Solomon anxious for his debut

The edge of Kolten Solomon's seat can get a rest today.

On Sunday, Solomon had to sit and wait to hear the outcome of the game between his new team, the Regina Thunder, and the host Edmonton Huskies.

Solomon, one of Regina's prized recruits in the off-season, had to miss the Prairie Football Conference opener while awaiting his official release from the Vancouver Island Raiders, for whom he played in 2008.

"When Kyle McFetridge (Regina's running backs coach) texted me the score I was pretty excited," Solomon said of the 51-11 Thunder victory. "But during the game I couldn't get live stats on the Internet so I was kind of nervous like, 'What's going on?' "

It has been equally difficult waiting for today's contest with the Saskatoon Hilltops (7 p.m., Mosaic Stadium), which will serve as Solomon's PFC debut.

"I'm pretty excited," said the 5-foot-11, 175-pound receiver/returner. "It was a good week of practice for me. The offence is prepared."

That excitement has spread to several others.

"He brings that deep threat," said quarterback Reid Quest, who now has Solomon, PFC player-of-the-week Jeff Bolen and veterans Jonathan Probe and Jay Smith leading his receiving corps. "Teams will have to adjust to where (Solomon) is on the field. We have to get the ball to him early and often. He's one of those guys that when he gets the ball, he can make a short pass into a 50-yard touchdown."

"He really knows how to go to the ball -- that's probably his biggest strength -- and make plays," added Regina head coach Erwin Klempner. "He has made plays in practice already that just make you think, 'There's no way ... ' "

Solomon will share punt and kickoff return duties with Mike Schienbein, Shohruh Noraliev and Chad Anthony.

Solomon's timing is pretty good for the Thunder as well. The Hilltops, the defending PFC champions, have had stingy defences as of late, holding opponents to just 54 points in eight games in 2008. Saskatoon, however, gave up 21 points in its opener against the Winnipeg Rifles.

"I'm a playmaker and hopefully we'll be throwing the ball in (Saskatoon's) zone (defence)," said Solomon. "Reid will make the good decisions and march us down the field."

RUMBLINGS: Bolen, who also serves as the Thunder placekicker and punter, is listed as probable with a hamstring injury. Defensive end Zach Evans (concussion) will not play ... Regina has added Evan Hoffman to its roster. The former LeBoldus Golden Suns quarterback has spent time with the University of Regina Rams, the Alberta Golden Bears and South Surrey Rams since graduating from high school in 2005. Hoffman will only see action as an emergency backup.