I was ready to get on the field but I was behind some veterans at the time. It was a good experience. Greg [Hopkins] and Eddie [Brown]-I learned a lot from both those guys.

I think you'll see a lot more offense from us this year. We have so many veterans coming back. Our speed has increased. None of our four lines will be weak or easy to cover. Contributions can come from all four lines.

They're smart veterans but at 37, will have trouble containing the speed off the edge of [Saskatchewan's] pass rush.

Given the short period of time they have had to operate, GMs have preferred reliable veterans as opposed to unproven rookies.

It's a combination of young guys and some veterans. I spent a lot of time interviewing and talking to the staff here. I really felt they did a good job. I wanted to keep as many as I could.

We really don't have any time to waste. We're losing veterans at such a fast rate.