Sukh Chungh (69) of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers during the game against the BC Lions at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver, BC., on Friday, July 21, 2017. (Photo: Johany Jutras)
As he settled into the chair for his first ‘official’ interview as a member of his hometown BC Lions, Sukh Chungh breathed a huge sigh of relief.
Not only had he braved the snowy drive to the facility from his home in Coquitlam – keep in mind the drivers here can be different in the elements compared to Winnipeg- but he was reminded of how many tickets he used to have to scrounge up for friends and relatives when coming to BC Place as a visitor.
“Once or twice a year I would have to get a bunch of tickets from guys (teammates ) or call ahead to the front office here in BC,” recalled Chungh.
“I don’t think that will be the case now. A lot of my family and friends will start buying season tickets. I’m looking forward to that.”
Chungh brings some nastiness to a Lions offensive line that will be counted on to allow prized acquisition Mike Reilly do his thing in the pocket. A second overall pick of the Blue Bombers back in 2015, he would quickly establish himself as one of the top Canadian pass protectors in the league.
He and the Bombers’ big men up front helped Andrew Harris win the CFL rushing title in each of the last two seasons. After helping the Terry Fox Ravens win three consecutive provincial titles (2006-08), the kid who grew up idolizing the likes of Jamie Taras, Angus Reid and Bobby Singh is ready to begin a new chapter at home.
“I’m super excited,” says Chungh.
“Growing up and going to games and then playing in the stadium for BC High School Championships, I always wanted to continue playing in this stadium and I’m just excited to spend Friday and Saturday nights here.”
For the second time in as many seasons, GM Ed Hervey has come out of the gates swinging on the opening of free agency. As of Wednesday morning, Chungh was one of 11 new additions to the roster. And when you consider the new asset behind centre, likely one of the most important.
“We believe the identity of our football team will be significantly defined by the style of play of our offensive line and Sukh represents everything we want our offensive line to be in 2019,” said Hervey after locking the Poco native up.
“A player of his experience and ability had numerous options in free agency and the fact he has chosen to return home to Vancouver speaks volumes about the team we’re building right now.”
Along with the homecoming and chance to play for a team he grew up rooting for, joining a Reilly-led offence was something the hulking lineman couldn’t pass up.
“I’m excited about all of the threats we have on offence and our job as an offensive line is to keep the quarterback up, get Mike enough time and let him do his thing,” adds the former Calgary Dino.
“When you provide Mike with enough time or provide these guys with the right blocks they need, they can make look very good and be very explosive.”
Reilly, Chungh and the receivers represent just a portion of the changing environment around Lions headquarters. Starting next week, new head coach DeVone Claybrooks will have his entire staff together under one roof for the first time in 2019. That includes offensive line coach Bryan Chiu, also a native of the lower mainland and a guy who is no stranger to success in this league. Chungh can’t wait to get to work.
“I’m very excited for this coaching staff. A lot of them are ex-players and Bryan Chiu has been in this league for a long time,” says Chungh.
“I got a call from him yesterday after I signed. I can’t wait to go over the lingo and all the stuff we’ll do as O-linemen.”
And not only will he save lots of stress on the ticket front, Chungh can take solace in the fact he will be on the winning side of more games at BC Place after a couple of crazy results as a member of the Blue Bombers didn’t go his way here the last couple of years; whether that be the crazy 2016 Western Semi-Final or a couple of late collapses that followed in the regular season.
“Of course, “he chuckled.
“It’s always a good thing to win at home and when I was a Blue Bomber it didn’t go our way here. It’s definitely a tough environment to play in.”
Matt Baker: mbaker@bclions.com