Tuesday, 29 April 2014
Sunday, 27 April 2014
Tuesday, 22 April 2014
Monday, 21 April 2014
Wednesday, 16 April 2014
Thursday, 10 April 2014
Could the Vanier Cup be a success in Montreal
This fall, the 50th edition of the Vanier Cup is coming to city of Montreal and is set to be played
at Percival-Molson Stadium on the McGill campus.
This is big news in the CIS circles, however, could this
occasion be a success in a cosmopolitan city that has a lukewarm passion for
CIS football.
Already CIS is a bit
behind the eight-ball in announcing their signature game set to be played in
less than eight months time. A lot of work needs to be done.
In order for the Vanier
Cup to be successful, Montreal mayor Denis Coderre, the Montreal Alouettes, and
CIS committee will need to go full out in promoting this event. Billboards,
strategic signage within Quebec university campuses, and constant
television/radio promotions have be to
visible in a community that is hockey mad.
That means having key
CIS public relations people involved that know the Montreal area such as
McGill's own Earl Zuckerman, and Montreal Carabins Benoit Mongeon. These two
are the best at what they do, and would be key additions in raising the profile
of this game. Moreover, McGill University as a whole will do a fantastic job in
making sure their student body, and alumni know about this crown jewel of an
event.
This year's playoff
rotation will have the RSEQ taking on Canada West, and OUA battling AUS. It is
imperative the right match-up occurs for this event to be successful.
Now, on paper a
Calgary-Western battle would look appealing, but could it fly in Montreal. From
a local standpoint, if defending champions Laval, Montreal (who literally play on the other side of the
hill), or host site McGill were to make it to the big game it would
generate an increase in ticket sales.
It is hard to imagine
smaller communities from outside the province of Quebec traveling in droves to
Montreal. Are hotels planning to block off section of rooms for traveling
parties coming to this game?
Aesthetically, it would
be an eye sore if only a few thousand show up particularly if a RSEQ team is
not involved. As one football representative who has a strong pulse on the
community told me over the weekend, the organizing committee needs to get as
many minor football programs to attend. Instill the idea of the next generation
of kids playing in this game in the near future.
At the same time, with
the Vanier Cup essentially going head to head with Grey Cup weekend in Vancouver. The CIS could be staring at an abyss of national media coverage considering
all eyes will be on Canada's biggest signature game on the other side of the
country. Furthermore, if the Alouettes were to make it to the big game, it could
result in the top local media personalities covering the game in Vancouver.
At the end of the
November, Montreal weather can be unpredictable where a snowstorm could happen,
or simply it is bitter cold. Organizers need to hope it is a nice, comfortable
day for the fans to enjoy the game.
Finally, if the Vanier
Cup goes head to head with a Montreal Canadiens home game it could mean
trouble. Historically, the Canadiens will play a bulk of home games at the end
of November before their predominant road schedule in December. If the
Canadiens happen to play the Toronto Maple Leafs, or another big name NHL team,
it could pose problems from the attention being directed towards the hockey
team than the game itself.
There are a lot of moving
variables in this project. It is a big leap of faith for CIS to give the 50th
edition of this game to a city that has never been a part of the rotation.
Now the hard work
begins for the committee in making this a successful event.
Follow me on Twitter @MoeKhan19
Photo credit: Edmonton Journal
Wednesday, 9 April 2014
Monday, 7 April 2014
Friday, 4 April 2014
Potential Alouettes 2014 starting lineup for week one
With about two months
until training camp for the Montreal Alouettes, it is not too early to start
projecting what their starting lineup could be when they begin the season in
Calgary on June 28th.
Offense
QB:
Troy Smith: Going into camp, Smith will be given the
first shot to convince the coaching staff he is the man to replace retired Anthony
Calvillo. However, it shouldn't surprise anyone if the Alouettes take a long
look at Ottawa REDBLACKS pivot Kevin Glenn as an insurance policy.
RB:
Brandon Whitaker: This is a big year for him, as the last
two years were marred by injuries. Could "2-Way" rekindle the form he
had in 2011 in being one of the dangerous players on the field? If not, Tyrell
Sutton will be hot for the starting position.
WR:
S.J. Green: Without question, the most dangerous receiver on the roster.
WR:
Duron Carter: Comes from a strong family tree, he
showed why he will be on a NFL roster in 2015. He has plenty of room to grow in
honing his skills before he jumps to the next level.
WR:
Jamel Richardson: "Optimus Prime" has looked
crisp in his videos he's posted up on social media in rehabbing his 2013 season
ending injury. Team him with Carter and Green it is a nightmare for the
opposition.
WR:
Brandon London: For now, he gets the last spot. 2013
was a tough year, but head coach Tom Higgins loves big receivers which could bode
well for London.
OT:
Josh Bourke: Alouettes re-signed one of their
cornerstones. It’s very rare to find a non-import who
can dominate the most
important position on the field.
OG:
Scott Flory: With Flory being named CFLPA president,
the transition has already started with him to ride off in the sunset. Keep an
eye at this position if he stays or goes. See Ryan Bomben as potential replacement.
C:
Luc Brodeur-Jourdain: Continues to be the central rock of the
offensive line.
OG:
Kristian Matte: Could this be the year where he becomes
a mainstay on the Alouettes offensive line? He will face a lot of competition.
OT:
Jeff Perrett: Continues to be the good soldier, this
could be the year where he will be a mainstay starter.
Non-Import
player rotation: Dave Stala: Second go around with
the Alouettes. Was he brought in to give incumbent Eric Deslauriers
competition?
Defense:
DE:
John Bownman: Unquestionably the leader of the
defense, he is in the prime of his career, hoping to keep the Alouettes defense
a force.
DT:
Scooter Berry: Coming off a season ending knee
injury, he was a force inside.
DT:
Alan-Michael Cash: A strong season, continues to get
better each day.
DE:
Aaron Lavarias: The Alouettes’ hardest worker who has
constantly harassed the opposing quarterback. Going into year two should make
him more refined.
LB:
Chip Cox: The CFL defensive player of the year in 2013. At age 31, in the prime of his career he could
put up stronger numbers in his second year under Noel Thorpe's system.
LB:
Kyries Hebert: He had a strong 2013 season. He will turn
34 during the season; could he still continue to dominate?
LB:
Marco Brouillette: With Shea Emry now in Toronto, it’s
time for Brouillette to take over a position he has been groomed for.
CB:
Geoff Tisdale: A solid signing by Jim Popp in 2013,
he will man this position in 2014.
HB:
Billy Parker: At 33, Parker has defied father time,
and continues to be a force playing a tough position.
S:
Mike Edem: Naturally gifted, Edem enters his second season
where Thorpe could ask more from him. Physically gifted, once he masters the mental game, he should be fine.
HB:
Jerald Brown: See Billy Parker assessment. Brown continues to defy the odds by being a
mainstay in the Alouettes secondary.
CB: Ed Gainey: Showed why he is one of the underrated players on this squad. His versatility makes him appealing.
In-play rotation: The Alouettes have gone retro with their signings, keep an eye on Jermaine McElveen, a big body who adds depth to the defensive line.
Follow me on Twitter @MoeKhan19
Photo credit: CTV News
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