a new quarterback in town, Behar and the REDBLACKS hope to see that number climb even higher. Behar is again joined by defensive back Justin Howell (2014-17) and defensive lineman Kene Onyeka (2014-18). In his third year with Ottawa Howell played big minutes in 2021, recording career-highs with 25 defensive tackles and 9 special teams stops. Meanwhile, in only his second season in the league, Onyeka broke out in a big way in 2021 recording a combined 22 tackles and his first two career sacks.
The trio of Ravens are joined in Ottawa by 2022 draft pick Keaton Bruggleling (2019-21) who will begin the season on the Ottawa practice squad. The third-round pick had four catches on four targets in the preseason.
In Winnipeg, seventh-round draft pick Cedrick Lavigne will also begin the season on the practice squad. Lavigne appeared in both Blue Bombers preseason games recording 6 defensive tackles, 2 special teams stops and a sack.
