Only 24 players from the current edition of the Rouge et Or de l’Université Laval were in uniform during the last visit to CEPSUM in November 2021 for the Dunsmore Cup.
Of those 24 players still on the team, four were missing from the last game against Concordia last Sunday. Of the 52 players who played against the Stingers, a total of 29 have never played against the Carabins at CEPSUM. Last year, the Blues settled into the Claude-Robillard sports complex due to extensive work.
Because of the noise and proximity of fans directly above the two teams’ benches, a first experience in the Blues’ den can be breathtaking.
“The situation reminds me of the 1999 playoffs,” said head coach Glen Constantin. I dreaded the games against the Saskatchewan Huskies, who were the team of the 1990s, and the Saint Mary’s Huskies, who were a powerhouse, but the players viewed those games as games like any other.
“This is the second largest stage for university football in the country after PEPS, and the players are lucky to find themselves in such an environment,” the Laval pilot continued. You want to enjoy it.”
A first game as a starter at CEPSUM
Étienne Cloutier experienced the 2021 Dunsmore Cup in Montreal, but as a sixth lineman. Starting with the first game of the year in Sherbrooke, the third-year center will have a whole new experience.
“Noise should not become a factor, but should be used as motivation,” he emphasized. It is an individual decision. You have to use hostility as energy. You hear the noise, but you have to pay attention to the signals and what is happening around you. We practiced silent counting in training this week and are getting better every day.”
“Back in old shoes”
If the Rouge et Or players try not to worry too much about finding themselves in a hostile environment, the Blues are very happy to be back home.
“You always feel more comfortable when you’re in old shoes,” said left tackle Alexandre Levac. Last year we were at home half the time. For my part, I had difficulty getting into the game with Claude-Robillard. At CEPSUM the changing room is next to the pitch and your heart beats when you walk out. You are already ready. It’s not the same atmosphere. Because of the mountain and the roof, the noise is very compact. I’m glad I don’t have to go through this. The crowds are smaller than in Laval, but the noise is comparable.”
A big advantage for the Blues?
Did the season outside of CEPSUM have a significant impact on the Carabins’ results? “It is difficult to measure the impact of the game at Claude-Robillard because we won our five games, but it is clear that the home advantage is much greater here,” summarized head coach Marco Iadeluca. We are very happy to be in our own company and to return to the atmosphere of our home. It’s difficult playing here for the first time.”
“Last year we were affected in our first game in Laval in a full stadium,” Iadeluca added. We responded better in the Dunsmore Cup and this year it was even better.”