We desperately need a win: Als Brink

WINNIPEG Were still not certain whether Alex Brink can play quarterback lets be frank about this matter. But then again, were not certain the Alouettes can score offensive touchdowns in great multitudes either.

What were coming to understand about Brink, however, is hes smart and savvy. He understands who butters his bread. And so on Wednesday, the Als final night in Regina, Brink organized a team dinner for the receivers and running-backs and made sure he picked up the tab for the food, sans alcohol.

The magnanimous gesture Brink refused to disclose the bills amount isnt always easy on a Canadian Football League players salary, even one who plays quarterback, but likely ensured his teammates will walk on hot coals for him.

It was an opportunity to bond, an opportunity for me to get the skilled guys together, Brink disclosed. Weve reached a very important point in the season.

Brink gets his second consecutive start for the Als Friday night (8:30 p.m., TSN, RDS, TSN Radio-690) against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers at Investors Group Field. Montreal, at 1-6, has lost five straight games held to one offensive touchdown in the last four, that coming with 30 seconds remaining against Edmonton.

That Brink, 29, spent three seasons with the Bombers, from 2010-12, will undoubtedly prove to be a tantalizing footnote to any story. But Winnipeg was largely terribly during that span at least for two of those years and Brink played sparingly behind Buck Pierce. Besides, the guy who drove the franchise into the ground, general manager Joe Mack, is now long gone.

Theres no animosity. This isnt a revenge game, said Brink, who started seven games for Winnipeg and actually has a pair of 300-yard passing games on his resum. Coincidentally, both came against Montreal when the Als were actually good.

We desperately need a win. Thats all that matters, Brink said. Its rare in this business that you get a second opportunity. I feel like I have that. I know my coaches and teammates have confidence in me.

In this business, a chance can be fleeting, Brink continued, commenting on his Bombers years. Whether thats a handful of snaps, a handful of games, you have to take advantage of your opportunities. The situation I was in wasnt ideal. We were going through a time of transition for this organization. As the quarterback, sometimes those things make it tough.

Yeah, Brink was talking about Winnipeg, but those thoughts could be juxtaposed into what he has inherited with the Als, a team still seeking solutions following the retirement of Anthony Calvillo.

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We desperately need a win: Als Brink