#7 Receiver, Adam Cottrell

Adam was a major contributor to the success of the Panthers in their franchise year in 2008. His extensive CJFL and CIS experience, plus his natural leadership and dedication made him the perfect role model for our club last year. Parkland is excited to have him back for the 2009 season!

Adam started playing high school football in Sexsmith, Alberta. He was honoured by being named the MPFL’s outstanding receiver in 1999 and 2000. He then moved to Edmonton and played five years with the Edmonton Huskies, winning a National Championship with the team in 2004. He then played three seasons with the Golden Bears before joining the Panthers last year.

Adam is currently completing his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Alberta with a double major in Economics and Political Science.

As a receiver with the Panthers last year Adam caught 7 passes for 174yds; an impressive 24.8yd average with 3 TDs! Even more impressive was effectiveness running the ball 18 times for 148 yds averaging 8.2 yds a carry. Adam was also a leader on all purpose yards returning 6 punts for 49yds and 7 kick offs for 200yds! One stat you don’t see though was his ability to block, and he inspired the team every game with his timely hits and his effectiveness on each and every play. We’re glad you’re Back in Black Adam!

#82 Kicker Steve Wozimirsky

Steve Wozimirsky was one of the last key pieces of the puzzle the Panthers needed to fall into place last season to help the team become one of the most successful new franchises in the Alberta Football League’s 25 year history. To have a great kicker is rare enough; but to have such a hard working “chemistry” player is more than any team could hope for!

Big Woz played five years in the PJFL with the Edmonton Huskies including the National Championship team in 2004. He also played one season for the University of Alberta Golden Bears and one season with the St. Mary's Huskies in the C.I.S.

Steve earned his engineering degree at the U. of A. He also began working on his MBA at St. Mary’s University, and he currently works as an electrical engineer with EllisDon Construction.

In the seven league games last year, Woz was only called upon 13 times to punt thanks to a successful ball control Panther offense. He made the best of his opportunities with amazing 57.4 average which earned him a first team all star placement in the AFL as a punter. Those kinds of numbers give you instant field position; which is the name of the game in Canadian football. Steve was good on 7/16 field goal attempts; his longest from 42 yds.

We’re obviously excited to have Steve back in black this year; his leadership, and work ethic helps build character in the team and in the younger players. He knows what it takes to be a champion and to be a class act both on and off the field. Woz leaves the positive impression our Panther paw print represents.

As a footnote, big congratulations go out to Steve and Debbie for their recent marriage on January 31st from your Panther family! Best wishes for a long and happy life together!

#54 Centre Chris Fricker

Chris Fricker led the charge for the surprising Parkland Panthers Football Club in their inaugural AFL season in 2008 and was duly named as a first team all star for his efforts. The importance of a skilled and knowledgeable centre is paramount in the “battle of the trenches” as football enthusiasts know; it’s the work up front that ultimately determines the outcome. Behind Chris and the Panther O-line, our running backs enjoyed the best ground game in the league, averaging over 200 yards a game; and dominating time of possession in most of their league matchups.

Chris’s passion for football began in Parkland with the Zender Ford Cougars at the bantam level and then he made a big jump to the junior level with the Edmonton Huskies at the age of 16. From there he went to Winnipeg and played for the University of Manitoba Bisons where he honed his skills well enough to be scouted and picked up by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Chris remained on the practice roster in ’97 and ‘98 and although he made the club in the ’99 and 2000 seasons, he unfortunately found himself on the injured reserve list for most of his professional career.

In 2003, Chris began coaching, and he has been a big reason for the success of the bantam, midget and high school teams in Parkland that he has worked with over the past six years. Last month, Chris was named Head Coach of the powerhouse Parkland Senior Predator high school football team. While he and his wife Megan are excited about their son Rylie playing for him on the senior high school team this year, we’re just as happy to have Chris back playing with Panthers again this year. In his own words he has some “unfinished business” to take care of; which is good news for our Panther Football family!  

DT #67 Brad Chamberlain and #68 Dustin Apsassin

The inside work of the defensive line is crucial to the success of the defensive unit. Parkland’s Defensive Tackles #67 Brad Chamberlain and #68 Dustin Apsassin are the real deal up front, and together, they are one big headache for opposing offensive linemen!

Dustin started playing football in Grande Prairie at the bantam level, and in high school football, he first met Brad in a memorable game against the Whitecourt Hilltops. The following year they became teammates and best of friends when they both moved to Edmonton in order to play junior football with the Edmonton Huskies in 2003.  Brad and Dustin won back to back National Championships with the Huskies in 2004 and 2005, and played out their junior eligibility with the club in 2006 and 2007 before joining the Panthers in 2008.

Brad was named Outstanding Defensive Tackle in the PFC in 2006 and All Canadian in 2007. Brad was also named as a first team all-star in the AFL with the Panthers in 2008. But Brad will be the first to tell you that it’s Dustin who brings out the best in himself and his teammates.  The Panthers are obviously excited to have #67 and #68 back in their line-up for the 2009 season.  They’ve both been training hard in the off season, and they can’t wait to get ripping it up in the trenches and chasing down quarterbacks. 

#57 Guard Randy Labreque

Standing tall at 6'5 and 335 lbs, the Panthers are obviously very happy to have Randy back in their line-up for the 2009 season; staring down opposing defences in the AFL. Randy is a Saskatchewan product who began his football career in grade seven. In high school he played in 4 Can-Am Bowls and a Senior Bowl where his size and talent was noticed by the Syracuse Orangeman, where Randy enjoyed playing Div 1 football in the U.S. for four years. He was drafted by the Hamilton Tiger Cats in 2004 and released after the pre-season. Later that year Randy moved to Camrose, Alberta, and began coaching bantam football. He was happy to learn about the Alberta Football League and he joined the Wainwright Longhorns in 2006 and 2007 where he was named as a 1st Team All-Star in both seasons with the Horns. When the Longhorns disbanded in 2008, the Panthers welcomed Randy's experience and leadership just in time for our debut in the AFL. He immediately made a huge impact on the successes our Parkland team enjoyed last year; lining up alongside Chris Fricker, they were easily the best Center/Guard combo in the league. Randy was named as a 1st Team All-Star for a third consecutive year and helped power the most potent running game in league. However, Randy will be the first to tell you that best thing that happened to him when he moved to Alberta was meeting the love of his life Staci. They are now the proud parents of a big baby boy, Randall Alexander, whom the Panthers have already begun recruiting! 

#35 RB Josh Myshak/ #36 RB Jason Loosemore

The Panthers have lots of power in the backfield with Parkland products Josh and Jason. The dynamic duo previously became National Champions with the Edmonton Huskies; Josh in 2004 and Jason in 2004, 2005. Reunited with the Panthers in the AFL last year, Josh and Jason ripped it up along the ground amassing 1300 yds between them; Josh with 802 yds on 104 carries and Jason with 498 yds on 63 carries. Individually, Josh was named as Outstanding Rookie in the AFL and a First Team All-Star. However, the best thing about these two outstanding athletes is that they are both all about team, and winning as a team. Their attitude and commitment is exemplary and they’re both looking downfield to score another National Championship; this time with the Parkland Panthers!

RB Craig Carr, OL Tim Mottershead, and DB Chris Clouden are all welcome additions to the Panther family. The trio brings a wealth of experience and they know what it takes to be champions. Craig won a Grey Cup ring with the Montreal Alouettes in 2002, and Tim and Chris were AFL champions with the Edmonton Stallions in 2007. But the most impressive thing that these athletes bring to our game is their willingness to train and encourage the younger players and veterans alike. They are all in Parkland to make everyone else better; and to raise the bar for the team. Tim, a First Team All-Star in the AFL in 2007, 2008, will bolster an already impressive Panther O-line. Understandably, Craig relishes the opportunity to run and block behind his new O-line, but he also possesses great hands and great speed, which makes him a threat every time he gets his hands on the ball; on the ground, through the air, returning kicks; no matter, he’ll get it done! Meanwhile, Chris’s experience in the defensive backfield will add some quality leadership to a youthful and aggressive Panther secondary. But the best news is that these new Panthers are right at home with their new family; they seemed to fit right in with the Parkland boys from day one. It’s going to be a great ride with these three impact players in the fold!

The Parkland Panthers play host to the Grande Prairie Drillers in the season opener for both teams at West District Park in Spruce Grove, Saturday, June 6th. Come out and support your home town boys and enjoy some exciting AFL action! Kick-off is 7:00pm.

2008 AFL All-Stars

DB Derek Gervais, DB Danny Rice, REC Sean Brown and LB Brandon Lewis

These Parkland Boys are young and in charge on the gridiron! All four were named Second Team AFL All-Stars last year, and these returning Panthers can’t wait to attack the 2009 season! DB Derek Gervais racked up some impressive stats with 29 solo tackles, 11 assisted tackles, 3 INT and 6 KDs. (It should be noted that Derek also played for the Vancouver Island Raiders last year in the CJFL and went on to help his junior team capture the National Championship in the Canadian Bowl over the St. Leonard Cougars!) DB Danny Rice also impressed last year with 29 solo tackles, 16 assists, 1 INT and 3 KDs. Danny was a pleasant surprise last year becoming our best cover guy and one of our best open field tacklers. REC Sean Brown earned his All-Star status as a member of the Panther OLine last year. Training hard in the off season, Sean trimmed some 40 pounds in order to make the transition from OLine to Receiver this year. He surprised everyone in camp with his new look and his great hands! LB Brandon Lewis consistently makes great reads and he picked up 27 solo tackles, 21 assists, and 5 KDs last year. “Gator” is the consummate team player and he leads by example. He’s a class act on and off the field and his enthusiasm and intensity is infectious. We’re proud to have all you boys back in black with the Panthers this year!

Panthers welcome DB Tim Hordo, REC Luke Wachowicz and OL Devin Davis

Parkland is happy to add three former Edmonton Huskies to their roster this season. DB Tim Hordo gives us speed and experience in the defensive secondary. Tim played for the Winnipeg Rifles where he was named the team MVP in 2002, before moving to Edmonton to join the Huskies. There, he helped his new team win back to back National Championships in 2004, 2005! Meanwhile, REC Luke Wachowicz played for the Huskies in 2005,2006,2007; also experiencing a National Championship with the Huskies. Previously Luke had helped his high school team, Archbishop Jordan in Sherwood Park, earn back to back provincial championships in 2002 and 2003. OL Devin Davis was a top prospect coming out of high school in Parkland, and according to his coach at the time, Chris Fricker, he was one of the best, if not the best Olineman that Parkland has produced. At 6’2” and 305 lbs. Devin was named Parkland Predators team MVP, the first time such an honour was given to an Olineman. Devin went on to play one season for the Huskies in 2006. Welcome to the Panther family gentlemen!

(Jason Weatherald - WR/QB )

The Parkland Panthers Football club is excited about acquiring another experienced player this week in receiver/ QB Jason Weatherald. Jason puts the "S" in the description of a student-athlete. He graduated from St. Thomas Aquinas High School in 2001 and is still pursuing his career as an MD. Jason did his undergraduate work at Mcgill University and gained valuable experience as a receiver with the Redmen in 2005. Jason was accepted into Medicine at the U of A and continued playing football with the Edmonton Stallions in the AFL.

Jason was the leading receiver for the Stallions in 2006, hauling in 24 passes for 422 yds averaging an impressive 17.6 yds per catch; including 6 TDs. As a QB, Jason put up 2 TDs in just 10 pass attempts. His efforts earned him Rookie of the Year award with the Stallions in 2006. His studies understandably kept him out of the 2007 season.

 Jason is excited about returning to his roots in Parkland where he played his minor and high school football and our community certainly welcomes the calibre of leadership, credibility and talent that he brings to the new Parkland PanthersFootball Club.

product of Parkland football , Jason was a two time National Champion with the

Edmonton Huskies in 2004, 2005.

Mr Bobst was also named All Canadian in the CJFL, and Player of the Year of both

the PFC and the CJFL in 2005. of all his awards and recognition as the Huskies

MVP and Defensive Player of the year, the title he values most is the club's Head

Hunter Award which he earned all 5 years he played with the Huskies. And that puts

a smile on his face , and on all of the Panthers too for that matter, as we approach

the inaugural 2008 season in the AFL.

The phrase "impact player" would be an understatement to describe what Jason

Bobst brings to the Parkland Panthers and the AFL!

PANTHER PRESS RELEASE:

( THE MYSHAK BROTHERS)  Football Club. A product of Parkland, Jason was a two time National Champion with the Edmonton Huskies in 2004, 2005. He was also named All Canadian in the CJFL, and the Player of the Year in both the PFC and the CJFL in 2005. Of all his awards and