Alouettes solidify Canadian content

Montreal, February 14, 2023 – The Montreal Alouettes solidified their Canadian content on Tuesday, as the team signed long snapper Louis-Philippe Bourassa, offensive lineman Justin Lawrence, as well as fullback James Tuck.

Bourassa (6’3″, 232 lbs.) earned a regular spot with the team in his first season with the Ottawa REDBLACKS, helping the team reach the Grey Cup the following year. That same season, his great work allowed kicker Lewis Ward to make 51 field goals in 52 attempts, setting a new CFL record for field goal percentage at 98.08%. Ward was then named the CFL’s Most Outstanding Rookie and Most Outstanding Special teams player.

The 31-year-old played 75 career games with Ottawa, after being the team’s fourth round pick (36th overall) in the 2017 Canadian Draft. In 2022, he collected four special teams tackles in 18 games, all while assuming long snapping duties.

In 2014, the the Shawinigan, QC native alum won the Vanier Cup with the Université de Montréal Carabins coached by Danny Maciocia.

“I’ve known Louis-Philippe since his university days with the Université de Montréal and I am fully aware of everything he can bring to our football team,” said Alouettes General Manager Danny Maciocia. “He’s a veteran in the league, and doesn’t panic in crucial situations, which is critically important at the position he plays.”

Lawrence (6’1″, 310 lbs.) has already won two Grey Cups in four seasons in the CFL, including last year with the Toronto Argonauts. The 26-year-old Edmonton, AB native was also named a 2022 East Division All Star, as he was a starter in 17 of the team’s 18 games. Drafted in the fifth round (39th overall) by the Calgary Stampeders in 2018, the former University of Alberta Golden Bear helped Calgary hoist the Grey Cup in his rookie season.

Tuck (6’0″, 230 lbs.) returns to Montreal, after spending his first three seasons in the CFL in an Alouettes’ uniform, the team that drafted him in the fourth round (31st overall) during the 2014 draft. The 32-year-old Aurora, ON native is a force to be reckoned with on special teams, as he registered 53 special teams tackles, while forcing two fumbles in 87 career games with Montreal, Winnipeg, Edmonton, Toronto and Saskatchewan. Although mainly used on offence for his blocking skills, the former York University Lion has made seven catches for 83 yards.