The Manitoba Bisons football team continue their quest for a CIS championship during the 2014 season as they finished 4-4 in the conference regular season, won a Canada West Semi-Final contest on the road and now play in the 78th Hardy Cup (Canada West Final) for the second consecutive season. The Bisons were recognized with eight players named to 2014 Canada West Conference All-Star Team. 

On offence, fourth year Nic Demski was selected at the inside receiver position, fourth year Nevin Gamblin at guard position, fifth year Matt Sawyer at wide receiver and fourth year Kienan LaFrance at the running back position. On defence, third year Evan Foster was named at the defensive end position, third year David Onyemata at the interior lineman position, fifth year Jordan Linnen at halfback and fifth year Tremaine Apperley at the cornerback position.

Demski earns his fourth consecutive conference selection. This is the first time a Bison football players have been named in four straight seasons since Joey Mikawoz (1999-02) and first Bison offence players since offensive lineman Bart Evans (1971-74).

Bison Football Head Coach Brian Dobie commented, "Our football team has put in so much work over the last year and collectively have come so far. I'd like to congratulate the eight student-athletes who have been recognized as Canada West All-Stars and as representatives of our entire group's hard work and perseverance in 2014."

Demski, 20, is a four-time conference all-star in his fourth Bison season (inside receiver: 2013, 2014; kick returner: 2011, 2012). In his second full season at the slotback position, the Winnipeg native was fifth in Canada West with 589 receiving yards in only six conference regular season games. He  was first in Canada West in receiving yard average at 21.8 and tied for third with five receiving touchdowns (tied for seventh in overall TDs with six). Plus, Demski was fourth in conference all-purpose yards at 923.

Gamblin, 24, is named to his first conference all-star team in fourth season at Manitoba. At the guard position on the offensive line, he has been instrumental in opening holes for the running game and providing protection for the quarterbacks during the 2014 campaign. The Brandon, MB native was durable as he started all eight conference regular season games.

LaFrance, 23, is a first time conference all-star in his fourth season with the Bisons. In his first year as starting tailback, the Winnipeg native finished second in conference with 785 rushing yards and tied for first in overall touchdowns in Canada West with ten. His seven rushing TDs also was tied for fourth in the conference and LaFrance was third in all-purpose yards in Canada West with 1.058.

Sawyer, 24, finished his second year with the Bisons (fifth year eligibility) and was named as a first time conference all-star. He finished 11th in conference receiving with 451 yards and tied for ninth in receiving yard average at 14.1. The Regina native also was tied for third in Canada West with five receiving TDs.

Foster, 23, is named a conference all-star for the first time in his first season at Manitoba (third year eligibility). He started in week two at the defensive end position and made an impact as he led the conference with 5.5 sacks and 7.5 tackles for losses. In addition, he registered 20 total tackles and had one forced fumble in eight games in 2014.

Onyemata, 22, completes his third season at Manitoba and now a first time conference all-star. At the nose tackle position, Onyemata was a force as he was double-teamed and created room for the other Manitoba defensive lineman. In starting all eight conference game, the Lagos, Nigeria native was tied for 13th with 3.5 tackles for losses while registering 1.5 sacks (tied for 18th) and tied for 33rd in total tackles with 28.

Linnen, 22, is a first time conference all-star in his second season with the Herd (fifth year eligibility). He started in all eight conference games in 2014 and was tied for 22nd in Canada West with 31 total tackles plus was tied for first with three fumble recoveries. In addition, the Surrey, BC native had three break-ups, good for tenth in conference and one forced fumble.

Apperley, 24, is another first time conference all-star in his second season with the Bisons (fifth year eligibility). He started in all eight conference games in 2014 and was tied for 18th in Canada West with 33 total tackles plus was tied for third with seven break-ups. The Regina native also had one tackle for a loss.

Bison Notes: Over the last 15 Canada West seasons, the Bisons have accumulated 81 conference football all-star selections. The breakdown is 2014: eight; 2013: five; 2012: three; 2011: five; 2010: one; 2009: four; 2008: three; 2007: five; 2006: seven; 2005: six; 2004: one; 2003: two; 2002: eight; 2001: 15 and 2000 had eight.