The Hamilton Tiger-Cats put together a complete team performance on Thursday night, defeating the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 37-27 at Princess Auto Stadium to earn their first win of the 2026 season.
Top Performers
| Category | Player | Performance |
| Passing | Bo Levi Mitchell | 3 TD passes |
| Receiving | Kiondré Smith | 5 receptions, 92 yards, 2 TDs |
| Rushing | Jake Dolegala | 1 rushing TD |
| Kicking | Marc Liegghio | 3 field goals, including a 53-yard field goal |
| Defensive Play | Tiger-Cats Defence | Held Winnipeg to 3 third-quarter points and forced key stops in the second half |
Quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell threw three touchdown passes, Kiondré Smith hauled in two majors, and Marc Liegghio connected on three field goals as Hamilton built an early lead and held off a late Winnipeg push.
After the Blue Bombers opened the scoring with a Sergio Castillo field goal midway through the first quarter, the Tiger-Cats quickly answered. Mitchell capped a four-play drive with an 11-yard touchdown strike to Smith, giving Hamilton its first lead of the night.
Winnipeg responded with a 41-yard touchdown connection between Zach Collaros and Nic Demski to regain the advantage, but from that point forward, Hamilton took control.
The Tiger-Cats dominated the second quarter, beginning with a four-yard touchdown pass from Mitchell to fullback Max Mang. Mitchell then found Smith again for a 23-yard touchdown, the receiver’s second score of the evening. Liegghio capped the first-half scoring with a booming 53-yard field goal as time expired, sending Hamilton into the locker room with a commanding 24-10 lead.
Smith finished the night with five receptions for 92 yards and two touchdowns, continuing his strong start to the season.
Hamilton’s defence helped preserve the advantage in the third quarter, limiting Winnipeg to a single field goal while keeping the Blue Bombers out of the end zone. The Tiger-Cats carried a 24-13 lead into the final frame.
The visitors extended their lead early in the fourth quarter when Jake Dolegala powered across the goal line from one yard out to complete another impressive Hamilton drive.
Winnipeg attempted to mount a comeback with touchdowns from Ontaria Wilson and Bryce Perkins, cutting the deficit to seven points late in the game. However, the Tiger-Cats remained composed. A key reception by Smith helped set up a fourth-quarter Liegghio field goal, and the veteran kicker added another in the final minute to put the game out of reach and secure the 37-27 victory.
Mitchell finished the night with three touchdown passes, while Liegghio contributed nine points, including field goals from 53, 46, and 23 yards.
The win gives Hamilton momentum heading into its home opener next week.
Scoring Summary
First Quarter
• Sergio Castillo 19-yard field goal | WPG 3, HAM 0
• Bo Levi Mitchell 11-yard touchdown pass to Kiondré Smith (Liegghio convert) | HAM 7, WPG 3
• Zach Collaros 41-yard touchdown pass to Nic Demski (Castillo convert) | WPG 10, HAM 7
Second Quarter
• Bo Levi Mitchell 4-yard touchdown pass to Max Mang (Liegghio convert) | HAM 14, WPG 10
• Bo Levi Mitchell 23-yard touchdown pass to Kiondré Smith (Liegghio convert) | HAM 21, WPG 10
• Marc Liegghio 53-yard field goal | HAM 24, WPG 10
Third Quarter
• Sergio Castillo 45-yard field goal | HAM 24, WPG 13
Fourth Quarter
• Jake Dolegala 1-yard touchdown run (Liegghio convert) | HAM 31, WPG 13
• Zach Collaros 5-yard touchdown pass to Ontaria Wilson (Castillo convert) | HAM 31, WPG 20
• Marc Liegghio 46-yard field goal | HAM 34, WPG 20
• Bryce Perkins 1-yard touchdown run (Castillo convert) | HAM 34, WPG 27
• Marc Liegghio 23-yard field goal | HAM 37, WPG 27
Next Up
The Tiger-Cats return home for their 2026 home opener on Friday, June 19, when they host the BC Lions. Hamilton will look to build on Thursday’s road victory and carry that momentum into Heritage Night at Hamilton Stadium.
