The B.C. Lions have re-signed Canadian linebackers Ben Hladik and Isaiah Messam, both of whom were pending free agents. Hladik is now signed through 2027, while Messam is signed through 2026.
Hladik played 18 regular-season games in 2025 and recorded 47 defensive tackles, eight special teams tackles, one sack, one interception, and one forced fumble.
The six-foot-four, 235-pound native of Vernon, B.C. was originally a third-round pick in the 2021 CFL Draft out of the University of British Columbia. He has since played 82 regular-season games with the Lions, making 275 defensive tackles, 21 special teams tackles, 11 sacks, five interceptions, and three forced fumbles.
“Ben has consistently performed for B.C. since we drafted him in 2021,” said general manager Ryan Rigmaiden in a statement. “He’s got the size, speed and instincts to make plays on defence and special teams.”
Messam played eight regular-season games in 2025, recording two special teams tackles.
The 30-year-old native of Hamilton, Ont. has spent seven seasons with B.C., making 38 defensive tackles, 54 special teams tackles, and one sack.
The B.C. Lions finished second in the West Division standings in 2025 with an 11-7 record and beat the Calgary Stampeders in the West Semi-Final before losing the West Final to the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Nathan Rourke threw for 5,290 yards, 31 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions over 16 regular-season starts, posting an 11-5 record. He was also named the CFL’s Most Outstanding Player.
The Lions ranked first in net offence, fourth in net defence, and sixth with a turnover differential of minus-four. James Butler rushed for 1,213 yards, Keon Hatcher led the CFL with 1,688 receiving yards, and Micah Awe led the league with 117 tackles. B.C. finished third in attendance with average crowds of 27,124, which was a 0.9 percent increase from the previous year.
