Sandro DeAngelis converted 83.8 per cent of his field goals in five years with the Stampeders. (Ryan Remiorz/Canadian Press)

Hamilton Tiger-Cats head coach Marcel Bellefeuille, who told fans earlier this month the team needed more consistency in the kicking game, delivered in a big way Monday.

The Ticats dipped into the CFL free-agent pool and pulled out the prize catch, kicker Sandro DeAngelis, who hails from nearby Niagara Falls, Ont.

DeAngelis steps in for import kicker Nick Setta, who was released on Jan. 29 after finishing third in the league in kicking points last season with 166.

DeAngelis placed second with 176 points, highlighted by his 42 field goals on 49 attempts. The 28-year-old made 83.8 per cent of his field goals in five years with the Calgary Stampeders and averaged 59.4 yards per kickoff.

"We are pleased to improve our kicking game with the addition of the most accurate kicker in the history of this league," Hamilton general manager Bob O'Billovich said in a statement. "Throughout his career, Sandro has proven to be very consistent and has shown the ability to handle pressure.

"We're looking forward to seeing him perform at a high level in Hamilton."

The five-foot-eight-inch, 195-pound DeAngelis entered free agency after he couldn't negotiate a new contract with the Stampeders.

DeAngelis, the league's most outstanding special teams player in 2006, was Calgary's most outstanding special teams player in each of his five seasons as a Stampeder.

He is also a three-time CFL all-star and was named top Canadian in Calgary's 2008 Grey Cup win over Montreal after nailing all five of his field-goal attempts.