HAMILTON – We have to return to the team training camp in Trois-Rivières in May. But who is this fascinating little American passport catcher?
Without wanting to take credit, I think I was the first Montreal journalist to become interested in Tyler Snead. And from day one.
Tyler Snead, on the first day of the Alouettes training camp in Trois-Rivières, May 14, 2023. Martin Chevalier / JdeM
Aren’t Quebecers fascinated by these athletes with less impressive physiques? We can think of Cole Caufield, David Desharnais or, at another time, Yvan Cournoyer.
We had just talked about hockey with Snead. He is originally from Raleigh, North Carolina and is a fan of the Hurricanes, who participated in the NHL playoffs during camp. In an obvious comparison, we also talked about Caufield.
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“I remember very well that text where I was called the ‘Cole Caufield of the Alouettes,'” laughed Snead when met at the Gray Cup Final media day in Hamilton earlier this week. Any time you are compared to someone, it is an honor because there is a reason for it. I worked hard in camp to secure a spot on the team. I know I’m not the biggest size, but I’m willing to do the dirty work like blocking opponents. I like to play hard to help the team.
“There are worse comparisons than Caufield,” agreed the pass catcher, who at 5-foot-7 is the same height as the Habs’ number 22. I recently went to a Canadiens game and I love watching the sport. For me, the Canadians have now become one of my favorite clubs, on a par with the Hurricanes. Caufield also has to be my favorite player because I’ve been compared to him.
Change the scenario
There’s a reason Austin Mack got more attention for the Alouettes this season, but little Tyler Snead still ranked second among receivers with 788 yards in 15 games. He also redefined the meaning of a hat trick on July 14 in Montreal by scoring three touchdowns in a single game against the Toronto Argonauts. Here he gained the full trust of the trainers.
Could Alouette’s number 85 be a hidden card for this Gray Cup final against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Sunday? Finally, Caufield is one to score in big moments, having set a record seven overtime goals in his first 136 career NHL games.
Photo Martin Chevalier
“I’m grateful to have the opportunity to play for the Gray Cup and I’m excited about it,” said the 23-year-old American, adding, however, that he had never seen a CFL Finals in the past. The last time I played for a championship I was probably 12 or 13 years old and my dad was coaching me with the North Raleigh Bulldogs. We had lost in the final two years in a row, each time against a different Florida club. We have to change the scenario now.”