The Champs Get Their Rings
Published on June 4, 2010 under Canadian Football League (CFL)
Montreal Alouettes News Release
Montreal, June 4, 2010 - The players, coaches, staff and management of the Montreal Alouettes received their 2009 Grey Cup Championship rings tonight in a grand ceremony presided over by team owner Robert C. Wetenhall at the chalet at the summit of Mount Royal.
Wetenhall was especially proud to present the rings to his team to honour them for their thrilling 28-27 Grey Cup victory last November over the Saskatchewan Roughriders at Calgary's McMahon Stadium.
"This is a significant day in Alouettes history as it puts the final touches on an absolute dream season. I am ecstatic to have with us tonight the people who brought us the most successful year in team history and to honour them with their rings," Wetenhall said.
This marks the second time the Alouettes have been so honoured by Wetenhall under his ownership of the franchise, which began in 1997 - the team last won the CFL title in 2002.
A committee of five people consisting of Alouettes VP and GM Jim Popp, and players Bryan Chiu, Anthony Calvillo, Scott Flory and Anwar Stewart, helped design the ring, which is a first of its kind.
The word MONTREAL is inscribed on the ring's face in the same font as is found on the white road jerseys the team wore in winning the championship. There is also a raised depiction of the Grey Cup itself on the front.
The details... - The ring is made of white gold, featuring 17 diamonds on the rim to signify the team's 17 wins in 2009
- The face is encrusted with diamonds with the word MONTREAL written across it in the same font as on the team's white road jerseys - which they wore in the 2009 Grey Cup
- One side has 2009 written on it and the Grey Cup itself is raised
- There are six jewels that stand out on the face: Two diamonds representing the two championships won under Mr. Wetenhall's ownership (2002, 2009), and two rubies and two sapphires to represent the team's four other championships (1949, 70, 74, 77)
- One side of the shank of the ring features the player's name and jersey number or the staff member's name and position with the team; the Alouettes' team logo; and "2009 Coupe Grey Cup Champions"
- The other side of the shank features two mountains signifying that the Cup was won in Calgary at the foot of the Rocky Mountains; a goal post with a marquis diamond football in the middle representing the game-winning field goal; the final score (MTL 28, SSK 27); the team's franchise-best17-3 record in 2009, one of the best records in league history; and the 2009 playoff/Grey Cup team motto: "Win The Day"
- This is not only the largest Grey Cup ring ever made, but is also the one that stands out the most. A new standard in championship rings has been set as it is different from most championship rings.
- A committee of five people consisting of Alouettes VP and GM Jim Popp, and players Bryan Chiu, Anthony Calvillo, Scott Flory and Anwar Stewart, helped design the ring, which is a first of its kind.
- The ring was made by Intergold, a Canadian company from Calgary managed by Montrealer Miran Armutlu. This is the same company that made the Alouettes' 2002 championship ring. Intergold has been a long-time supporter of the CFL and has made most Grey Cup and Stanley Cup rings in the past decade. They also helped make the latest World Series championship ring of the New York Yankees.
Camp starts Sunday Following tonight's celebrations, the team's focus will shift squarely towards training camp, which begins this Sunday at Coulter Field at Sherbrooke's Bishop's University. Fans are invited to join the team for opening day festivities and a picnic, starting at 10:30 a.m.
The Alouettes will then play their first pre-season game this June 13 at Winnipeg before hosting the Toronto Argonauts at the newly expanded and renovated McGill Stadium on June 19 at 1 p.m.
Canadian Football League Stories from June 4, 2010
- The Champs Get Their Rings - Montreal Alouettes
- Argos Sign Ajax Native Keith Gooding - Toronto Argonauts
- Blue Bombers Add Two, Release One - Winnipeg Blue Bombers
- Riders Sell Out July 17th Game Versus Edmonton - Saskatchewan Roughriders
- Argonauts QB Gibran Hamdan Announces Retirement - Toronto Argonauts
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