Football enthusiasts from across Canada have gathered in Winnipeg to celebrate the Grey Cup. Among them are dedicated fans of the Montreal Alouettes. As the highly anticipated game against the Saskatchewan Roughriders approaches, these loyal supporters share their experiences and motivations behind their long journeys to show their love for the team.
Alouettes Fans Unite at Grey Cup
Among the remarkable stories is that of Barry Ryan and his son Kevin, who have attended 25 consecutive Grey Cups together. This marks Barry’s 28th overall. They proudly wear patches showcasing their dedication. Barry emphasizes the importance of camaraderie at the event, stating it brings people together, regardless of which teams are competing.
Origination from Montreal but now living in Toronto, the Ryans express unwavering support for the Alouettes. Kevin humorously wears a pin reading “Argos Suck,” showcasing his passion. His daughter, Emma, is attending her first Grey Cup. Despite her lack of deep interest in football, she knows not to oppose her family’s beloved team.
Sibling Rivalry and Brotherhood
The Dreyfuss brothers, Sébastien and Gilbert, illustrate how the Grey Cup fosters family connections. Sébastien has held season tickets for the Alouettes for 27 years, while Gilbert has remained a fan since moving to Calgary 34 years ago. For 18 consecutive years, they have reunited during Grey Cup week to bond over their shared passion.
Sébastien recently celebrated his re-election as a city councillor in Montreal. He appreciates the Grey Cup atmosphere, sharing moments with friends made over the years. His sentiments are echoed by Gilbert, who believes the event is unifying for Canada. Meanwhile, the Roughriders are on a quest for their first championship since 2013, while the Alouettes aim for their second title in three years.
Long-Distance Devotion
- Landon Gosling and his girlfriend, Sierra Avery-Durant, ventured from Plattsburgh, N.Y., a remarkable 27-hour drive.
- Gosling, an avid Alouettes supporter with season tickets for three years, enjoys the unique aspects of Canadian football, such as the field size and the Rouge point.
- This will be Gosling’s third Grey Cup, while Avery-Durant is excited to experience her first.
Homecoming and Mixed Allegiances
Cindy Lee Lowry and her husband, Andrew, flew in from Yellowknife. Andrew, originally from Montreal, wore an Anthony Calvillo jersey as a testament to his allegiance. This year’s event is significant for Cindy, who hails from Winnipeg.
With the Blue Bombers not competing, she feels free to support the Alouettes, despite her ties to the team that was recently eliminated from contention. It presents a complicated but humorous situation for her, as she finds herself cheering for the Alouettes against her traditional inclinations.
The Grey Cup not only highlights competitive sports but also unites fans across Canada in a shared love for football. As the Alouettes take the field, their devoted supporters bring enthusiasm and passion that transcends geographical boundaries.
