In this episode of Alberta Football Uncensored, host Omari Fraser engages with players from the Cold Lake Jets, discussing their experiences in the Alberta Football League. The conversation covers team dynamics, personal growth, the transition from American to Canadian football, and preparations for the upcoming season. The players reflect on their past season, the importance of accountability, and the impact of the transfer portal on team composition. They also share insights on team bonding activities and the culture within the league, emphasizing the significance of community and support among players. As they look ahead, the players express their hunger for success and readiness to compete for the championship.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Offseason Reflections

05:59 Team Dynamics and Personal Growth

11:59 Transitioning to Canadian Football Rules

17:59 Preparing for the Upcoming Season

24:06 Attraction to the AFL and Learning from Peers

24:35 Building Bonds Through Football

25:30 Networking and Opportunities in Sports

27:10 Personal Journeys and League Introductions

28:39 Overcoming Challenges and Finding Opportunities

32:17 The Importance of Character in Professional Sports

35:11 League Dynamics and Growth

39:00 Transfer Portal Insights and Team Dynamics

47:15 Player Transfers and Team Dynamics

50:06 Season Predictions and Team Chemistry

52:59 Team Bonding Activities and Culture

59:58 Closing Thoughts and Future Aspirations

Takeaways

Team dynamics are crucial for success in the AFL.

Personal growth and accountability are emphasized among players.

Transitioning from American to Canadian football presents unique challenges.

Preparation for the upcoming season involves both physical and mental readiness.

The transfer portal significantly impacts team composition and player movement.

Team bonding activities foster a strong sense of community.

Players are motivated by the opportunity to compete at a higher level.

The AFL provides a platform for players to showcase their skills and pursue further opportunities.

Building relationships with teammates enhances the overall experience of playing football.

The upcoming season is viewed with optimism and determination to succeed.

In this episode of Alberta Football Uncensored, hosts Teej Johannesson and Omari Fraser discuss the current state of football in Alberta, focusing on the Airdrie Irish and their recent developments. They explore the significance of Team Canada players returning to the game, the potential for an exhibition match against AFL All-Stars, and the depth of the Irish's running back and receiver groups. The conversation also highlights the importance of special teams, the passion of the coaching staff, and the need for community engagement as the team prepares to return to their home field.

00:00 Introduction to Alberta Football Uncensored

03:49 Team Canada and AFL All-Star Matchup

07:21 Airdrie Irish Team Preview

10:00 New Signings and Their Impact

12:16 Running Back Room Dynamics

15:56 Special Teams and Offensive Strategy

18:27 Coaching Staff Insights

23:29 Quarterback Situation and Development

29:52 Coaching Dynamics and Team Structure

33:10 The Importance of Special Teams

37:05 Defensive Strategies and Coaching Staff

46:04 Receiver Group and Offensive Potential

54:05 Community Engagement and Home Field Advantage

Key Points

The Alberta Football League is experiencing growth and excitement.

Team Canada players are reconnecting with the game and showcasing their skills.

The potential for an exhibition match between AFL All-Stars and Team Canada is being discussed.

The Airdrie Irish are rebuilding their program with new signings and a strong coaching staff.

The running back room for the Irish is deep and competitive, enhancing team dynamics.

Special teams play a crucial role in dictating game momentum and field position.

The coaching staff is passionate and dedicated to player development and team success.

The quarterback situation for the Irish is evolving with new talent and potential.

The receiver group is one of the deepest in the league, promising exciting offensive plays.

Community engagement is vital for the Irish, especially with the return to their home field.

In this engaging conversation, the hosts, representing various Canadian football platforms AFU, Canadian Football Fanatics, and The Wizard Takes. Come together to discuss a recent game featuring Team Canada. They analyze the performance of the players, the importance of the offensive and defensive lines, and the resurgence of players who have returned to the field after a hiatus. The discussion also touches on coaching strategies, the growth of football in Canada, and the future prospects for the team as they prepare for upcoming tournaments. The camaraderie and passion for the sport shine through as they share insights and experiences.

Key Points

The game showcased a loaded roster with strong performances.

Dominance in the trenches is crucial for football success.

Players returning to the field after a break showed great enthusiasm.

Coaching strategies played a significant role in the team's performance.

The quality of football in Canada is impressive, even with a quick assembly of the team.

The camaraderie among players and coaches enhances the game experience.

Opportunities in Europe exist for players looking to continue their careers.

The growth of football in Canada is evident through various leagues.

The Alberta Football League is a great platform for players to showcase their skills.

The community is committed to elevating the game of football in Canada.

Chapters

00:00 Assembling the Avengers of Canadian Football

02:48 Dominating the Trenches: A Game Analysis

06:03 Resurgence of Players: A Comeback Story

09:00 Opportunities in Europe: A New Frontier

11:55 Future Prospects: Building Confidence for the Next Tournament

15:05 The Spirit of the Game: Community and Growth

In this episode of Alberta Football Uncensored, host Omari Fraser takes over the show to discuss the resurgence of Canadian football on the international stage with members of Team Canada. The conversation dives into the players' backgrounds, their journeys through football, and the challenges they faced along the way. They share insights on the recruitment process, experiences in NCAA and European football, and the love for the game that drives them. The players reflect on their preparation for an upcoming tournament in Italy, the impact of coaching and mentorship, and the importance of support and sponsorship for the team. Memorable plays and career highlights are shared, along with thoughts on the future of Canadian football and the significance of representing their country. The episode concludes with heartfelt shout-outs to family, friends, and coaches who have supported their journeys.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Canadian Football's International Stage02:57 Player Introductions and Backgrounds05:58 Navigating Recruitment and Opportunities08:49 The European Football Experience12:03 Personal Journeys and Love for the Game14:59 Preparing for the Tournament18:04 Team Chemistry and Game Strategy21:00 Coaches Who Made an Impact25:58 Influential Coaches and Mentors32:35 Support Systems and Team Dynamics40:06 The Drive to Keep Playing44:40 Shout Outs and Personal ReflectionsCheck out the full episode tomorrow with a couple of the players from the Senior Men's Team Canada set to face off against Italy this Friday! 🇨🇦 Canada is back on the international stage! 🌍Help support the show and buy us a coffee ☕️buymeacoffee.com/albertafootballuncensoredSenior Team Canada Sponsors 🙏🏽@realcanadiansuperstore @tremblettsyig @fightlab.fitness @accelphysicaltherapy @andysautowreckers @steforsiniphotography @mubeenevents @alumasafway @burnbraepresbyterianchurch@ontariodairy @northumberlanddairyproducers @harveys @themitchelllegacyfoundation @mcdonaldscanada @pizzapizzaltd @showtymefitness_ @subwaycanada @weerabart @realjacobruby @wakedesigns_ @footballcanada_official @gridiron.nation.canada @braamscustomcabinets3042 ​

In this episode, Tej Johannesson and Omari Fraser discuss the upcoming season for the Calgary Gators, reflecting on their previous championship win and the dynamics of team motivation. They explore the competitive landscape of the league, the importance of joint practices, and innovative fundraising ideas to support team finances. The conversation emphasizes community engagement and the culture within the team, highlighting the need for collaboration and strategic planning to ensure success in the upcoming season. In this conversation, Teej Johannesson and his guest discuss the future of the Gators football team, emphasizing the importance of growth within the league, the value of experience in scrimmages, and the key additions to the team. They also assess the strengths and weaknesses of the team, share insights on the recent Team Canada tryouts, and reflect on the leadership transition within the Gators. The discussion highlights the significance of passion in football and the excitement surrounding the upcoming season with new players and dynamics.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Golf Betting Highlights

02:57 Calgary Gators Season Preview

05:54 Team Motivation and Returning Players

08:53 League Competitiveness and Team Dynamics

11:53 Management Strategies and Team Collaboration

14:50 Innovative Fundraising Ideas for Teams

25:28 Monetizing Plasma Donations

27:23 Financial Strategies for Team Operations

28:33 The Cost of Running a Recreational League

30:45 Building Team Chemistry Off the Field

32:00 Team Additions and Player Development

37:26 Team Canada Tryouts and Player Selection Challenges

47:24 Roster Decisions and Team Dynamics

49:52 Logistical Challenges in Team Selection

53:32 Future of the Gators and Succession Planning

57:57 Passion for the Game and Team Culture

01:01:14 Transitioning Leadership and New Talent

01:04:43 Building a Strong Team Identity

In this must-listen episode of AFU , Gabriel Tinoco and Omari Fraser sit down with legendary DB-turned-receiver Teej Johannesson after his bombshell move to the Airdrie Irish. Dive into:

• 🍀 Why Airdrie? Teej breaks down his emotional exit from the Buccaneers, his quest to “just play football,” and why the Irish’s underdog vibe won him over.

• 🏆 Chasing History: Can Teej and Anton’s crew bring Airdrie its first championship? Spoiler: The answer involves Tim Kearse's coaching genius and a potential jersey glow-up.

• 👨👧 Fatherhood & Football: From diaper duty to dominating defenses, Teej, Gabe, and Omari share laughs (and stress) about balancing family life with AFL glory.

• 🔥 League Drama: Cold Lake’s recruiting secrets, the Gators’ unstoppable D-line, and why Omari’s Wolfpack future is still in the air.

• 💥 Special Teams Savagery: Why King Hoang’s kickoff violence sets the tone—and which teams must step up their social media game.

In this raw and inspiring conversation, Gabriel Tinoco pulls back the curtain on his whirlwind journey—from raising daughters Keighley and Lea while juggling pro football to his pivotal move from the Cold Lake dynasty to the Calgary Gators. Hear how loyalty to family and team shaped his career, why he risked it all for a shot at the World Games in Greece, and how a life-changing talk with his mother redefined his path.

Gabriel reflects on overcoming injuries, navigating fatherhood in the spotlight, and the emotional weight of leaving a legacy. From late-night barber school sessions in Edmonton to scheming defenses with Coach Curtin in the Swamp, he reveals the sacrifices behind the glory. With insights on league rivalries, sleeper teams to watch, and his fiery reunion game against Cold Lake, this is a story about grit, growth, and what it means to chase gold, on and off the field.

#TinocoTough #LakeToSwamp #FatherhoodFirst #GatorsGrind #WorldGamesBound #ColdLakeLegacy

Teej and Omari catch up on all things AFL and the 2025 Season