‘The stadium that I would rather play in’: Als’ safety enjoying homecoming at McMahon

Montreal Alouettes safety Nate Beauchemin is relishing a homecoming this week despite the Alouettes being the visiting team for Sunday's Grey Cup match against the Edmonton Elks at McMahon Stadium. The 23-year-old, born in Calgary, played his university football in Calgary and was the country's top defensive player at the University of Calgary in 2024. He was selected as the 14th overall pick in the 2025 CFL draft.

This season, Beauchemin, who was primarily a special teams player as a rookie, has showcased his defensive prowess with 61 tackles, four interceptions, and a fumble return for a touchdown. Reflecting on his journey, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to return to the stadium that nurtured him into the player he is today, and the opportunity for family and friends to be present.

Beauchemin acknowledged the challenges of playing at the aging McMahon Stadium, noting the impact of the new artificial turf installed in recent years. He finds the stadium to be a familiar and comfortable environment, stating, "If anything, this is the stadium that I would rather play in."

The Alouettes, who lost the 2025 Grey Cup to Saskatchewan, are determined to prove their worth this season. Head coach Jason Maas emphasized that the team's primary focus is to secure the Grey Cup, stating, "We fell short last year and it’s something that I reminded myself of all off-season then we got together in May ready to work. We had one goal in mind and it was the Grey Cup."

Defensive back Tyrice Beverette shared the team's motivation, acknowledging the disappointment of suffering a Grey Cup loss previously, likening it to a breakup. The team's determination to rectify that situation was evident, with everyone eager to make this moment memorable.