Leo Ezerins and Rocky DiPietro
Named Co-winners of the CFLAA 2023 Alumnus of the Year Award
For Immediate Release:
October 16th, 2023
The Canadian Football League Alumni Association (CFLAA) is proud to announce that Hamilton Tiger-Cat alumni members Leo Ezerins and Rocky DiPietro have been named co-winners of the CFL 2023 Alumnus of the Year Award presented by Zanchin Automotive Group. Teammates in 1986 when the Tiger-Cats won the Grey Cup championship, it is only fitting these two stars represent Hamilton at the 110th Grey Cup.
The CFLAA will present this prestigious award to these two outstanding Tiger-Cat alumni members during the 2023 Grey Cup Festival at the popular CFL Alumni Association Legends Luncheon presented by CARSTAR. Tickets are available at www.greycupfestival.ca/tickets
“Congratulations to Leo and Rocky for receiving the prestigious CFL 2023 Alumnus of the Year Award presented by Zanchin Automotive Group. It’s an honour to be chosen by your peers, and each of these gentlemen are very much deserving. They are a clear representation of what the award stands for”. Zanchin Automotive Group
During their playing careers, both Ezerins and DiPietro were heroes on and off the field. Since their retirement, both have made notable contributions to the growth of the CFL and the Hamilton community.
Leo Ezerins
Leo Ezerins’ accomplishments both on and off the football field, are well documented.
Ezerins played ten seasons in the CFL for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and was a 1986 Grey Cup-winning team leader. Ezerins, a graduate of Whitworth College (Hugh Campbell head coach), was a territorial protection of Winnipeg in 1978.
The former Eastern all-star played in 173 career CFL games, registering 13 sacks and 25 interceptions. He’s still ranked first all-time in interceptions by a Canadian linebacker. Ezerins also made 23 receptions as a tight end.
After retiring, Ezerins founded the CFL Alumni Association in 2008, with its board creating the CFL Alumni Support Fund to help former players experiencing financial limitations because of medical or other challenges, and the highly popular CFLAA Legends Luncheon during Grey Cup.
Ezerins, an Inductee of Mike Ditka’s Gridiron Greats Hall of Fame, is also active on the Canadian Concussion Centre advisory board and the Canadian Sports Concussion Research Project.
Rocky DiPietro
Rocky DiPietro enjoyed a fantastic 14-year career in the CFL with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats—the native of Sault Ste. Marie and, former University of Ottawa Gee Gee, had 706 career receptions for 9,762 yards and 45 touchdowns. DiPietro also surpassed the 1,000-yard mark three times.
DiPietro retired in 1991 after starring in four Grey Cup games and hoisting the Grey Cup in victory in 1986. He was named to the Tiger-Cats Wall of Honour in 1994 and inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 1997. DiPietro was also a four-time Eastern all-star and selected All-Canadian twice.
DiPietro was named the CFL Outstanding player twice for his on-field efforts, and was a three-time recipient of the Lew Hayman trophy.
DiPietro became a high school learning strategies and special education teacher after his career. As coach of the Lakeshore Catholic High School football team in Port Colborne, Ontario, DiPietro led them to numerous championships.
For event information and tickets to the CFL Alumni Association Legends Luncheon presented by CARSTAR, please visit www.greycupfestival.ca/tickets
The Canadian Football League Alumni Association (CFLAA) believes the cornerstone of any football career is the memories and on-field friendships that were created. The CFLAA is the link to renewing that special bond with between teammates and those they played against.
During Grey Cup week, CFL alumni and fans from coast to coast will come together to recognize the achievements and to celebrate the overall success of Leo Ezerins and Rocky DiPietro.
The CFLAA will present the prestigious award presented by Zanchin Automotive Group to these two outstanding Hamilton Tiger-Cats alumni during the 2023 Grey Cup Festival at the annual CFL Alumni Association Legends Luncheon presented by CARSTAR on Friday, November 17.
About the CFLAA
The CFLAA supports former CFL players, Canadian football and other communities of interest while fostering collaborative relationships with the CFL stakeholders and others that enhance the well-being of our members and friends.
To become a member and receive the numerous benefits and support programs the CFLAA offers, visit www.CFLAA.ca.
For more information contact:
Joe Gunnis – CFLAA Business Manager
306.631.4123
joe@cflaa.ca
Leo Ezerins – CFLAA Executive Director
905.464.0007
leo@davecflaa-ca
Leo Ezerins
Amateur Football Accomplishments
- 1972 – Juvenile Football – Winnipeg Hawkeyes, Canadian Champs 1972, Canadian All-Star (Head Coach – George Motoch)
- 1973 – Junior Football – Winnipeg Hawkeyes (Head Coach- Mike DeBroni)
- 1974-1978 Whitworth University – Spokane, WA (Head Coach – Hugh Campbell, CF Hall of Fame Inductee)
- NAIA All American (1977)
- Pacific Northwest Conference All-Star (1975,1976,1977)
- Team Captain (1975,1976,1977)
- #4 in US College Football Punt Avg
Professional Football Career
- 1978 Territorial Protection of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers
- Winnipeg Blue Bombers 1978 -1982 (TE, LB)
- Hamilton Tiger-Cats 1983 – 1987 (LB)
- Grey Cup Appearance 1984,1985, 1986
- Grey Cup Champion 1986, Eastern Conference All-Star, Team Captain
- Interceptions – 5th All-Time All linebackers, 1st All-Time Canadian
- Tiger-Cats – All-Time Team Linebackers (2017)
Post Professional Football Career
- Founder/Executive Director – CFL Alumni Association,
CFLAA Support Fund, and CFLAA Legends Luncheon (2008 – present)
- Inducted – Mike Ditka Gridiron Greats Hall of Fame 2017
- Nominated – Canadian Football Hall of Fame 2020 (Builder)
- General Manager, Grey Cup Festival 1991, Winnipeg, MB (first Grey Cup held in Winnipeg)
- Winnipeg Blue Bomber Alumni (President 1988-1991)
- Named into the Manitoba Football Hall of Fame (2023)
Other accomplishments
- Named to the Globe and Mails- Power 50,2012
- committee member 100th Grey Cup Steering Committee, 2011=2012
- Honourary Member of the PPCLI (Princess Patricia Canadian Light Infantry Foundation 2011 (Lifetime)
- Founding Member of the Canadian Sports Concussion Research Project (Chaired by Dr. Charles Tator) 2014,
- Member of the fundraising committee for the Hamilton Ticats Alumni Clubhouse,
- member at large HTCAA since 2012
- Member of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats Tiger Town Council since 2016
Rocky DiPietro
Amateur Football Accomplishments
- Former receiver who started his football career in Sault-Ste. Marie
- Played three seasons with Ottawa Gee-Gees – (1975-1977)
- Helped Garnet and Grey win the Vanier Cup 1975.
- Member of the undefeated 1975 National Championship team (11-0) is considered to be one of the most dominant in Canadian college history.
- Named 39th best player in CIS football history by SportsNet in 2014
Professional Football Career
- Receiver with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, from 1978-1991.
- During his 14-year career as a slotback and wide receiver
- Became the CFL’s all-time pass reception leader in 1989.
- Career totals: 706 receptions for 9,762 yards and 45 touchdowns
- Played in four Grey Cup games, winning it in 1986.
- He was named to the Tiger-Cats Wall of Honour in 1994
- Inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 1997
- Named All-Eastern Slotback in 1981, 1982, 1986, 1989.
- Won Lew Hayman Trophy – 1982, 1986, 1989.
- Given Schenley Award for Most Outstanding Canadian – 1982, 1989
- Named All-Canadian Slotback – 1986, 1989
Post Professional Football Career
- Coached high school football.
- 1992-1997 coached Welland Notre Dame High School
- 1998-2016 coached Lakeshore Catholic High School, Port Colbourne
Other accomplishments
- Has a football stadium named after him in Sault Saint Marie
- Volunteers at HTCAA golf tournament
2022 CFLAA ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR NAMED
Since 2009, the CFL Alumni Association (CFLAA) has recognized Alumni members that have made outstanding contributions to their football community.
For the 2022 event, CFLAA Executive Director Leo Ezerins announced that Rob Bresciani and Rob Pyne have been chosen as the CFL Alumnus of the Year.
“The CFLAA Alumnus of the Year Award recognizes former players and the positive impact they have had on their communities over the years,” said Leo Ezerins, Executive Director of the CFLAA. “Rob Bresciani and Rob Pyne love football and they love their community, dedicating themselves to making a difference in Regina. They are deserving recipients of this award.”
Rob Bresciani played five seasons in the CFL with the Calgary Stampeders, Saskatchewan Roughriders and Ottawa Rough Riders. A member of the 1989 Grey Cup champion Roughriders, Bresciani spent time as a fullback, slotback and wide receiver during his CFL career.
A longtime member of the Saskatchewan Roughriders Alumni Association, Rob served as its vice-president before taking over as president in 2017.
After retirement, Rob has remained involved with football as a coach in addition to his participation with the Riders Alumni Association. He has also been active with the Regina Catholic School Board, serving with the board since 1994 (excluding a break from 2003 to 2006). In addition to serving as a trustee, he also had a term as Chair of the Board.
“I’m very honoured and humbled to receive this award. When I look at the past winners, it’s special to be picked from your local peers and brothers to follow in these footsteps,” said Bresciani. “You don’t do these things to win awards but when something like this happens, like I said, it’s very humbling.”
Rob Pyne played for the Saskatchewan Roughriders, Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Calgary Stampeders from 1972 to 1974, seeing action in 32 CFL games as a defensive back, receiver and kick returner.
Since retirement, Rob has coached in a multitude of leagues including Regina Minor Football (both the fall and spring leagues), the Regina Intercollegiate Football League and the Western Women’s Canadian Football League.
Rob has also participated as guest coach at local high school spring training camps, the University of Regina Rams Football School, and the Regina Thunder evaluation camps and spring training camp.
“I thought there were a couple of other people that were probably more deserving in our alumni association than me,” said Pyne when asked if he was surprised by the award. “So yes, it caught me by surprise.”
Rob Bresciani and Rob Pyne will be officially honoured at the 2022 CFL Legends Luncheon on Friday, November 18 at the Queensbury Centre Banner Hall in Regina, Sk. This event includes a meal, silent auction, live auction, and heads-or-tails fundraiser. CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie and the infamous Grey Cup championship trophy will also be in attendance.
For further information and to purchase tickets go to: https://www.greycupfestival.ca/event/cfl-alumni-association-legends-luncheon-presented-by-phoenix-group/
Award Criteria:
· Former player
· Successful post career transition
· Past and/or currently involved in local Alumni Association and/or CFL Alumni Association
· Actively involved in the community and charitable causes
· Supports the local football club and the Canadian Football League
Past Award Winners:
2009 – Sam “The Rifle” Etcheverry (Montreal)* Posthumously
2010 – Bayne Norrie (Edmonton)
2011 – Norm Fieldgate (BC)
2012 – Don Durno (Toronto)
2013 – George Reed and Carm Carteri (Saskatchewan)
2014 – Lui Passaglia (BC)
2015 – Wade Miller and Paul Robson (Winnipeg)
2016 – Michael “Pinball” Clemons and Peter Martin (Toronto)
2017 – Russ Jackson and Jeff Avery (Ottawa)
2018- Hector Pothier and Brian Fryer (Edmonton)
2019 – Tony Spoletini (Calgary)
2020 – Not Awarded due to COVID
2021 – Bob Krouse and Jason Riley (Hamilton)
About the CFLAA
The CFLAA supports former CFL players, Canadian football and other communities of interest while fostering collaborative relationships with the CFL stakeholders and others that enhance the well-being of our members and friends.
To become a member and receive the numerous benefits and support programs the CFLAA offers, visit www.CFLAA.ca.
CFLAA Contact:
Leo Ezerins
Executive Director, CFL Alumni Association
leo@cflaa.ca
1-905-464-0007
Past CFLAA Man of the Year Recipients
In 2009, in its inaugural year the recipient of the Man of the Year was given posthumously to Sam `The Rifle` Etcheverry as voted by the CFLAA board of directors. Click here for more information.
In 2010, Bayne Norrie, Edmonton Eskimo Alumni. Click here for more information.
In 2011, Norm Fieldgate, BC Lions Alumni Association. Click here for more information.
In 2012, Don Durnon, Toronto Argonauts Alumni Association. Click here for more information.
In 2013, George Reed and Carm Carteri were co-winners of the CFL Alumni Association Man of the Year Award. Click here for more information.
In 2014, Lui Passaglia winner of the CFL Alumni Association Man of the Year Award. Click here for more information.
In 2015 Wade Miller and Paul Robson co-winners, Winnipeg Blue Bombers Alumni
In 2016 Michael “Pinball” Clemons and Peter Martin co-winners, Toronto Argonauts Alumni
In 2017 Jeff Avery and Russ Jackson co-winners, Ottawa Rough Rider Alumni. Click Here for more information
In 2018 Hector Pothier and Brian Fryer co-winners, Edmonton Eskimos Alumni Click Here for more information
In 2019 Tony Spoletini, Calgary Stampeders Alumni
In 2020 was not awarded due to COVID
In 2021 Bob Krouse and Jason Riley co-winners, Hamilton Tiger-Cats Alumni
In 2022 Rob Bresciani and Rob Payne co-winners, Saskatchewan Roughriders Alumni
In 2023 Leo Ezerins and Rocky DiPietro co-winners, Hamilton Tiger-Cats
