The Montreal Alouettes’ Alexandre Gagne anticipates gaining new supporters in the upcoming Grey Cup clash against the Saskatchewan Roughriders this Sunday. Gagne, the special-teams captain, believes that the sold-out Princess Auto Stadium, filled with Winnipeg Blue Bomber fans, will not cheer for their green-and-white rivals due to deep-rooted animosity passed down through generations. Having previously played for the Roughriders, Gagne hopes that the Blue Bombers will rally behind the Alouettes as the ultimate victors.
The Alouettes faced the Bombers in the CFL East Division semifinal, resulting in Winnipeg missing out on a chance for a sixth consecutive Grey Cup appearance at home. Despite this, many Winnipeg fans will be present at the stadium to witness the game. Alouettes quarterback Davis Alexander has already felt the warm reception from Winnipeg locals, who have been supportive of the team. The team had a unique pre-game gathering on the turf with family members before a fire alarm disrupted the session, leading to a temporary evacuation of the stadium.
Quarterback Shea Patterson, who had stints with both the Alouettes and the Roughriders, is now set to play in the championship game against his former team. Patterson, despite his history with the Roughriders, holds no grudges and is optimistic that Bomber fans may back the Alouettes instead. Montreal defensive players Isaac Adeyemi-Berglund and Darnell Sankey are known for donning face paint to get into the right mindset for the game. Adeyemi-Berglund emphasized the importance of focus and discipline in facing the challenge posed by the Roughriders and their seasoned quarterback, Trevor Harris.