Neck guard sales jump after Sask. hockey player slashed by skate
22h ago
More adult players are now investing in the protective equipment.
Facing a lengthy list of possible free agents, the Saskatchewan Roughriders have announced their first extension of the CFL off-season.
Defensive back and returner Loucheiz Purifoy has signed an extension that will keep him in green and white for the next two seasons.
Purifoy recorded 40 defensive tackles, three interceptions, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery during the 2019 regular season. He also led the CFL in kickoff return yards, racking up 1,201 yards and a touchdown on 49 opportunities.
Through his first five CFL seasons, the Florida-born defender has registered 188 defensive tackles, 18 special-teams tackles, 11 interceptions, seven sacks, six forced fumbles and a touchdown in 71 regular-season games.
He joined the Roughriders in August 2018, appearing in 10 games and the West Division semifinal that season with Saskatchewan.
Prior to joining the Roughriders, Purifoy spent two seasons with the B.C. Lions before playing seven games with the Ottawa Redblacks in 2018.
Purifoy was eligible to become a free agent on Feb. 11.
Five Roughriders named CFL all-stars
The CFL has revealed its all-star team from the 2019 season and it includes five members of the Green and White.
Quarterback Cody Fajardo, wide receiver Shaq Evans, centre Dan Clark, defensive end Charleston Hughes and linebacker Derrick Moncrief were named all-stars.
Fajardo, who took over the starting job after then-Saskatchewan quarterback Zach Collaros suffered a concussion during the first game of the season, led the Roughriders to a 13-5 record and first place in the West Division.
Evans enjoyed a great sophomore year in the CFL, emerging as one of the top receivers in the league with 1,334 yards and five touchdowns.
Clark was a pillar of stability for the Roughriders’ offensive line that, despite numerous injuries, helped the team lead the league in rushing touchdowns.
Hughes caused nightmares for opposing quarterbacks, recording a CFL-high 16 sacks. It was Hughes’ fourth straight season leading the league in that category.
Moncrief had a career year in 2019, recording 69 defensive tackles, four special-teams tackles, three interceptions, four sacks and one forced fumble.