ALOUETTES MINICAMP REPORT

Vero Beach, FL – After a long and cold winter, the Montreal Alouettes hit the field on Wednesday at Historic Dodgertown in Vero Beach, FL for the first day of the 2015 mini-camp. Over 50 players reported to General Manager Jim Popp and Head Coach Tom Higgins and took part in player meetings as well as a 90-minute practice.

It was a special day at Dodgertown, as Jackie Robinson Day was celebrated. The former Dodger’s second baseman who broke the colour barrier in professional baseball made his debut with the AAA Montreal Royals in 1946, who at the time shared Delorimier Downs with the Alouettes. For this special occasion, Alouettes and coaches donned Montreal Royals number 9 t-shirts as well as Dodgers number 42 shirts to honour the baseball great.

On the field, Alouettes returning veterans Chip Cox, S.J. Green, Bear Woods and Brandon Whitaker had the chance to mix it up with new veterans Nik Lewis, Fred Stamps, Samuel Giguère and many others.

It was hot day in Vero Beach, but that didn’t stop the first on-field session from being pretty intense as receiver S.J. Green made a few highlight catches of 30 plus yards. Brandon London, Samuel Giguère, Dobson Collins and rookie Cody Hoffman also hauled in a few passes.

Special guest coach
Alouettes new receivers coach Anthony Calvillo had a helping hand for Wednesday’s practice as former Alouettes and current Cleveland Brown receiver Andrew Hawkins was present. He also addressed the team during meetings after the practice. Hawkins, who suited up for the Alouettes in 2009 and 2010, was invited by General Manager Jim Popp.

Injured players
National receiver Éric Deslauriers as well as national linebacker Bryn Roy are both absent from the Alouettes mini-camp as they both suffered non-football related injuries. Deslauriers suffered a broken finger as Roy tore a pectoral muscle. Both injuries will require surgery. Newly acquired quarterback Dan LeFeavour is present at the team’s mini-camp, but did not participate in drills as he has not yet been medically cleared to practice.

On the retired list
The Alouettes announced that national fullback Steven Lumbala as well as international defensive back Rodrick Williams retired.

Thursday
The Alouettes will hit the field at 8:50 a.m. for their second practice of mini-camp.