MontrealAlouettes.com
MONTREAL – With only two days to go until their season opener, here are a few things you should know about the Alouettes as they head into Calgary this Saturday.
AND SO IT BEGINS
With the offseason, training camp, and the preseason firmly in their rear mirror, the Alouettes are eager to tackle the challenge that lies ahead. This Saturday at 3:00 PM, the Alouettes will be looking to start their season off on the right foot as they take on the Calgary Stampeders in Cowtown. Fans who are not making the trip out West can tune in to TSN, RDS, 98.5 FM or TSN Radio 690 to get in on all the action. Fans south of the border can tune into ESPN2 or ESPN3 at gametime.
Troy Smith will be the starting quarterback, marking the start of a new era for the team behind center with the retirement of Anthony Calvillo. He’s tasked with helping his team put an end to a losing streak at McMahon Stadium against the Stampeders dating back to the 2009.
WHAT IS OLD IS NEW
Saturday’s game will be special for both Tom Higgins (12 seasons, 3 as head coach posting a record of 28-25) and Larry Taylor (3 seasons), both of whom spent time in the Stampeders organization and who are making their return to Calgary for the first time since then.
On a somewhat similar note, Saturday’s game represents a return of sorts for Brandon Whitaker, as the 28-year old tailback finished the 2013 season on the 9-game injured list. Whitaker is hoping to stay healthy for the first time since his breakout 2011 season.
And then there’s Chad Johnson, who will be making his regular season Alouettes debut once the team takes to the field on Saturday. “Huit Cinq”, as he’s now known in the province of Quebec, has not played a regular season pro football game since he suited up for the New England Patriots in 2011. Saturday’s game will have been 3 years in the making for the veteran import receiver.
Le match de samedi représentera aussi le premier match de Chad Johnson en saison régulière avec les Alouettes ainsi qu’avec une équipe professionnelle de football: une attente de 3 ans pour le receveur américain.
Whether you’re at the game or at home, share your thoughts with other fans using keyword #MTLvsCGY on Twitter and Facebook.
VIEWING PARTY AT LA STATION DES SPORTS
New for 2014, the Alouettes, in collaboration with la Station des Sports (Ste-Catherine Street West), will be hosting viewing parties for of all the team’s away games throughout the season. Nestled right in the heart of downtown, choose from a vast selection of food and beverages while enjoying the game alongside an Alouettes great and three cheerleaders.
Season ticket holders: bring the detachable receipt included in your ticket booklet and save 15% on a maximum of $60 at any Station des Sports location during and after Alouettes games this season.
Come cheer on your team this Saturday starting at 3:00 PM! We’ll be there, will you?
