(Hamilton) Even if they are far from Montreal, the Quebecers of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers are keeping an eye on what is happening with the Alouettes, whom they will face on Sunday in the Gray Cup.

“I was recruited at the same time as Philippe Gagnon, I played with him and Vincent Desjardins,” said linebacker Shayne Gauthier, established with the Bombers since 2016. “I know David Dallaire, I played against Regis [Cibasu].” . I know French speakers well. David Côté had a bit of the same background as me: he played with the Condors, then at Laval University. I didn’t play with him, but I followed his journey.

“I am proud to have been part of this team since 2016. I would like to finish my career with the Bombers if possible. With all the success we’ve had, I haven’t taken the time to look back, but I will when I’m done. All these years will represent something special in my life,” added Jeannois de Dolbeau-Mistassini.

Same story with defensive back Redha Kramdi.

“It’s special, I’m privileged to be able to play against Montreal. Danny [Maciocia] recruited me when I left CEGEP [for the Carabins of the University of Montreal]. Danny is a bit of a godfather to me. He knows my family, he knew my brother who died [in 2021]. We sent each other messages, we congratulated each other. I’m happy, I have several friends with the Alouettes like [Marc-Antoine] Dequoy. Dequoy and I started university together. It’s an honor to be able to play here, against Montreal.

He and Regis Cibasu have known each other since childhood.

“I grew up with Regis. He was in the same class as my older brother in elementary school. We lived in the same neighborhood, so I’ve known him since I was very young. Kevin Kaya is another, like Pier-Olivier Lestage. Now, Dequoy, we played side by side our three years at university. I saw his progress and he saw mine. »

Both Gauthier and Kramdi are Gray Cup regulars. Gauthier has reached the grand final with the Bombers the last four years while he only played seven seasons in the CFL. Kramdi only knows seasons punctuated by a final, he who was a second round choice of the Bombers in 2021.

“You try not to let it become routine,” Gauthier said during media day on Wednesday. I know several players who never had the opportunity to participate in this match. Every year is a new opportunity to appreciate the work we have accomplished and to finish the job. »

“It’s cool, it’s not my first time, it’s a privilege that I’m super grateful for,” added Kramdi, who has played a starting role since the fifth week of the calendar. I’m used to getting out of my routine for a week. What’s different this year is that I’m up for it, so I have a bigger role. I’m eager to. »

Both men suspect that if they want to get their hands on a third and second Gray Cup, respectively, the Bombers will have to have a strong game.

“It’s only a game and not a 4 of 7,” noted Gauthier. Everything can happen. I’m not surprised to see them there. Their defense has played at a high level since they hired Sean Lemon and Darnell Sankey. We saw them improve. They create a lot of turnovers and they even score points on defense. […] Against the Alouettes, you definitely don’t want to play behind. »

“Football, at the end of the day, is not the best team, but the best team on the day of the match,” added Kramdi to explain the Alouettes’ presence in the final. The Alouettes’ defense has broken everything this season. The special teams have a say in the outcome of the game and their offense boasts one of the best ball carriers in the CFL and one of the best receivers in the league. »

“No one takes them lightly,” Gauthier added. We’ve been coming to this match for four years, you can never let yourself be affected by the opponent’s record. It’s a very good team. »

If Gauthier has possibly played more football than he has yet to play, he would like to play a few more seasons in the CFL, if possible in Winnipeg, where he is now based with his wife and where he is an electrician during the season dead.

“I hope so, although I’m probably more on the back nine. My body feels good. I’ve had a few minor issues this year, but nothing major. As long as my body allows me to play and I feel like my level of play is good, I will continue. When I look at my games, I am able to see if I am losing my touch or not. I think I still have it. »

He also wishes to have enough humility to decide his exit himself.

“I hope so,” he said, laughing. I am my own biggest critic. The day I find that it no longer makes sense, I will make the decision. »