Alexandre Gagne anticipates that the Montreal Alouettes may attract new supporters during the upcoming Grey Cup clash against the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Sunday. As the special-teams captain, Gagne believes that the sold-out Princess Auto Stadium in Winnipeg, typically home to the Winnipeg Blue Bomber fans, will not switch their allegiance to the green-and-white Riders, as it goes against their ingrained loyalty. Gagne expressed his confidence that the Blue Bombers will back the Alouettes, emphasizing that despite the outcome, a team in blue will emerge victoriously.
Having started his CFL career in 2017, Gagne, a backup linebacker hailing from St. Hubert, Quebec, spent three seasons with the Roughriders before joining the Alouettes in 2021. The Bombers transitioned to face Montreal in the CFL East Division semifinal, resulting in a loss that prevented Winnipeg from competing at home for a sixth consecutive Grey Cup. Nevertheless, a significant portion of the Bombers’ fan base is expected to be present among the 32,343 spectators at the event.
Alouettes quarterback Davis Alexander has already felt the warmth and support from Winnipeg locals. He shared his positive experiences, mentioning the overwhelming encouragement received around the city. Alexander commended the fans for their enthusiasm and expressed gratitude for their reception, emphasizing the unique spirit of the CFL.
The Alouettes opted for a different approach by skipping their regular walk-through practice, opting instead to gather on the field with their families for casual interactions and photo opportunities. However, their serene moment was disrupted when a fire alarm, triggered by a burst water pipe, forced an evacuation of the stadium, prompting the team to return to their hotel temporarily.
Shea Patterson, Montreal’s third-string and short-yardage quarterback, has a history with the Roughriders, having played for them after his initial stint with the Alouettes in 2021. Despite being released by the Roughriders and eventually rejoining the Alouettes due to injuries within the team, Patterson holds no ill feelings towards his former club. Like Gagne, Patterson believes that Bomber fans might choose to support the Alouettes over the Riders during the championship game.
In a display of dedication and readiness, Montreal’s defensive lineman Isaac Adeyemi-Berglund and linebacker Darnell Sankey adorn their faces with distinctive paint patterns before games. Sankey, utilizing black makeup to create claw-like stripes on his face, describes the ritual as a way to mentally prepare for the intensity of competition. Similarly, Adeyemi-Berglund applies bold black circles around his eyes and beard, citing the ritual as a method to embrace the responsibility of playing at a high level.
As the Alouettes gear up to face the Riders and their seasoned quarterback Trevor Harris, Adeyemi-Berglund stresses the importance of maintaining focus and discipline against such formidable opponents. He underscores the significance of staying composed and executing their game plan effectively in the pursuit of victory.