Somewhat surprisingly, Philippe Lemieux-Cardinal stayed with the University of Montreal Carabins in 2022.

Now that he’s knocking on the pro door again, the defenseman will be looking to extend his college football farewell tour by a few weeks.

With a bit of nostalgia but at peace with his decision, the fifth-year athlete prepares to begin another playoff plan with the Blues. Looking to end his career in style, she starts Saturday’s Dunsmore Cup semifinals against the University of Sherbrooke’s Vert & Or.

“I’m anticipating the ending a bit, but we’re hoping to make it to the end. We want another month of football, but we have to be realistic about it all,” admitted Lemieux-Cardinal on Thursday, who failed to find a taker in the last Canadian League draft.

“For Phil, we didn’t expect his return this year. We thought he was at a professional level. He had a bit of a disappointment and came back,” said head coach Marco Iadeluca, happy to be able to count on his captain again.

Lemieux-Cardinal is also hoping to continue his football career in the years to come but he has a firm plan B in any case.

“I finished my bachelor’s degree in kinesiology, I work in practice. If football is not for me or there is no possibility at this level, I can turn to kinesiology, physical preparation, ”confided the one who wants to stay in the performance field.

An example to follow

The defensive line was the foundation of the Carabins’ success in 2022. Lemieux-Cardinal obviously played a big part. After being named top lineman in Quebec last year, he still performed well on the field but was focused on passing the torch.

“I started last year because I knew it might be my last year, my last chance to give something back to the younger players,” he explained. It was sort of a continuation of that process. I’m always very available for the guys. I try to support them, give them tips when it’s relevant.

“I’m trying to prepare these young people for the years to come because it’s going to be about them. Prepare for the next generation and ensure it reaches its full potential. I am happy to be part of this process.”

Words worthy of a future coach. On the contrary, Lemieux-Cardinal is not closing the door on this path, but there is still football to be played. Saturday at the Complexe Sportif Claude-Robillard, the veteran and the carbines will be on a mission.

another honor

In his final varsity season, Lemieux-Cardinal will be able to leave the entourage of the University of Montreal Carabins with his head held high as he was selected to the all-star team at the Réseau du sport sportif du Québec on Thursday. .

“It’s a great recognition. It’s an individual honor, but I think there’s a lot of collective work behind all of this. My unit and the defense itself have been well looked after by our coaches and will continue to be,” said the defender.

The league’s five head coaches selected the 27 athletes for this roster. The Blues are also well represented with six players. In addition to Lemieux-Cardinal, running back Bertrand Beaulieu, linebackers Michael Brodrique and Nicky Farinaccio, cornerback Kaylyn St-Cyr and kicker Philippe Boyer were recognized for their performances in 2022.