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The Montreal Alouettes arrive in Calgary this week carrying unfinished business. After losing the 2025 Grey Cup to the Saskatchewan Roughriders, the Alouettes face the Edmonton Elks on Sunday with one clear goal — bringing the championship back to Montreal.
A Homecoming for Beauchemin
For safety Nate Beauchemin, the trip to Calgary carries a personal dimension. The 23-year-old was born in the city and later starred at the University of Calgary, where he earned recognition as Canada’s top university defensive player in 2024. He also claimed three Academic All-Canadian honours during his time there.
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Montreal selected Beauchemin 14th overall in the 2025 CFL Draft. After spending much of his rookie season on special teams, he broke through this year with 61 defensive tackles, four interceptions and a fumble return for a touchdown.
“Being born here and then being able to come back for university and then again for the Grey Cup — what are the chances?” Beauchemin said after practice. “Being able to play in the same stadium that developed me into the player I am today, with family and friends in the stands, it’s just a blessing.”
Beauchemin also acknowledged the quirks of McMahon Stadium. “You could say it’s one of the trickier ones because of the wind,” he said. “But the new turf is much better than when I was here. If anything, this is the stadium I would rather play in.”
Motivated by Last Year’s Loss
Across the Alouettes locker room, the memory of last year’s defeat clearly drives the group. Linebacker Geoffery Cantin-Arku said the loss stayed with him throughout the off-season.
“We fell short last year and I reminded myself of that all off-season,” Cantin-Arku said. “We got together in May ready to work. We had one goal — the Grey Cup. Now we’re here and it’s time to finish. Anything short of the Grey Cup is a disappointment for this organization.”
Defensive back Tyrice Beverette described the feeling in vivid terms. “When you get there and lose a championship, it’s like a break-up,” he said. “It leaves a bad taste in your mouth for a long time. We’ve all been waiting for this moment and we finally got it.”
Maas Sees a Better Team
Head coach Jason Maas reflected on what last year’s final taught the team. He said the only problem with that game was the final score.
“Everything else we felt great about except for the result,” Maas said. “That result helped propel us to where we are today — a better football team.”
Beauchemin, meanwhile, expressed full confidence heading into Sunday. “Als win,” he said simply. “I don’t have a point spread, but I’m very confident in our whole team.”
The Grey Cup takes place Sunday at McMahon Stadium in Calgary.
