By Richard Obrand,
MontrealAlouettes.com
Montreal – With the Alouettes ’ first regular season game against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats just around the corner, MontrealAlouettes.com takes a look back at all the exciting events of the past three weeks spent at training camps at the Campus du Fort St-Jean in St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC.
Day 1
Training camp was underway as approximately 1,500 fans made their way to the Als’ training camp facility to celebrate the return of the football season to Montreal. Fans of all ages were treated to player introductions by long-time PA announcer Jacques Moreau who is currently enjoying his 25th year with the team, and were also able to receive autographs from their favourite players.
Day 2
Following the festivities of Day 1, the fun was over at St-Jean as newly appointed head coach Marc Trestman and the rest of his coaching staff ran the players through their first true day of training in preparation for the 2008 season.
Day 3
Trestman continued to push his team in the early stages of camp, as today was the first day that the Alouettes wore helmets and shoulder pads. Jacques Dussault was on the sideline during the morning practice. The former member of the Alouettes coaching staff (1997-2000) now works as a journalist for Radio-Canada.
Day 4
The Als’ practiced at their indoor complex, the Stade Haut-Richelieu with the coaching staff from the University of Montreal on hand to watch the team work out.
Day 5
Due to poor weather in St-Jean, the Alouettes practised at the indoor complex once again. Return specialist and receiver Jason Armstead introduced himself to his new teammates as well.
Day 6
The Alouettes were finally able to practice outdoors as the poor weather let up for the first time.
Day 7
On a beautiful day for football, the team was treated to a nice surprise as former Star Académie singer Annie Villeneuve paid a visit.
Day 8
On another beautiful day in St-Jean, the Alouettes were introduced to new rookie quarterback Chris Leak
Day 9
The Als’ were back indoors on Day 9, as the team continued it’s high-octane pace at training camp.
Day 10
On a scorching hot day, the Alouettes prepared for their upcoming game against the Argonauts.
Day 11
The Alouettes had the pleasure of welcoming former head coach Marv Levy back to camp. Levy, a two time Grey Cup champion with Montreal offered words of wisdom to Trestman and his crew.
Day 14
The team practised without shoulder pads on day 14, and Trestman seemed satisfied with his team’s performance since its tie with the Argos. “The old players were helping the young ones and everyone was pulling in the same direction,” he said.
Day 15
The Alouettes celebrated Father’s Day in the afternoon as the team held a family barbeque.
Day 16
The Alouettes held two practises on Day 16, of which both were very intense. Mathieu Proulx was moved back to his primary position at safety from linebacker, where he had been in camp so far. “Matthieu was really flexible in our system. He was great at every position he played throughout camp. We really want to see what he can bring to this team,” Trestman said. “He will start at free safety on Thursday night in Winnipeg.”
Day 17
On the final day of training camp, the Alouettes prepared for their upcoming matchup against the Blue Bombers in Winnipeg.
