Updated June 9! Als news cont! Wow! Coach Mike Sherman fired!

[Myk Aussie]

Report direct from Als media. Montreal, January 18, 2016 – The Montreal Alouettes announced on Monday that defensive end John Bowman signed a new one-year deal with the club.

Bowman (6'3", 250 lbs.) is the most prolific quarterback hunter in Alouettes history with 102 career-quarterback sacks on his resume. He is coming off his strongest season in that department as he completed the year with a league-high 19 sacks. The 33-year-old also cumulated 46 defensive tackles in 2015, another career-best, which led to his second-career CFL All Star selection.

"We are obviously ecstatic that John has decided to continue his playing career with the Alouettes," declared General Manager and Head Coach Jim Popp. "John's hard work on and off the field continues to pay dividends for him and our organization during his storied career."

Bowman, a 10-season CFL veteran, was an important part of the 2009 and 2010 back-to-back Alouettes Grey Cup champion teams. In 145 career-games, all with Montreal, the Brooklyn, NY native amassed 336 defensive tackles, while forcing 23 fumbles and knocking down seven passes. He is one of only ten players to reach the 100-career-sacks mark in the rich history of the CFL. He has six seasons where he collected 11 sacks or more.

Charles Rooke

[Myk Aussie]

Report direct from Als media. Montreal, January 19, 2016 – The Montreal Alouettes announced on Tuesday that the club has signed veteran national offensive lineman Dominic Picard to a one-year deal.

Picard (6'2", 310 lbs.) played ten seasons in the CFL, helping the Saskatchewan Roughriders win the Grey Cup in 2013. He also played for the Toronto Argonauts and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, who selected him in the third round (23rd overall) of the 2006 CFL Canadian Draft. Last season, he started 14 games at centre for Winnipeg. The 33-year-old played 151 career-games in the CFL, starting 143 of them. He was voted the most outstanding offensive lineman of the Argonauts in 2011 and of the Roughriders in 2012 and 2014.

"We welcome Dominic home and to the Montreal Alouettes. His availability and passion to play in Montreal come at a time of need," said Alouettes General Manager and Head Coach Jim Popp. "With the injury to Luc Brodeur-Jourdain, we obviously had some concern with depth at the centre position. Picard's acquisition brings veteran leadership and experience to our talented offensive line."

In the collegiate ranks, the Sainte-Foy, QC native played for the Université Laval Rouge et Or, winning the Vanier Cup twice. He was the recipient of the J.P. Metras trophy in 2005, awarded to the top offensive lineman in the country. He was named a CIS All-Canadian in 2004 and 2005. He was also voted the Quebec conference rookie of the year in 2002.

Dominic Picard will be available for interviews at 2:00 p.m. today at the team's Olympic Stadium offices (entrance via outside door at 4549 Pierre-de-Coubertin).

Charles Rooke

[Myk Aussie]

Report direct from Als media. Nik Lewis back with the Alouettes in 2016.
   
Montreal, January 20, 2016 – The Montreal Alouettes announced on Wednesday that international slotback Nik Lewis will return with the club in 2016 after signing a one-year deal.

Lewis (5'10", 240 lbs.) showed once again in 2015 that his hands are a safe haven for any balls thrown in his direction as he completed the season with 70 receptions good for 743 yards and two majors in 17 games. He finished the season second on the Alouettes for receiving yards, behind only S.J. Green. In his 11th season, the veteran also proved he was still difficult to tackle, which enabled him able to stretch plays on numerous occasions, as 422 of his 743 receiving yards came after a catch.

"Nik's presence on the field and in the locker room brought a positive influence to our team last year," declared Alouettes General Manager and Head Coach Jim Popp. "He quickly was accepted as a leader and was leaned on for advice by many. We welcome Nik's confidence and toughness back in 2016."

In 2015, the 33-year-old climbed to number ten on the CFL all-time receiving yards list with 11,995 career receiving yards. He also sits seventh for all-time receptions with a total of 875. The Mineral Wells, TX native won the Grey Cup twice during his illustrious career in 2008 and 2014 with the Calgary Stampeders.

Charles Rooke

[Myk Aussie]

Report direct from Als media. Montreal, January 25, 2016 – The Montreal Alouettes announced on Monday that Duron Carter will return with the team in 2016, as the 24-year-old international wide receiver signed a new one-year deal with the club.
 
Carter (6'5", 205 lbs.) made his professional debut with the Alouettes in 2013, cumulating 1,939 receiving yards on 124 catches while scoring 12 majors in two seasons in Montreal. He led the CFL in his rookie season with an impressive average of 18.6 yards per catch. Carter was a member of the Indianapolis Colts practice roster in 2015. He was the Colts' leading receiver following the team's pre-season games with 126 receiving yards on nine receptions, maintaining an average of 14 yards per catch.
 
"We welcome Duron back to the Alouettes family. His ability to make big plays will add unlimited potential to our new revamped offense," said Alouettes General Manager and Head Coach Jim Popp.
 
During his last season with the Alouettes in 2014, the Fort Lauderdale, FL native was voted a CFL All-Star with 75 catches good for 1,030 yards while scoring seven touchdowns in only 15 games. He also scored a touchdown on a spectacular 123-yard missed field goal return. He had his best career-outing that season on November 2, when he caught eight passes for 181 yards and one touchdown in a win against the Toronto Argonauts.
 
In only 11 games in his rookie season in 2013, Carter made 49 catches for gains of 909 yards.
 
Charles Saindon-Courtois

[Myk Aussie]

Report direct from Als media. Electrifying returner Stefan Logan back with the Alouettes in 2016.

Montreal, January 29, 2016 – The Montreal Alouettes announced on Friday that the club has renewed running back and returner Stefan Logan's contract for the 2016 season.

Logan (5'6", 180 lbs.) had an exceptional season with the Alouettes in 2015, as he racked up 1,168 yards on kickoff returns and 1,073 yards on punt returns, both CFL-bests last season as well as Alouettes team records. The electrifying 34-year-old returner ran two kickoffs all the way back for touchdowns and also led the CFL with 179 yards on missed field goal returns.
 
"The addition of Stefan has brought a three dimensional effect to our offense and special teams that we haven't had in a few years," said Alouettes General Manager and Head Coach Jim Popp. "His leadership, non-stop hard work and professionalism have become infectious around the locker room and have made Stef one of the most popular guys on the team."
 
In addition to leading the CFL in 2015, Logan's 2,557 total combined yards from last season are third best in Alouettes history, behind only the exceptional seasons of Mike Pringle (2,567 yards in 1997) and Hal Patterson (2,858 yards in 1956).
 
The former South Dakota University Coyote will be in his fifth CFL season, he who has also played for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Detroit Lions where he amassed 5,782 combined yards in four seasons.

Charles Saindon-Courtois

[Myk Aussie]

Tony Proudfoot to the Canadian Sports Hall Of Fame!

Listen to Rich Moffat talk about this current endeavour on Dave Jamieson's TSN1260 Edmonton sports radio show. At the 18min 50sec mark.
http://www.tsn.ca/radio/edmonton-1260/dave-jamieson-show-january-29-hour-1-1.430541

[Myk Aussie]

Report direct from Als media. Anwar Stewart promoted to Defensive Line Coach.
   
Montreal, February 2, 2016 – The Montreal Alouettes have granted coach Keith Willis' request to accept a role with the Tennessee Titans coaching staff and have announced that long-time Alouette Anwar Stewart has been promoted to defensive line coach for the 2016 season.

Stewart began his coaching career with the Alouettes in 2014 as the team's Defensive Quality Control Coach, and has progressed ever since, having recently been promoted to defensive end coach. The numerous seasons he spent terrorizing opposing quarterbacks during his playing career and his knowledge of defensive strategies have contributed to making the team's defence one of the most feared in the CFL, in terms of average points allowed per game and number of quarterback sacks.

"Anwar has been working hard and waiting for this opportunity. We have the utmost confidence that he is ready for this role, said Alouettes General Manager and Head Coach Jim Popp. "Anwar brings passion and energy to work everyday."

A Grey Cup champion with the Alouettes in 2002, 2009 and 2010, Stewart played eleven seasons in Montreal and ranks second on the team's all-time sack list with 66, second only to John Bowman (102). Selected as the CFL's Most Outstanding Defensive player in 2004, the 38-year old coach was named a CFL All-Star in 2004 and 2009.

"I would like to thank the Alouettes and Jim Popp for this awesome opportunity to coach a team that I not only played for, but also love so much. I can't wait to get to work," said Stewart, a Montreal resident.

The entire Montreal Alouettes organization would like to thank Keith Willis for his three years with the team and wish him good luck in his future endeavours.

Charbonneau to coach running backs
The club also announced that Paul Charbonneau has been named the team's new running back coach.

The Ottawa, ON native was the assistant offensive line coach with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers the past two seasons. He was previously the assistant head coach, run game coordinator and offensive line coach with the Avila University Eagles in Missouri.

The former Mount Allison Mountie offensive lineman started his coaching career with his university team before making stops at the University of North Dakota, Saint Francis University and Valley City State University. He was a guest coach at CFL training camps on five separate occasions between 2007 and 2011.

Charles Rooke

[Myk Aussie]

Report direct from Als media. Éric Deslauriers announces retirement, remains an Alouette.

Montreal, February 4, 2016 – Following a nine-season career in the CFL, all of which with the Alouettes, receiver Éric Deslauriers announced his retirement from football on Thursday. He will however remain with the organization as he has accepted the position of Football Operations Assistant and Scout with the club.

Deslauriers (6'4", 206 lbs.) caught 99 passes good for 1,334 yards while scoring three touchdowns in 115-career games. He was the Alouettes first-round (seventh overall) draft pick in the 2007 CFL Canadian Draft. In 2011, he caught Anthony Calvillo's historic 395th touchdown pass, which allowed the CFL's most prolific passer to climb into first place all-time in that category. Deslauriers also contributed on special teams throughout his career, racking up 14 special teams tackles and blocking a punt he returned for a touchdown.

The Calgary native who grew up in the Ottawa region helped the Alouettes secure back-to-back Grey Cups in 2009 and 2010. He gained an important first down in the 2010 championship game with a 10-yard run on a fake punt. In seven playoff games, he amassed 190 yards on 11 catches while scoring a major. Deslauriers was also a pilar for the Together at school with the Alouettes program, reaching thousands of kids throughout Quebec schools, helping them make the right decisions and to stay in school.

"We congratulate Éric for a wonderful career and for all his dedication to the Alouettes on and off the field. He has always had a natural ability to raise the level of practice everyday with his energy and has been a positive influence to his teammates and staff.," declared Alouettes General Manager and Head Coach. "I have said to him several times over the years that he would be a great addition to our organization once his playing days were over. Sometimes timing is everything and we are fortunate to have him join the entourage."

His new duties will comprise, among other things, of analyzing and evaluating all the talent for the upcoming CFL Canadian Draft. The former Eastern Michigan University Eagle will also be responsible for advance scouting once the season gets underway.

"I would like to thank our owner Bob Wetenhall and Jim Popp for allowing me to play at home in front of my friends and family for nine beautiful years. I would also like to thank all of my former coaches and teammates who allowed us to be successful in Montreal throughout the years," said Deslauriers. I will never forget the two Grey Cups we won and the parades the city threw for us following those victories. I am excited about getting my second football career started with the Alouettes."

Deslauriers will be available for interviews at the team's football operations office today at 2:00 p.m. (enter via the door located at 4549 Pierre-de-Coubertin).

Charles Rooke

[Myk Aussie]

Report direct from Als media. Alouettes sign James Tuck to a new one-year deal

Montreal, February 5, 2016 – The Montreal Alouettes announced on Friday that dual threat national defensive end and fullback James Tuck has signed a new one-year deal with the team.

Tuck (6'0", 230 lbs.) played two seasons with the Alouettes after being selected in the fourth round (31st overall) by Montreal in the CFL Canadian Draft in 2014. In 14-career games, he made seven special teams tackles and one defensive tackle. The versatile 25-year-old athlete was also used as a fullback last season. He amassed four special teams tackles in the team's two playoff games in 2014.

"James is one of the hardest working players on the team. He has been making a nice transition to fullback and creates match-up problems on special teams," said Alouettes General Manager and Head Coach Jim Popp.

The Aurora, ON native played college football with the York University Lions, where he recorded 41.5 tackles, good for eleventh place in the conference, and 4.5 sacks in his last season in 2013.

Charles Rooke

[Myk Aussie]

Report direct from Als media. Jacques Chapdelaine joins Alouettes coaching staff.

Montreal, February 8, 2016 – The Montreal Alouettes announced on Monday that Jacques Chapdelaine will be joining the club's coaching staff as he has accepted the position of Wide Receiver Coach and Special Advisor to the Offensive Coordinator.

Chapdelaine returns to Montreal, he who suited up for the Concordes and Alouettes in 1985 and 1986. The 54-year-old coach brings 13 seasons of CFL coaching experience with him. Last year, he was the Saskatchewan Roughriders' offensive coordinator and quarterback coach, helping the team finish third in the CFL with 6,442 total yards on offence and finishing atop the league with 2,150 rushing yards. He helped his teams win three Grey Cups in 2001 (Calgary), 2003 and 2013 (British Columbia). As an offensive coordinator in the CFL, he shows a record of 82-79-1 and led his team to four Grey Cup games.

"I am pleased to announce the addition of Coach Jacques Chapdelaine to our coaching staff. His years of expertise in the CFL, as a coach and as a player, are invaluable," said Alouettes General Manager and Head Coach Jim Popp. "He has been extremely creative over his career, and has found a way to help motivate individuals to some of their career-best. His chartered career has repetitively produced outstanding offensive output wherever he has been."

The Sherbrooke, QC native is no stranger to coaching in La Belle Province, as he was the Université Laval Rouge et Or head coach from 1997 to 2000. He led the team to its first Vanier Cup championship in 1999, making Université Laval the first francophone university in the country to win a national championship. In four seasons as the Rouge et Or head coach he led the team to a 21-11 record, including the team's first perfect regular season when the team finished the 2000 season with an 8-0 record. He was also the offensive coordinator for the Bishop's University Gaiters for four seasons.

As a player in the CFL, Chapdelaine played seven seasons as a receiver, hauling in 166 passes good for 2,026 yards while scoring six majors in 94 games.

Chapdelaine joins an offensive coaching staff already comprised of Anthony Calvillo (offensive coordinator and quarterback coach), Kris Sweet (offensive line), Paul Charbonneau (running backs) and Jason Hogan (quality control).

Chapdelaine will be made available for interviews at the team's football operations offices at Olympic Stadium on Wednesday, February 10 at 1:00 p.m. and won't be available for interviews before that time. Offensive coordinator Anthony Calvillo will also be made available on Wednesday. He will also participate in a live chat Q&A with the team's fans via the Alouettes Facebook page on Thursday, February 11 at noon.

Charles Rooke

[Myk Aussie]

Report direct from Als media. Montreal, February 9, 2016 – The Montreal Alouettes announced on Tuesday that international cornerback Mitchell White signed a new one-year deal with the club. White was scheduled to become a free agent at noon today.

White (5'11", 185 lbs.) amassed 31 defensive tackles in 15 games last season. The 25-year-old also knocked down two passes. In two seasons with Montreal, the former Michigan State Spartan made 61 defensive tackles and picked off one pass in 26 games.

"Mitchell has continued to grow while being with our team. He consistently locked down a starting position last season and offers us security at the wide side of the field. His best football is on the horizon," said Alouettes General Manager and Head Coach Jim Popp.

The Alouettes starting cornerback had his most productive game of the season on August 8 against the Ottawa REDBLACKS, when he recorded five defensive tackles. He also registered one special teams tackle last season.

Charles Rooke

[Myk Aussie]

Report direct from Als media. Samuel Giguère and Winston Venable remain with the Alouettes.

Montreal, February 9, 2016 – The Montreal Alouettes announced on Tuesday that national receiver Samuel Giguère and international linebacker Winston Venable will remain with the Alouettes, as they have respectively signed new two-year and one-year deals with the club.

Giguère (6'00", 218 lbs.) had his must productive season as a professional with the Alouettes last season. The Sherbrooke, QC native collected 368 receiving yards on 39 catches while scoring four majors in 15 regular season games. He was a double-threat for the offence, as he also recording 117 rushing yards on 16 carries. During his four seasons in CFL, the 30-year-old amassed 1,911 yards on 155 receptions. He also added seven touchdowns in 57-career games in the CFL.

"It's excellent news to keep Samuel in Montreal where he belongs. His solid leadership, accountability, durability are characteristics that all of his teammates cherish," said Alouettes General Manager and Head Coach, Jim Popp.

He had a tremendous college career, which is why the Hamilton Tiger-Cats made him their first-round draft pick (eighth overall) in the CFL Canadian Draft in 2008. He was voted the CIS rookie of the year in 2005 with the Sherbrooke University Vert et Or and was elected an All-Canadian following the 2007 season.

Giguère spent two seasons on the Indianapolis Colts practice roster prior to joining the CFL ranks in 2012. All while practicing with legendary quarterback Peyton Manning on a daily basis with the Colts, he also dressed for a game during which he returned five kickoffs for 122 yards. He was also a member of the New York Giants practice quad in 2011.

Venable (5'11", 220 lbs.) had a great 2015 season, his first full season as a starter, as he was elected a CFL All-Star. He neutralized offensive units across the CFL, as he amassed an impressive total of 104 defensive tackles, which placed him first on the Alouettes and third in the CFL. He was also voted the Alouettes most outstanding defensive player. The 28-year-old also collected five quarterback sacks while forcing a fumble and knocking down three passes. His input helped the Alouettes defence surrender only 22.3 points per game all while sacking opposing quarterbacks 55 times during the course of the season, good for second place in the CFL.

"Winston has quickly elevated himself as one of the top defensive players in the league. This was an important re-signing to help anchor our defensive scheme. His work ethic and love for the game makes it a real joy to coach him on a daily basis," declared Popp.

In three seasons in Montreal, the former Boise State University Bronco collected 158 defensive tackles, including five sacks while forcing four fumbles in 37 games.

Charles Rooke

[Myk Aussie]

Report direct from Als media. Kenny Stafford returns to the nest.

Montreal, February 9, 2016 – The Montreal Alouettes announced on Tuesday that international receiver Kenny Stafford is returning to the nest, as he has signed a one-year deal with the club.

Stafford (6'3", 204 lbs.) helped the Eskimos win the Grey Cup last season following a trade during the off-season. In 18 games with the Eskimos, the 25-year-old completed the season with 732 receiving yards on 47 catches, while leading the team with nine touchdown receptions.

"We are very happy to have Kenny back in the nest. He brings size, speed, and big play abilities to the lineup," said Alouettes General Manager and Head Coach, Jim Popp.

The former University of Toledo Rocket will once again team up with his cousin Duron Carter, as the two had played together in Montreal in 2014. During the Western Final with the Eskimos, Stafford made three catches for 74 yards while scoring a major. He also caught a 24-yard pass during the Eskimos' Grey Cup victory.

Charles Rooke

[Myk Aussie]

Report direct from Als media. Alouettes sign national defensive tackle Vaughn Martin.
      
Montreal, February 10, 2016 – The Montreal Alouettes announced on Wednesday that the club has signed national defensive tackle Vaughn Martin to a two-year deal.

Martin (6'4", 300 lbs.) has spent the last seven seasons in the NFL after being drafted in the fourth round (113th overall) by the San Diego Chargers in 2009. In 51 career-games in the NFL, the 29-year-old amassed 79 defensive tackles and three quarterback sacks, while forcing a fumble. Martin played four seasons with the Chargers before joining the Miami Dolphins in 2013. He then spent some time with the Detroit Lions and Kansas City Chiefs.

"This has been a long and calculated process to finally get Vaughn to Montreal. Talks have gone on over the last couple of years, up to Vaughn making a visit to Montreal and taking a medical," declared Alouettes General Manager and Head Coach. "Vaughn has a chance to come in and offer us a force inside, partnered with Alan-Michael Cash, that could cause teams a lot of problems. We obviously are excited about the possibilities and welcome him to the Alouettes."

Born in Negril, Jamaica, Martin was drafted in the fifth round (39th overall) by the Alouettes in the 2011 CFL Canadian Draft. Growing up in Ontario, Martin played CIS football with the Western Ontario University Mustangs. In 12 games during his last season with the Mustnags in 2008, he collected 36 tackles including 3.5 sacks and 7.5 tackles for losses while returning an interception for a touchdown, forcing a fumble and recovering two. Prior to his university career, he helped team Canada win the 2006 NFL World Global championship in Detroit with a 5-0 record. He was named to the All-tournament team.

Charles Rooke

[Myk Aussie]

Report direct from Als media. Alouettes bring in Jovon Johnson, keep Dominique Ellis.
      
Montreal, February 10, 2016 – The Montreal Alouettes announced on Wednesday that the club has signed international defensive backs Jovon Johnson and Dominique Ellis to one and two-year deals respectively.

Johnson (5'9", 189 lbs.) played nine seasons in the CFL, including the last two with the Ottawa REDBLACKS, which he helped reach the Grey Cup game last November. In 2015 with Ottawa, the 32-year-old made 54 defensive tackles while picking off five passes. During his CFL tenure, the former University of Iowa Hawkeye amassed 464 defensive tackles, including two sacks while pilfering 28 passes and forcing eight fumbles. He was named the CFL's Most Outstanding Defensive Player following the 2011 season when he made 55 defensive tackles and no less than eight interceptions with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

"Jovon brings experience to the position. He has played at a consistent all-star level for many years and has also added the threat of being a dangerous returner to the mix," said Alouettes General Manager and Head Coach Jim Popp.

Ellis (5'11", 185 lbs.) will return to the Alouettes for his third season. In 2015, the 26-year-old Wendell, NC native cumulated 45 defensive tackles and two interceptions. He had his best game on August 27 when he made six defensive tackles helping the Alouettes become the first team to beat the Hamilton Tiger-Cats at Tim Hortons Field.

"Dominique has continued to grow during his time with us. He had a stellar first year as a starter in 2015 and he brings an added value as well as attitude to our special teams," declared Popp.

Charles Rooke