THE CANADIAN PRESS

MONTREAL - The Montreal Alouettes re-signed veteran safety Etienne Boulay to a three-year contract Wednesday.

"I am very excited to continue my career in my hometown," said Boulay, a Montreal native, in a prepared statement. "We just had an excellent season and I sincerely believe 2008 was only the beginning of something special."

Montreal selected Etienne in the second round, 16th overall, in the 2006 CFL Canadian college draft. The former University of New Hampshire star was the East Division's top rookie in 2006 and named Gibson's Finest Canadian player in 2007.

Boulay, 25, attended the New York Jets' training camp earlier this year before returning to Montreal in August. He appeared in eight games - including four starts - with the Alouettes, registering 17 tackles, five special-teams tackles and an interception.

"Etienne is part of the new generation of young leaders with the Alouettes," said Montreal general manager Jim Popp. "He will have the opportunity to express his leadership on the field and in the locker room for years to come.

"We are thrilled to keep him with us for a long time."