HAMILTON — The Hamilton Tiger-Cats were minutes away from opening the 2026 CFL season with a statement victory on Thursday night, but a late Montreal rally spoiled the celebration as the Alouettes escaped Hamilton Stadium with a 30-27 overtime win.
The Tiger-Cats controlled much of the night, building a 24-10 lead midway through the third quarter behind a balanced offensive attack and a defence that consistently disrupted Montreal’s rhythm. Hamilton appeared firmly in command after Keric Wheatfall’s touchdown extended the advantage to two scores.
Momentum shifted, however, when Montreal defensive back Robert Kennedy intercepted a pass and returned it 54 yards for a touchdown. The play cut into Hamilton’s lead and helped spark an Alouettes comeback after the Tiger-Cats had spent most of the evening dictating the pace.
Despite Montreal drawing even in the fourth quarter, Hamilton answered when Marc Liegghio connected on a 37-yard field goal to restore a three-point advantage with just over eight minutes remaining. The Tiger-Cats looked poised to close out the victory before the Alouettes mounted a last-minute drive to force overtime.
In the extra frame, Hamilton’s fortunes took another tough turn when Montreal forced a fumble on the Tiger-Cats’ opening possession. The Alouettes capitalized on the opportunity, with José Maltos Díaz converting the game-winning field goal to hand Hamilton a heartbreaking defeat in its season opener.
There were plenty of positives for Hamilton despite the result. Mitchell threw for 307 yards, the offence generated three touchdowns, and the Tiger-Cats carried a two-score lead into the second half against one of the CFL’s top teams. While the final result was not what Hamilton wanted, the opener offered encouraging signs as the club begins its 2026 campaign.
The game also featured former Hamilton receiver Brandon Banks being surprised with the announcement that he will become a member of the Canadian Football Hall of Fame (CFHOF) and Museum’s Class of 2026.
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SCORING PLAYS
- Jake Dolegala one-yard touchdown run (10:42, Q1) | HAM 7, MTL 0
- Marc Liegghio 28-yard field goal (14:00, Q2) | HAM 10, MTL 0
- Davis Alexander 15-yard touchdown pass to Tyler Snead (11:05, Q2) | HAM 10, MTL 7
- José Maltos Díaz 19-yard field goal (01:46, Q2) | HAM 10, MTL 10
- Ante Milanovic Litre one-yard touchdown run (00:04, Q2) | HAM 17, MTL 10
- Keric Wheatfall four-yard touchdown (07:24, Q3) | HAM 24, MTL 10
- Robert Kennedy 54-yard interception returned for a touchdown (04:26, Q3) | HAM 24, MTL 17
- Davis Alexander six-yard touchdown pass to Tyson Philpot (12:16, Q4) | HAM 24, MTL 24
- Marc Liegghio 37-yard field goal (08:23, Q4) | HAM 27, MTL 24
- José Maltos Díaz 29-yard field goal (00:00, Q4) | HAM 27, MTL 27
- José Maltos Díaz 17-yard field goal (OT) | MTL 30, HAM 27
NEXT UP
The Ticats now head to Winnipeg to face the Blue Bombers at Princess Auto Stadium on Thursday, June 11. The game marks the first time that receiver Tim White faces his former team after signing with the Blue Bombers in the off-season. The last time these two teams met was Week 17, 2025, when Winnipeg came away with a convincing 40-3 win over Hamilton.
