A very special match for top recruit Damien Alford

Québécois receiver Damien Alford is about to experience a night to remember. He's back in Montreal to face the Alouettes in the uniform of the Calgary Stampeders.

This is no ordinary appointment for the first choice of the last CFL draft, as it will be his very first professional game played at home, in a stadium where he had dreamed of playing when he was still wearing the colors of Dalbé-Viau, his high school in Lachine.

“It's good to be back in Montreal. I'm happy because I'm coming back as a professional. My family will be able to come and see a lot of me”- via Journal de Montréal

Born and raised in Montreal, Alford has never hidden his attachment to his city. After his stint with the Aigles d'Or, the giant-sized receiver headed for the United States before enjoying a brilliant career in the NCAA, particularly with Syracuse.

A long-awaited return from Dalbé-Viau to the professional field

For Alford, this match marks much more than a simple clash between two CFL teams. It represents a moment of personal and professional fulfillment.

After proving himself at university level in the United States, then with the Stampeders, he's back where it all began.

His old school, his former teammates and many local fans will no doubt follow every game with pride.

The Alouettes are preparing to contain a receiver who, beyond his talent, will have the advantage of heart and motivation.

As kick-off approaches, one thing is certain: whatever the outcome of the game, Damien Alford will have already won something precious – the opportunity to play, at last, in front of his home crowd.

This content was created with the help of AI.