Nelson Lugela has appealed his conviction and sentence after the killing of Stampeders player Mylan Hicks, saying the sentence was "extremely brutal in light of circumstantial evidence."

Nelson Lugela, 21, received an automatic life sentence and it was left to the court to determine his parole ineligibility period.

A sentencing hearing began Thursday for a man convicted of second-degree murder in the death of a Calgary Stampeders football player.

A judge has found Nelson Lugela guilty of second-degree murder in the slaying of a Calgary Stampeders football player Mylan Hicks.

Marquee Beer Market did not respond to a request for comment.

Mylan Hicks isn't with the Calgary Stampeders for Sunday's Grey Cup, but his memory is everywhere.

Preliminary trial dates have been scheduled for the man accused of killing Calgary Stampeder Mylan Hicks.

The Calgary Stampeders member and Detroit native is being honoured by university Saturday.

The man accused of killing Calgary Stampeder Mylan Hicks made his first court appearance on Friday.

Fans, friends and teammates of slain Calgary Stampeder Mylan Hicks gathered at McMahon Stadium on Wednesday for a public vigil.