Danny Maciocia, one of the great footballers in Quebec history, nevertheless used a golf analogy to imagine his professional future.
“Even though I'm on my back nine, I can see the clubhouse, but I think I have a few more holes to play before it's over,” he said spontaneously on Wednesday. And I can’t wait for the next few years.”
At 56, Maciocia should logically complete his current mandate as general manager of the Alouettes until 2027. And who knows whether there might be a further contract extension at some point?
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One thing is certain: he would want nothing better than to end his career in Montreal. The Saint-Léonard man who cheered for his favorite player Peter Dalla Riva as a child says he has the Alouettes logo tattooed on his heart.
“Everyone knows how important it is for me to be part of this organization,” he said with emotion. I know that everything has an end and if that day came, I wouldn't want it… I will give everything for this organization because it means a lot to me in my life.”
Photo Martin Chevalier
Less than a year ago, in January last year, Maciocia was having a hard time thinking about leaving the Alouettes. The club's future was uncertain, which makes their recent Gray Cup win even more magnificent.
“I was trying to survive, and in January I was pretty sure I was going to disappear,” Maciocia said. I even had an idea of where I could go. It took me hours to confirm it, but I continued to believe it. Even in these difficult times, my heart was still in Montreal.”
PKP “changed everything”
As Maciocia pointed out, the arrival of businessman Pierre Karl Péladeau as owner last March “changed everything”.
“It needed a local owner who shared the same values as the organization,” the CEO said. The most important part goes to Mr. Péladeau because he brought stability and peace.”
This contract extension until 2027 for Maciocia will bring some reassurance to the main interested party.
“It’s a great day for my family and I,” he concluded. It represents stability that we haven’t seen here in recent years.”
Since the Alouettes' recent conquest, Maciocia himself has been able to confirm the return of several players, including Darnell Sankey, Shawn Lemon and Mustafa Johnson, to the defensive unit. Quarterback Cody Fajardo, among many others, accepted a contract extension through 2025 earlier this month.