February 9th, 2023: "Original REDBLACK Antoine Pruneau announces retirement"

PRESS RELEASE - Original Ottawa REDBLACK Antoine Pruneau is calling it a career, today, announcing his retirement after a decorated eight-season CFL career.

"Antoine Pruneau is synonymous with REDBLACKS football," said Head Coach Bob Dyce. "The passion he brought to the field was unmatched. He took great pride in wearing the “R” and it was evident in his leadership and play. I know he will bring the same energy to the next chapter of his career. We thank him and wish he and his family nothing but the best."

A product of Laval, Québec, Pruneau played his collegiate football at the University of Montreal, before being drafted fourth overall by the REDBLACKS in 2014. His rookie campaign saw him record 79 total tackles, two sacks, and a forced fumble, earning CFL Rookie of the Month honours for October. He helped the REDBLACKS to Grey Cup appearances in 2015, and 2018, as well as their first championship victory in 2016.

"Antoine Pruneau has shown remarkable leadership and dedication to this organization which will be tough to replace," said REDBLACKS General Manager Shawn Burke. "We congratulate him on a job well done, a great career and wish him all the best in what comes next. He will always be a REDBLACK."

The 33-year-old Pruneau ends his CFL career as the REDBLACKS' all-time leader in games played (122), and total tackles (448), to go with 10 interceptions, four sacks, and four forced fumbles.

"Antoine personifies what it means to be a REDBLACK," said OSEG CEO Mark Goudie. "He left everything he had on the field, played through broken bones and helped bring a Grey Cup back to this city. But his contributions extended far beyond his play; he has been a leader in the community, the self-proclaimed leader of the French Mafia and a key piece in ushering along the next era of talented REDBLACKS players. Thank you, Antoine, on behalf of the REDBLACKS, OSEG and everyone who loves this game in Ottawa."

Away from the field, Pruneau long ago cemented his status as a fan favourite in the community. From working with local university football players, to guest coaching youth football, and acting as an all-around ambassador for the team in the Ottawa-Gatineau community, Pruneau's impact will remain an unforgettable part of REDBLACKS history. 

A statement from Antoine Pruneau:

"I had the best job in the world and I will forever be grateful to the people that accompanied me during this journey! 

To RNation: Thank you for your unconditional support throughout my career. Through the great moments and the tougher ones, you were incredible towards me and I will never forget this moment spent at your side. 

To my coaches: Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for the countless hours. Mostly, thank you for all the conversations that led me to be a better man. You were all great mentors! 

To my teammates: Thank you for being so inspirational. I am going to miss our time on the field but I'll miss the time away from the game with you all even more. FrenchMafia! Thank you for all the fun, all the jokes, all the wild times. Details on a succession plan to come. 

To my family and friends: I truly believe that I am surrounded by the best people. You have been by my side from the very beginning and the influence you have had on me has allowed me to live my dream for nine beautiful years. I love you."

January 13th, 2023: Brendan Gillanders Announces Retirement

OTTAWA - Ottawa REDBLACKS running back Brendan Gillanders has announced his retirement from professional football, after eight Canadian Football League seasons.

"When I started playing football here in Ottawa at the age of 10, I never dreamt I would one day play in two Grey Cups, and help bring one home to family, friends and our amazing fanbase. My family and I are sincerely thankful to the REDBLACKS organization, and all of the wonderful people working at OSEG, and the OSEG Foundation," said Gillanders. "As hard as it is to walk away from playing professional football, it is much harder to leave the amazing people in our locker room and facility. Finally, as the newest member of RNation, I could not be any more excited to watch Coach Dyce lead the REDBLACKS into the 2023 season, as they work towards another Grey Cup."

Born in Orleans, Gillanders played his collegiate football at the University of Ottawa, before signing with the Toronto Argonauts on December 18, 2013. He spent two seasons in Toronto, before inking a contract with his hometown REDBLACKS on February 9, 2016. Gillanders helped Ottawa to their first Grey Cup victory in 2016, and another appearance in 2018, as a fixture on Bob Dyce's special teams units.

"I honestly believe if something had ever happened to me, Brendan Gillanders could have played and coached our special teams unit at the same time," said Head Coach Bob Dyce. "I’m not sure I’ve had a player prepare with the professionalism and detail that Brendan did in my seven years in Ottawa. Gilly set the standard high for himself and his teammates and we will miss him immensely. We wish him and his family all the best as they embark on this next step."

All told, Gillanders wraps up his CFL career having appeared in 114 regular season games, rushing for 302 yards on 66 carries, and racking up 344 yards on 39 receptions. On special teams, he recorded 63 tackles, and a forced fumble. 

Off the field, Gillanders has been a mainstay in the Ottawa community, regularly teaming up with the OSEG Foundation and participating in events throughout the city. His work in the community and his passion for the game led to Gillanders being named the REDBLACKS nominee for the Jake Gaudaur Veteran's Award in 2022.

"REDBLACKS announce the re-signing of five Canadian standouts"

I don't record every single signing that the team makes but this one feels significant. The team is clearly in a rebuilding mode and the fan base's faith has been shaken so securing the services of these five guys is a nice way to get a jump on 2020.

The Ottawa REDBLACKS announced the re-signing of five Canadian standouts (on November 1st), including Ottawa’s all-time leader for most receptions, Brad Sinopoli. 

TD Place erupted when the team announced during Friday night’s game that receiver Brad Sinopoli, defensive back Jean-Philippe Bolduc, offensive lineman Alex Mateas, defensive lineman Nigel Romick, and running back Brendan Gillanders, all agreed to a two-year contract extension. 

Brad Sinopoli, WR
Brad recently broke a team record when he passed Tony Gabriel for the most receptions in Ottawa football history with 445. In 138 games played in the CFL, Sinopoli has now reached 501 receptions and 5,641 yards. 2018 was his best season since joining the CFL, recording 1,376 yards on 116 receptions. 

Jean-Philippe Bolduc, DB
Leading up to the last game of the season, the Montreal native has had a good 2019 campaign on the special teams, recording 19 tackles in 17 games. Since joining the REDBLACKS in 2016, Bolduc played 50 games and has a record of 15 defensive tackles and 52 tackles on the special teams. Jean-Philippe is also very active in the Ottawa-Gatineau community. 

Alex Mateas, OL
Since playing his first game for the REDBLACKS in 2015, the Ottawa homegrown has been nothing but consistent. Through the years, Mateas has developed into a key player on the O-line and helped Ottawa in reaching new heights. Signing Mateas for another 2 years will ensure stability and leadership on the offensive line. 

Nigel Romick, DL
Romick will return to Ottawa for two more seasons after completing a solid 2019 season. The Thunder Bay native played in 81 games with the REDBLACKS since joining the team in 2014 and has currently 11 defensive tackles and 80 tackles on the special teams. 

Brendan Gillanders, RB
Gillanders is another huge re-signing for the REDBLACKS. Since signing with Ottawa for the 2016 season, the former Gee-Gee (2009-2013) has played some of his best football since being drafted in the CFL. He has accumulated more than 275 rushing yards in 57 carries in the league. The REDBLACKS are thrilled to keep this Ottawa product in their ranks.

Bolduc, Romick and Gillanders were the team's top three special teams tackling leaders with 20, 17 and 14 respectively.

This is even better news framed against the unexpected retirement of defensive tackle Michael Klassen earlier in the day. Klassen explained on TSN1200 that injuries were lingering and essentially forced him out of the game. Over two seasons in Ottawa, Klassen played in 25 games and contributed 50 tackles (all on defense) and six sacks.