The Saskatchewan Roughriders have added another Canadian specialist to their roster, signing national kicker Dawson Hodge.
Hodge's addition comes after early struggles by CFL rookie Alex Hale, who's made 12 of 17 field goals and just one of five from 40 yards or more through seven games. Riders coach Corey Mace left the door open for a change at the position earlier in the week.
Hodge, from Coquitlam, B.C., arrives after a decorated university career at Wilfrid Laurier, where he handled both kicking and punting duties for the Golden Hawks over five seasons.
After Thursday's walkthrough, Hodge worked out with Riders' special teams coordinator Kent Maugeri.
The 24-year-old appeared in 51 career games, finishing with 419 points while converting 51 of 76 field goal attempts. His longest successful kick travelled 49 yards. As a punter, he averaged 41.4 yards on 302 punts, placing 72 inside the opponent's 20-yard line. He also averaged 58.3 yards on 258 kickoffs.
He helped Laurier capture the Yates Cup and advance to the Uteck Bowl in 2024. Individually, Hodge earned first-team Ontario University Athletics all-star honours and was named a second-team U SPORTS All-Canadian in 2022.
Hodge is no stranger to the CFL. He attended training camp with the Calgary Stampeders earlier this year after previously spending time with both the Roughriders and Toronto Argonauts in 2025.
During Saskatchewan's 2025 pre-season, Hodge made one appearance, converting his only field goal attempt from 31 yards. He also averaged 64 yards on three kickoffs and recorded a 48-yard punt.
The signing gives the Roughriders additional depth at the kicking position as Hodge returns to an organization already familiar with his abilities.
