CFL.ca Staff

WINNIPEG -- The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have acquired non-import defensive end Stan van Sichem from the Montreal Alouettes in exchange for import defensive end Gavin Walls.

"We are excited about adding Gavin to our mix of pass rushers. We feel he can give us a rotation of relentless pressure," said Montreal Alouettes' Vice President and General Manager Jim Popp.

Walls enters his sixth season in the CFL after spending the last five years with the Blue Bombers. He quickly established himself on his defensive line and was named the CFL's top rookie in 2005 after finishing second in the league with 12 sacks. He also returned both a fumble and an interception for touchdowns during a game against Ottawa that year.

He made 197 tackles, 47 sacks, 15 tackles for a loss, knocked down 12 passes and forced four fumbles in 95 career games with Winnipeg. He was a 2005 CFL All-Star and a West Division All-Star in 2005, 2006 and 2008.

The 30 year old former Arkansas Razorback played 13 games in 2009, recording 24 tackles, five sacks, two tackles for a loss, one knockdown and one fumble recovery.

Van Sichem had an outstanding career at the University of Regina, where he became the school's all-time leader in career sacks. He was drafted by the Montreal Alouettes in the 4th round of the 2009 Canadian Draft. van Sichem began the season on the Alouettes’ practice roster before missing Games 9 through 18, the East Division Final and the Grey Cup with a knee injury.

"Stan is a very fast and relentless football player and we look forward to him competing for a spot on our roster," said Winnipeg Blue Bombers Head Coach Paul LaPolice.

Added Popp, "We wish Stan the best - he has a great career ahead of him. This trade will give him the chance not only to get on the field quicker, but also to be closer to family."