Bronislaus "Fred" Kijek (1919-1986) was a Grey Cup champion and All-Star fullback in the early days of Canadian football. He was also an excellent punter and flying wing.

Fred Kijek
Date of birthOctober 4, 1919
Place of birthHamilton, Ontario, Canada
Date of deathMarch 21, 1986
Career information
Position(s)FB/P/Flying Wing
Career history
As player
1940Hamilton Tigers
1941Toronto Argonauts
1942–1943Toronto RCAF Hurricanes
1944Camp Borden RCAF Fliers
1945–1946Toronto Indians
1947–1949Montreal Alouettes
1950–1951Hamilton Tiger-Cats
Career highlights and awards
CFL All-Star1942, 1945
Honors1942, 1949 - Grey Cup Champion

The son of Joseph Kijek and Mary Buita, Kijek was a well traveled football player. During World War II he played with his hometown Hamilton Tigers, the Toronto Argonauts (playing five regular season and two playoff games), the Toronto RCAF Hurricanes (with whom he won his first Grey Cup), and the Camp Borden RCAF Fliers. He played for the Toronto Indians for a couple of seasons, then joined the inaugural Montreal Alouettes team in 1946. He won his second Grey Cup with them in 1949, his "terrific" punting being a key to victory.[1] He returned home for his final two seasons with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.[2]

Kijek was twice an Ontario Rugby Football Union all star. He died on March 21, 1986.

References

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  1. ^ Montreal Alouettes Pack Power, Passing, Speed Ottawa Citizen, November 23, 1949
  2. ^ "Profile: Fred Kijek". CFLapedia.com. Retrieved August 18, 2023.