‘Pretty surreal’: Riders’ kicker Hodge recalls CFL debut against Winnipeg

Dawson Hodge finally got a chance to live out a dream and kick in a regular-season CFL game.

The 24-year-old had kicked in preseason games before, but made his first start in a game that means something in the standings against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Saturday. The Saskatchewan Roughriders kicker made both of his field goal attempts in the 19-6 loss.

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“It was pretty surreal. Going out, especially in the Banjo Bowl, for my first career start was pretty cool. It was loud, and they were bringing the energy. It was awesome,” Hodge said.

“Going to CFL games as a kid and then going to play in one, and it being the Banjo Bowl with a sold-out crowd, it was awesome.”

Hodge played five collegiate seasons at Wilfrid Laurier, suiting up for 51 games with the Golden Hawks and scoring 419 points over his career.

He attended training camp with the Riders and Toronto Argonauts in 2025, appearing in a preseason game with Saskatchewan where he hit his only field goal attempt. In 2026, he was at camp with the Calgary Stampeders.

He said when he went out on the field to kick his first field goal in the game against Winnipeg, he tried not to let the moment feel too big.

“Just taking it one kick at a time,” Hodge said.

“It was a pretty good start. I definitely enjoyed it, and all the support from the guys was amazing, and I couldn’t ask for a better start.”

Riders head coach Corey Mace wouldn’t confirm if Hodge will be given the start again on Friday against the B.C. Lions.

“We’re in the same position that we have been in,” Mace said. “He had two opportunities, and he made the best of them.”

If Hodge does get a chance to play this week, it will be a bit of a homecoming for the Coquitlam, B.C. kicker.

“My family has season tickets, and I grew up going to Lions’ games since I was young. Even in high school for playoffs, we would play at B.C. Place. It’s not my first time playing at B.C. Place, so it’s kind of a full-circle moment there, which is pretty cool,” Hodge said.

The Roughriders will be without running back Quali Conley (wrist), linebacker Seyi Oladipo (ankle), wide receiver Daniel Wiebe (head) and linebacker Josh Woods (ankle), as all of them have been ruled out for Friday’s game.

Saskatchewan will get back a few key parts of their offence, however, as running back A.J. Ouellette (knee) and slotback Kian Schaffer-Baker (knee) are both listed as available for the contest. Wide receiver Shemar Bridges, who left the Banjo Bowl with a head injury, is also available for the Riders.

Kickoff for the game is set for 8:30 p.m. The Green Zone pregame show begins at 6:30 p.m.