MontrealAlouettes.com

MONTREAL - The Montreal Alouettes announced on Friday that they have released non-import safety Étienne Boulay as well as import linebacker Diamond Ferri.

"It is a tough business when you choose to release veteran players, especially ones that have been major contributors in the community and in winning Championships," explained Alouettes General Manager Jim Popp. "It is a lot more fun to win Grey Cups with these players than to have to notify them that they are being released and that they will not have a job. Both will always be a big part of the Alouettes history."

Boulay (5'9'', 190 lbs.) played six seasons for the Alouettes, racking up 127 defensive tackles, 43 special teams tackles and 11 career interceptions. Selected in the second round of the CFL Draft in 2006, Boulay went on to become rookie of the year finalist in the CFL that same year. The 28-year old Montreal native captured back-to-back Grey Cup Championships with the Alouettes in 2009 and in 2010.

"Étienne has been a solid contributor on and off the field for six years. He loves his teammates, the Alouettes, and the city of Montreal. From the day we drafted him, he has played where we have needed him. I have always called him the 6th man on the basketball team, which means you do not have to start to be a major contributor. We thank Étienne for his contributions," added Popp.

Ferri (5'10'', 232 lbs.) finished fourth on the team for defensive tackles with 50 last season and recorded three sacks. The former product of Syracuse also led the team in kickoff return yards last year with 573. In his five years with the Alouettes, the 30-year-old recorded 240 defensive tackles and five interceptions which he returned for 55 yards. The linebacker also helped the Alouettes win the Grey Cup in 2009 and in 2010.

"Diamond has been one of our most versatile players and most physical players over the last five years. His style of play has allowed us to make many moves in a course of multiple seasons that gave us a chance to win championships.  Diamond has played running back, linebacker, safety, kick returner, punt returner and special teams during his career. We thank Diamond for his contributions," said the Alouettes General Manager.