By Noah Sidel
MontrealAlouettes.com
Montreal – Donnavan Carter has seen a lot in six years in the CFL. A starting linebacker from Toronto, he has spent his entire career in the East Division with stops in Toronto, Ottawa, Hamilton, back to Ottawa and finally Winnipeg.
He was around for the dark days of the Argonauts, the exciting beginnings of the Ottawa Renegades, and good and bad times in Hamilton. Last season in Winnipeg was its own rollercoaster ride.
Now an Alouette, Carter is looking for the one thing he hasn’t experienced yet: the chance to win a Grey Cup.
“I believe I can be a valuable piece of the puzzle. I’m excited to be part of a quality organization like the Als that is always competing for the Grey Cup,” he said. “I’ve seen a lot in my years in the league and I expect to bring leadership to the table. I expect this team to go a long way.”
Now living in the Gatineau suburb of Cantley, Quebec, Carter is enjoying mixing into a different society than the one he experienced growing up in Toronto.
“We moved out here when I believed I had a long-term deal with the Renegades, and we decided to stay in this area when the team folded. I’m getting more and more comfortable with the area and I really like it here,” he said.
“Travelling to Winnipeg was not a situation I relished, so Montreal seemed like a good fit for me.”
Carter isn’t feeling too much culture shock living not far from Ottawa.
“Everyone seems to speak both French and English around here, so it’s alright. I wish I had learned more French in school, though! I know some words here and there, so I can catch on. Maybe I need to take some courses or at least be around the French guys in the locker room to learn a bit!”
English and French aside, Carter speaks the language of football and is happy to have some great players on his side this year.
“They always have good teams in Montreal and I’ve been head to head with them many times. It’s exciting to be part of the team for the first time,” he said. “I’m a strong physical presence, but it’ll be nice not to have to go against guys like Rob Edwards and Ben Cahoon anymore.”
