Charland ‘excited to get another shot’

It seemed like a dream come true for Mikaël Charland when the Gatineau native was drafted by the Ottawa Redblacks in 2016.

And now, as alternative plans go, getting a chance to play for the Alouettes isn’t so bad for the defensive back, a former Concordia Stinger.

“I’m happy to be here and I’m excited to get another shot,” the 25-year-old said Sunday after his first practice with his new team. “Montreal was a team I always wanted to play for.”

Although the 6-foot-4, 216 pounder was selected by the Redblacks in the second round (16th overall) in 2016, and won a Grey Cup as a rookie, he was part of a purge last week as general manager Marcel Desjardins released Charland, receiver Scott MacDonell, quarterback Brock Jensen and kicker Ronnie Pfeffer.

Charland missed most of last season with a groin injury and became expendable with the signing of Adam Berger, a free agent defensive back from Calgary, last Feb. 15.

“I didn’t see it coming, but had a little idea what was going on because of all that happened in the past,” Charland said. “It makes sense. I got hurt so I didn’t really play the whole year and didn’t get a look. They drafted new guys.

“It’s a business. You can’t take it personally.”

Als GM Kavis Reed expressed immediate interest in Charland. Reed, the former special teams coordinator, understands the importance of that phase of the game, realizing a player of Charland’s size should be able to contribute.

Although Saskatchewan expressed some interest in him following his release, he didn’t want to head to Western Canada.

Coincidentally, the Als conclude their exhibition schedule this Thursday at Molson Stadium against Ottawa.

Charland denied he’ll enter the game with a chip on his shoulder, but would be happy to ultimately get the last laugh.