The Montreal Alouettes’ Alexandre Gagne anticipates gaining new supporters during Sunday’s Grey Cup clash against the Saskatchewan Roughriders. As the special-teams captain, Gagne believes that Winnipeg Blue Bomber fans at the packed Princess Auto Stadium won’t rally behind the green-and-white Riders due to their inherent dislike for them.
Gagne expressed, “It’s just ingrained in them to despise the Riders. I trust that the Blue Bombers will be rooting for us since a blue team will still emerge victorious in the Grey Cup.”
Having entered the CFL in 2017, Gagne spent three seasons with the Roughriders before joining the Alouettes in 2021. The Bombers faced Montreal in the CFL East Division semifinal, resulting in Winnipeg missing the opportunity to play at home for a sixth consecutive Grey Cup.
Alouettes quarterback Davis Alexander has received warm support in Winnipeg, where locals have been encouraging the team. Alexander mentioned the positive reception, stating that the fans have been fantastic, emphasizing the unique community spirit of the CFL.
The Alouettes opted for a non-traditional practice session, gathering on the field with their families for casual interactions and photos before a fire alarm, triggered by a burst water pipe, disrupted the event. Meanwhile, Montreal’s third-string quarterback, Shea Patterson, has a history with the Roughriders, having played for both teams.
As the 28-year-old prepares to face his former team in the championship game, Patterson holds no grudges and hopes that Bomber fans will support the Alouettes over the Riders. Additionally, Montreal players, Isaac Adeyemi-Berglund and Darnell Sankey, are gearing up for the game by putting on face paint to mentally prepare for the challenge.
Adeyemi-Berglund emphasized the importance of staying focused and disciplined against the experienced Riders and their quarterback, Trevor Harris. The Alouettes are aiming for victory in the Grey Cup by maintaining composure and executing their game plan effectively.
