Ticats sign Hickman, lose Bulcke

This was a day that the Ticats added a defensive lineman and lost one. Brian Bulcke is gone for the season with a torn biceps muscle but joining the fold after a 2 year NFL adventure is Justin Hickman. During the 2011 CFL season, the 29-year old Hickman was arguably the best defensive end in the CFL.

When Justin Hickman wasn’t trying to familiarize himself with the new calls and new faces here in Hamilton, he took time to catch up with some old ones: “This place was special to me — gave me a job when no one else would. Loyalty is a big thing for me. It was my first choice. Best fans, and a new stadium too.”

In his third year with the Cats he made 49 tackles, and 13 sacks — enough to turn heads south of the border.

In 2012 he played 12 games for the Indianapolis Colts as a linebacker, but suffered a foot injury during the preseason last year, and he spent 13 months in recovery.
Now, fully healed, the Cats are glad to have him back.

Head Coach Kent Austin: “A lot of people here know him really well and know the type of individual he is and a great fit in our locker room — a guy who will pay the price to be good.”

Hickman left the Ticats as a CFL all-star, and says his talents have only improved: “You learn from the older guys, Freeny, Matthis — learned some techniques from them. But I can’t tell you because I’m sure there are opponents watching!”

How soon could we see Hickman on the playing field?: “I don’t want to push, but I’d like to play on Saturday!”