Leif Pettersen 1950 -2008

Leif Pettersen 1950 -2008

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats are mourning the loss of former player Leif Pettersen who passed away last night.

"Though best known as a prolific receiver with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, Leif enjoyed four productive seasons with the Ticats to end his career," said president Scott Mitchell. "After a terrific playing career, he went on to become a great ambassador and spokesman for the league, including a long and distinguished career as a television personality, where he was a natural. On a personal note, Leif was a trusted friend and confidant. Always an optimist, he had an infectious attitude and demeanour and one never left a meeting or social occasion with him with anything but a smile and a positive outlook. He was truly one of the good guys in the sports business. Leif has been a great friend to the Ticats organization and on behalf of everybody within our organization we would like to extend our sympathies to the Pettersen family."

Pettersen joined the Ticats in 1978 after spending the first four years of his career with the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Pettersen was named an All-Star in and was the runner-up for the CFL’s Most Outstanding Canadian award after leading the East in receptions in 1979.

Following his eight-year playing career, Pettersen began working with TSN as a game analyst in 1986. In addition to his role at TSN, Pettersen worked at RBC Sports Professionals & Private Client Group as Director of Business Development, managing banking and investments for more than 800 athletes, coaches and sports executives across North America.