YORKTON - Peter Kozushka is now an Edmonton Elk.
Kozushka who hails from Yorkton and most recently from the University of Alberta Golden Bears program was selected in the sixth round, 51st overall by the Montreal Alouettes in the 2022 CFL draft.
But, after attending the Als training camp did not make the roster, although Montreal held his rights until late this January when Kozushka was released.
Soon after the 6-foot-7, 300-pound offensive lineman signed with the Elks.
The new deal essentially takes Kozushka home.
“Edmonton has become a second home,” he told Yorkton This Week, noting he has been in the Alberta city through his college career. “. . . I’ve come to love the city.”
While not making the Alouette roster, Kozushka did play football in 2022.
After his release in Montreal Kozushka returned to Edmonton and played with the University of Alberta playing out his final year of college eligibility while keeping his options open in terms of the CFL.
“I knew I wanted to keep playing. If an opportunity came up I’d take it,” he told Yorkton This Week.
After the Golden Bears season ended Kozushka stayed in the gym training, waiting for a chance, which finally came with the Elks deal.
Kozushka said he feels better prepared for a CFL camp this time.
“I now know what a pro training camp looks like . . . There is a step up from university to pro,” he said, adding he now knows what to expect.
“It’s just knowing the mental fortitude needed to go through training camp.”
This time around there will be no awe in just being in a CFL camp, but rather Kozushka said he heads in with a single goal, do his best to show he can contribute.
“I’m going into camp with the mindset to show what I can do,” he said, adding he feels if he does that, he can earn a roster spot in Edmonton.
