MONTREAL – Looking to strengthen and support the club’s already solid offensive line, the Alouettes acquired free agent and Quebec native centre Dominic Picard last January.

According to the 11-year CFL veteran, a fresh start with a new team can often be beneficial for a player. “I’ve had the chance to play for great organizations over the course of my career in this league, but this homecoming with the Alouettes is really like a dream come true’’, stated Picard. “It’s my role as a veteran to help groom the team’s young players by sharing my experience and knowledge of the game,” added the Université Laval Alumni.

“I’ve had the chance to play for great organizations over the course of my career in this league, but this homecoming with the Alouettes is really like a dream come true”

Picard had his first opportunity to practice as an Alouette in April, as Als players were reunited at this year’s mini-camp in West Palm Beach, FL. to begin preparation for the upcoming season. It was the perfect time for him to start getting used to a new environment and the team’s philosophy. “The mini-camp really set the table for me as I got to know some of my new teammates and coaches but also in getting more comfortable with the playbook as the fast-approaching training camp is just around the corner,” commented the Sainte-Foy, QC native.

Picard affirms that he made the very best out of this offseason making sure his preparation was on point for that special night when the Alouettes will be reunited with their faithful fans at Percival Molson Memorial Stadium on June 30. “As you grow as a professional in this league you learn quickly how to better prepare as off-seasons come and go, simply because you get a better understanding of your strengths and weaknesses. I also did a lot of video sessions to solidify my preparation,” declared Picard. “In addition with my personal preparation I acted as a coach with the Séminaire Saint-François and with the Notre-Dame de Foy Cegep. You can only teach what you master 100%,” explained the 33-year-old centre.

Less than a week before opening day of training camp, the Alouettes newcomer is eager to set foot on Bishop’s University’ Coulter Field for the first time as an Alouette. “I can’t wait to finally play football with my new teammates. I’m excited to put this long off-season behind me and I greatly look forward to play in front on our home crowd in Montreal,” Picard added.

“I’m excited to put this long off-season behind me and I greatly look forward to play in front on our home crowd in Montreal,”

It is with great excitement and pride that Picard foresees his Alouettes debuts. “I was genuinely hoping to play in Montreal, but that was something out of my control. The timing was perfect for me to come back home, I made sure to seize the opportunity. This is a great achievement in itself, but I’d prefer keeping the focus on the work that is still left to do rather than on the prize. I’m not here as a tourist, I want to be a key contributor to the Alouettes success in 2016,” stated Picard.

Dominic is looking forward to the home opener on June 30. “I circled June 30 on my calendar. I can’t wait to play in front of my family, friends and Quebecers. Also, it will be thrilling to wear the Als’ colors,” concluded Picard.

“I can’t wait to play in front of my family, friends and Quebecers. Also, it will be thrilling to wear the Als’ colors,”

Watch Dominic Picard in action on June 30 as the Alouettes will play their first home game of the 2016 season! -> TICKETS.