The Montreal Alouettes’ Alexandre Gagne anticipates gaining new supporters during the Grey Cup clash with the Saskatchewan Roughriders this Sunday. Gagne, a key player on special teams, believes that Winnipeg Blue Bombers fans, gathered at the packed Princess Auto Stadium, won’t be backing the green-and-white Riders due to their longstanding rivalry. Having previously played for the Riders before joining the Alouettes in 2021, Gagne highlighted the generational animosity between the Bombers and Riders, expressing hope that the Blue Bombers will rally behind their fellow blue-clad team for the Grey Cup victory.
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers, after a loss to the Alouettes in the CFL East Division semifinal, missed out on the opportunity to vie for a sixth consecutive Grey Cup at home. Nevertheless, a significant portion of the Bombers’ fan base will be present among the 32,343 spectators in attendance. Alouettes quarterback Davis Alexander has already felt welcomed in Winnipeg, with locals showing support by chanting “Go Als” at various establishments. The team’s positive reception in Winnipeg has left a lasting impression on Alexander and his teammates, who appreciate the warm embrace from CFL fans.
Ahead of the championship game, the Alouettes opted for a casual gathering on the field instead of a traditional walk-through practice session. A lighthearted atmosphere prevailed as players mingled with their families, only to be interrupted by a fire alarm triggered by a burst water pipe, leading to a temporary evacuation of the stadium. Meanwhile, Alouettes quarterback Shea Patterson, who has a history with the Roughriders, remains unfazed by his former team’s decision to release him, focusing on his current role in the championship matchup.
In a display of pre-game ritual, Montreal’s defensive players, Isaac Adeyemi-Berglund and Darnell Sankey, adopt unique face paint designs to mentally prepare for the intense competition. Sankey, drawing inspiration from his NFL experiences, uses black makeup to create a symbolic warrior look, invoking a sense of battle-ready mindset. Adeyemi-Berglund, on the other hand, emphasizes the psychological significance of his face paint, viewing it as a symbol of readiness and acceptance of the responsibilities that come with playing the game. As the Alouettes gear up to face the Riders and their seasoned quarterback, Trevor Harris, Adeyemi-Berglund stresses the importance of focus and discipline in confronting the formidable opponent.
