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

[Myk Aussie]

Report direct from Als media. June 20, 2016 – The Montreal Alouettes announced the following transaction.

Player released:
Mitchell White (I), CB, Michigan State

Report direct from Als media. Montreal, June 18, 2016 – The Montreal Alouettes announced the following transactions on Saturday.

Players added to the practice roster:
Martese Jackson (I), RB, Florida Atlantic
Sean Jamieson (N), OL, Western Ontario
Chandler Jones (I), WR, San Jose State
Nate Isles (I), OL, North Carolina A&T
Jared Koster (I), LB, New Mexico Highlands
Corbin Louks (I), WR, Utah
Cam McDaniel (I), RB, Notre Dame
Jonathon Mincy (I), DB, Auburn
Ramon Taylor (I), DB, Michigan
Dominique Termansen (N), DB, UBC

Players released:
Tajh Boyd (I), QB, Clemson
Drew Burko (N), QB, Saskatchewan
Mikhaïl Davidson (N), WR, Montréal
Mike Davis (I), WR, Texas
Jordan Dewalt (N), DE, Duke
Dominique Ellis (I), CB, South Carolina State
Forrestal Hickman (I), OL, Missouri S&T
Mitchell Jeter (I), DT, The Citadel
C.J. Moore (I), DB, North Carolina Central
Hayden Peters (N), DB, St. Francis Xavier
Mackenzie Sarro (N), FB, Calgary
Nick Temple (I), LB, Cincinnati
Matthew Toppan (N), OL, Guelph
Jimmy Underdahl (N), QB, Calgary

Players added to the six-game injured list:
Luc Brodeur-Jourdain (N), C, Laval
Alex Charrette (N), WR, Guelph
Jonathan Crompton (I), QB, Tennessee
Andrew Lue (N), DB, Queen's
Wayne Moore (N), RB, McMaster

Charles Rooke

[Myk Aussie]

Report direct from Als media. Receiver S.J. Green to miss remainder of the season.

Montreal, July 2, 2016 – The Montreal Alouettes announced on Saturday that international receiver S.J. Green will miss the remainder of the season.

Results from the MRI he passed show that he has suffered a complete tear of his medial collateral ligament (MCL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) as well as his meniscus in his right knee.

The 31-year-old receiver suffered this injury in the second quarter of Thursday's game against the Ottawa REDBLACKS. His injury will require many months of rehabilitation.

International running back Tyrell Sutton suffered a sprained medial collateral ligament (MCL) and has been placed on the six-game injured list.

Charles Rooke

[Myk Aussie]

Report direct from Als media. Alouettes place receiver Kenny Stafford on six-game injured list.

Montreal, July 7, 2016 – The Montreal Alouettes announced on Thursday that international receiver Kenny Stafford has been placed on the six-game injured list.

Stafford injured his foot during last Thursday's game and further testing revealed that he suffered a fractured big toe.
 
His injury won't require surgery, but is significant enough that he will be out of the lineup for an extended period of time.

Charles Rooke

[Myk Aussie]

Great CFL player! Nik Lewis @nikel18 on Gabe @sportsrage GTD's TV show today @FNTSYSportsNet! I watched on my Telus TV in Edmonton!
Watch now! https://twitter.com/MykAussie/status/757792445337743361

[Myk Aussie]

Report direct from Als media. John Bowman signs contract extension through 2017.

Montreal, August 2, 2016 – The Montreal Alouettes announced on Tuesday that international defensive end John Bowman signed a contract extension with the club through the 2017 season.

Bowman (6'3", 250 lbs.) is the most prolific quarterback hunter in Alouettes history with 106 career-quarterback sacks on his resume. Following his strongest season in that department as he completed the 2015 with a league-high 19 sacks, the 34-year-old continued where he left off, as he currently leads the team with four sacks in five games, good for second place in the league. In 2015, he also cumulated 46 defensive tackles in 2015, another career-best, which led to his second-career CFL All Star selection.

Bowman, who is in his 11th CFL season, was an important part of the 2009 and 2010 back-to-back Alouettes Grey Cup champion teams. In 150 career-games, all with Montreal, the Brooklyn, NY native amassed 352 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 and currently sits ninth all-time in that department. He has six seasons where he collected 11 sacks or more.

Charles Rooke

[Myk Aussie]

Report direct from Als media. Alouettes acquire Blue Bombers fourth round draft pick in 2017!

Montreal, September 11, 2016 – The Montreal Alouettes announced on Sunday that the club acquired the Winnipeg Blue Bombers fourth round draft pick in the 2017 CFL Canadian Draft in exchange for quarterback Kevin Glenn.

Glenn (5'10", 205 lbs.) was acquired by the Alouettes from the Saskatchewan Roughriders last October in exchange for the team's fifth round draft pick in 2016.

"We would like to thank Kevin Glenn for his contributions with the Alouettes," declared General Manager and Head Coach Jim Popp. "Kevin is a true professional and has been a positive influence on his teammates. We wish him all the best with Winnipeg."

Charles Rooke

[Myk Aussie]

Report direct from Als media. Jacques Chapdelaine named Alouettes interim Head Coach!

Montreal, September 19, 2016 – The Montreal Alouettes announced on Monday that the club has named Jacques Chapdelaine as the team's interim Head Coach for the remainder of the 2016 football season, effective immediately.

Chapdelaine joined the Alouettes in 2016 as the wide receivers coach and special assistant to the offensive coordinator after having served as an Offensive Coordinator in the CFL for seven of the ten prior seasons, including for the BC Lions, Edmonton Eskimos and Saskatchewan Roughriders. His distinguished CFL coaching career includes four Grey Cup appearances and three Grey Cup Championships. Chapdelaine was the Head Coach of the Laval University Rouge et Or from 1997 to 2000, winning the first Vanier Cup in school history in 1999.
 
Owner Bob Wetenhall said, "Jacques is an excellent football coach; he knows the Xs and Os as well as how to get the most out of his personnel. He brings rich experience working with seasoned veterans and teaching talented young players. We have six games left this season and are only two games out of playoff contention. Jacques is the best person to lead an immediate turnaround as we try and make a playoff run. "
 
After serving in the dual role of Head Coach and General Manager for the last year, Jim Popp will focus on his General Manager duties, where he has led the Alouettes to eight East Division Championships and three Grey Cup Championships.
 
Andrew Wetenhall, the Club's Lead Governor, said, "A head coaching change mid-season is challenging, but Jacques is the right man for the job.  Both Jim Popp and [Club President & CEO] Mark Weightman played vital roles in this decision process which led to a unanimous selection, and we believe Jacques will catalyze an immediate and positive effect as we try to make the playoffs."  Wetenhall added that the club will "commence a comprehensive evaluation process for our permanent Head Coach beginning in October of this year.  Each of our current coordinators, as well as Jacques, will be fully vetted as part of this interview process."
 
New Interim Head Coach Jacques Chapdelaine indicated, "I want to thank the Alouettes organization and the Wetenhall family for their faith in me.  This team has a lot of talent; we have six games left, and we are still in it. When I was coaching in BC in 2011, we made a run like this and ended up winning the Grey Cup; that's possible for this group of players."
 
Chapdelaine will make his debut as the 22nd Head Coach of the Montreal Alouettes on Sunday, October 2 when the Alouettes host the Toronto Argonauts at Percival-Molson Memorial Stadium in what will be an important match-up in the East Division playoff race.

Owner and Governor Andrew Wetenhall, President and CEO Mark Weightman, General Manager Jim Popp as well as Head Coach Jacques Chapdelaine will be made available to the media via a conference today at 4:15 p.m.

Charles Rooke

[Myk Aussie]

Reort direct from Als media. Alouettes to make a difference on Thanksgiving!
   
Montreal, October 6, 2016 – In what has become a Thanksgiving tradition for the Alouettes, several players will make their way to The Welcome Hall Mission to serve a holiday meal immediately following their game against the Edmonton Eskimos on Monday at Percival Molson Memorial Stadium.

Samuel Giguère, Chip Cox, Kyries Hebert, Nicolas Boulay, Brandon Rutley, Jean-Christophe Beaulieu, Jacob Ruby, Ethan Davis, Cam McDaniel and DeQuinn Evans will make their way to the homeless shelter starting at 5:30 p.m. and join forces with Welcome Hall Mission staff and fellow volunteers in providing warm meals to people in need.
 
What: Alouettes players serving over 300 Thanksgiving meals to people in need
 
When: Thanksgiving Monday, October 10 at 5:30 p.m.
 
Where: The Welcome Hall Mission, 1490 Saint-Antoine Ouest, Montreal

Charles Rooke

[Myk Aussie]

Report direct from Als media. Alouettes acquire Roughriders' fourth round draft pick!

Montreal, October 12, 2016 – The Montreal Alouettes announced on Wednesday that the club has acquired the Saskatchewan Roughriders' fourth round pick in the 2018 CFL Canadian Draft in exchange for national defensive back Andrew Lue.

Lue (6'2'', 210 lbs.) amassed 25 special teams tackles in 22-career games with the Alouettes. He is in the final year of his contract.

Charles Rooke

[Myk Aussie]

Report direct from Als media. The Alouettes release receivers Duron Carter and Kenny Stafford!

Calgary, October 17, 2016 – The Montreal Alouettes announced on Monday that the club has released international receivers Duron Carter and Kenny Stafford.

Carter (6'5", 205 lbs.) was in his third season with the Alouettes. In 14 games in 2016, the 25-year-old caught 61 passes good for 938 yards and five touchdowns.

Stafford (6'3", 204 lbs.), who was in his second season with the Alouettes, made 16 receptions good for 215 yards, while scoring two touchdowns in 2016.

Charles Rooke

[Myk Aussie]

Report direct from Als media. The Alouettes and their disguised fans plan on stopping the best team in CFL.

Montreal, October 26, 2016 – Montreal Alouettes faithful can expect to be spoiled at the fan appreciation game presented by BMO on Sunday, October 30 at 1:00 pm. The most enthusiastic Alouettes fans are invited to arrive at the Percival Molson Memorial Stadium in their best costumes to encourage their hometown Alouettes to beat the Stampeders, but also to help celebrate Halloween.

The Alouettes will attempt to stop the well-oiled machine that is the Calgary Stampeders, who have not lost a single game since their season opener. The visitors will be looking for their 16th win of the season, which would equal the CFL record set in 1989 by the Edmonton Eskimos. However, the Stampeders will have to overcome several major obstacles, namely the Alouettes tough defensive squad, a renewed offence and an electric atmosphere.

Plenty to watch for on Sunday
Several activities and a ton of surprises will occur throughout this special day. First, fans are encouraged to arrive early in order to enjoy the 5,000 free pancakes that will be distributed during the pre-game tailgate. BMO will be offering Alouettes coloured toques, which will help keep the first 5,500 spectators through the turnstiles warm throughout the game. Further, the team's stadium will be specially decorated for Halloween as pumpkins, scarecrows and even tombstones will adorn the stadium. The Alouettes will also hand over 20,000 rolls of Rockets® candy, specially prepared and colour coated in Alouettes colours for the occasion.
 
Players and members of the organization would like to thank their supporters who came in large numbers throughout the year. For this last football Sunday of the regular season, many gifts will be given out throughout the game, most notably to fans who are wearing costumes. Moreover, there will be a pair of 2017 season tickets offered by BMO, a trip for two to the 104th Grey Cup offered by the CFL, and several pairs of tickets given away for the OVO Cirque du Soleil. The players will thank the crowd in their own way before, during and after the game.

A halftime show for the ages
In the haunting and terrifying setting that is Percival Molson Memorial Stadium, 350 dancers from 11 dance schools of the Greater Montreal area will run a nine-minute choreography on a soundtrack inspired by Halloween classics. Fans who plan to come to the game disguised in their costumes have a lot of work to do in order to stand out, as all the dancers will be dressed in different Halloween themed costumes. The show promises lots of rhythm and chills throughout.

Alouettes to watch
Alouettes fans will want to keep their eye on the promising young quarterback Vernon Adams Jr., who notched a victory in his first CFL start last Saturday against the Roughriders in Regina. Adams Jr. had his full repertoire on display, performing at a very high level despite the atrocious weather and harsh environment of Mosaic Stadium.

For his part, veteran defensive end John Bowman continues to increase the gap as the Alouettes' all time sack leader. With 111 career sacks, he now stands alone in 8th place on the CFL's all-time sack leaders list.

By notching another seven tackles last week, linebacker Bear Woods increased his total for the season to 117, which allowed him to surpass the franchise record set by Chip Cox. He currently sits tied for first place in CFL. The pillar of Noel Thorpe's defensive unit continues to impress. He is on pace for the best season in his CFL career.

On the offensive side of the ball, Alouettes fans will to continue to witness the ascension of Nik Lewis in the CFL record book. His 90 receptions this year put him one behind Allen Pitts, who sits in 5th place all-time with 966 passes caught. The fourth ranked receiver on this list may also be in Lewis' sight, as Darren Flutie has recorded 972 receptions during his brilliant career. Lewis is 25 yards shy of the 1,000-yard plateau, which he could reach for the 10th time in his career, an exploit only two other receivers have accomplished in the CFL's storied history.

Alouettes 2015 MOP Stefan Logan continues to impress this season. Logan has collected an impressive total of 2,312 all-purpose yards so far this season. If the Alouettes' speedster continues at this pace, he could beat the mark he set last season, when he accumulated 2,557 yards, the third highest total in Alouettes history. The legendary Mike Pringle sits in second place in team history with 2,567 combined yards during the 1997 season.

Still a few tickets available
A few tickets are still available for this meeting between the Alouettes and Stampeders. For the last time this fall, the best sporting atmosphere in town awaits football fans. You can purchase tickets at www.montrealalouettes.com/billets-individuels-2016
or 514 787-2525.

Charles Rooke

[Myk Aussie]

Report direct from Als media. Woods, Logan, Matte, Giguère and Mincy named Alouettes 2016 Most Outstanding Players!
      
Montreal, November 2, 2016 – The Canadian Football League announced on Wednesday the Montreal Alouettes' nominees for the 2016 Most Outstanding Player awards as selected by the voting members of the Football Reporters of Canada (FRC) and CFL head coaches. Linebacker Bear Woods has impressed throughout the season and was named the Alouettes' Most Outstanding Player and Most Outstanding Defensive Player for this 2016 campaign, while his teammate Stefan Logan deserved the honour on special teams for a second consecutive season. Kristian Matte was named the Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman, while Samuel Giguère received the nod as the team's Most Outstanding Canadian Player. Defensive back Jonathon Mincy earned the recognition for Most Outstanding Rookie.

Most Outstanding Player and Most Outstanding Defensive Player: Bear Woods
After seing his 2015 season cut short following the second game of the season, Woods rapidly proved that he was once again on top of his game this season as he was an important cog of the Alouettes fierce defensive squad. With one game left to play, the 29-year-old linebacker leads the team with 129 defensive tackles on the season, which is also a new team record. Even if opposing offences are constantly watching out for him, he also managed to create turnovers and make teams lose precious yards, as he recorded five quarterback sacks, four tackles for losses, two interceptions on the season, all while forcing four fumbles and recovering one.

Most Outstanding Special Teams Player: Stefan Logan
The Alouettes kick returner did not skip a beat in 2016, as he currently leads the CFL with 2,300 total return yards on the season. He once again surpassed the 1,000-yard mark on kickoff returns. With one game remaining this season, he amassed 1,182 yards, surpassing the team record he had set the previous season. He also cumulated 987 punt-return yards and should reach the 1,000-yard plateau once more on Saturday.

Most Outstanding Canadian: Samuel Giguère
Once again this season, the speedy Alouettes' receiver continues to be an important part of the Alouettes offence. He scored a team-high six touchdowns this season, tied with two other players. The former Vert & Or product caught 31 passes good for 347 yards and three touchdowns. He also poses an important threat in the Alouettes red-zone offence, who leads the CFL with a 61.9% conversion rate, as he scored three rushing touchdowns on seven carries. Giguère was also a factor on special teams where he amassed 223 yards on 11 kickoff returns.

Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman: Kristian Matte
Matte took over at the centre position at the start of the season and did not miss a single start in 17 games. A pillar on the offensive line, the veteran lineman worked with two rookies on his squad, while working with four different quarterbacks. He helped running backs Tyrell Sutton and Brandon Rutley both rack up over 400 rushing yards on the season.

Most Outstanding Rookie: Jonathon Mincy
The cornerback position is one of the toughest positions to play at in the CFL and the job is that much harder when you are a rookie, but that didn't prevent Jonathon Mincy from shining on the Alouettes defence, starting every game at the position. The 24-year-old rookie ranks sixth on the team with 53 defensive tackles. He also pilfered a pass, while forcing two fumbles and knocking down five passes.

Charles Rooke

[Myk Aussie]

Report direct from Als media. Jim Popp will not return to the Montreal Alouettes.
 
Montreal, November 7, 2016 – The Montreal Alouettes Football Club announced that after 21 years of service to the Club, Vice-President & General Manager Jim Popp will not be returning to the Alouettes for the 2017 season.

"Jim's leadership over the last 20-plus years has created a football legacy, delivering Montreal three Grey Cups and eight Eastern Division titles during his tenure. We are very grateful for his dedication and personal sacrifice to the Alouettes franchise. We know this team is positioned to get back to its winning ways in 2017," said owner Bob Wetenhall.   

The Club already has commenced its search for the next General Manager. Lead Governor, Andrew Wetenhall said: "We are 100% committed to bringing the Grey Cup back to Montreal, and our record over the last several years has not been acceptable. Our General Manager search is focused on candidates that will embrace the Club's three guiding principles: delivering championship football to our fans; supporting the success of our players and staff; and giving back to the Montreal and greater Quebec community."

Charles Rooke
 

[Myk Aussie]

Report direct from Als media. Woods named East Division Most Outstanding Defensive Player.

Montreal, November 10, 2016 – The Canadian Football League announced its finalists for the year-end Most Outstanding Player Awards on Thursday and Alouettes linebacker Bear Woods will represent the East Division as its top defensive player.

Most Outstanding Defensive Player: Bear Woods

Woods, the leader of the Alouettes defensive squad this past season, amassed 126 defensive tackles, good for second in the CFL, while setting a new team record. The 29-year-old also contributed in the turnover category, as he pilfered two passes, forced three fumbles and recovered one in 18 games. He also racked up five quarterbacks sacks and four tackles for losses.

Woods' efforts throughout the season helped the Alouettes defence allow a league-low 32 touchdowns. The 415 points the team surrendered during the season, was the second lowest total in the CFL. The unit also led the League in red zone defence, as only 44,4% of opponents scored when they made their way inside the Alouettes 20-yard line.

Charles Rooke

[Myk Aussie]

Alouettes to make major announcement!
   
Montreal, December 13, 2016 – The Montreal Alouettes invite the members of the media to a press conference on Wednesday, December 14, 2016 at 2:00 p.m.