CFL.ca Staff
MONTREAL — Montreal Alouettes’ Vice President and General Manager Jim Popp announced today that Canadian fullback and long snapper Martin Bédard has signed a three-year contract with the team while non-import tackle Skip Seagraves has retired.
“Martin has played a vital role in helping the Alouettes win back-to-back Grey Cups. He was one of our priorities in the 2009 Draft, that pick has worked out well” said Popp.
Bédard (6’03”, 240 lbs) will begin his third season at long snapper with the Alouettes after being selected in the second round, 14th overall, in the 2009 CFL Canadian Draft. He has recorded 20 special teams tackles in 36 games. Since joining the team, he has been involved in several community programs, including the CN Adopt an Alouette program. He’s 26.
“Not only have we secured our long snapper for three more years, we have been able to both bring local talent to our fans and fulfill a young man’s lifetime dream to play in front of his hometown”, added Popp.
Seagraves (6’05”, 290 lbs) retires after starting 20 of 26 career games between 2006 and 2010, winning two Grey Cups with the Alouettes. The North Carolina alumni had made Montreal his home in the offseason and had also been highly involved in the team’s different community programs.
“We thank Skip for his dedication to the Montreal Alouettes and we wish him the best in his future plans. Skip has been the ultimate team players. One of the nicest and polite people you will meet. Unfortunately, injuries have cut his career short and he is making a wise decision to take care of his body and move on”, declared Popp.
“Skip will be difficult to replace. He could have started and helped any team in the CFL. In his career with the Alouettes, he has been Mr. Versatile, he has played all five offensive line positions, been the backup long snapper, played tight end, and has sat on the beach waiting his turn after starting for us a number of times. After five short years in Montreal, Skip has participated in three Grey Cups, won two championships, and has met his bride to be. Congratulations Skip, you deserve to go out a winner!” added Popp.
The team also confirmed that the following players have signed contracts with the team and should attend the Alouettes’ training camp this June.
Anthony DesLauriers (DB) Calgary
John Hashem (OL) Regina
Sterling Lewis (LB) Arizona
