By Jack Bedell,
MontrealAlouettes.com
Hammond, LA – It’s hard to believe it’s been over six weeks since the Grey Cup, but as long as the off-season looks on the calendar, it always seems to fly by!
There’s been plenty of news on the hot stove around the league, with coaching moves and plenty of player signings and relocations, to keep things interesting. And before we know it, free agency will kick into gear mid-February. Then it’s a blur of e-camp, the CFL draft, and training camp.
I’m already excited about the 2009 season now that I know Ben Cahoon, Bryan Chiu, Scott Flory, and Jamel Richardson will be in the fold. And I’m positive we’ll be getting more great roster news in the next few weeks.
So, with a little time to kill, I thought I’d get with the spirit of the New Year and offer up a few resolutions to kick things off for 2009.
1. Unlike like year when I resolved to leave the past in the past, this year I want to remember the 2008 season daily, and use it as a building block for all the success that’s coming the Alouettes’ way in the future;
2. I promise to follow the example Anthony Calvillo set last year, enjoying every play without fretting over the last one or the next one;
3. I definitely resolve to pay more attention to TEAM play this year, and not just focus on playmakers. My favourite moments from 2008 were the times I noticed offensive linemen running downfield to help receivers up, or defensive players coming onto the field to congratulate the offence after a good drive and vice versa. I won’t lose sight of that stuff in 2009;
4. I also pledge to treat the Als’ roster like the stock market ticker, keeping much better track of the team’s talent and depth as the roster evolves over the course of the year. If last year proved anything, it was that every player on the roster has the ability to contribute and there’s a tremendous comfort in knowing what talent is available;
5. And finally, after making it to Olympic Stadium for the Grey Cup last year, I want to see a regular season game at Percival Molson Stadium in 2009… I hope to see you there!
