Eight REDBLACKS named to 2017 CFL East Division All-Star team

The CFL’s East Division All-Stars will feature a healthy contingent of Ottawa REDBLACKS players.

Announced Wednesday, the all-star squad will feature eight players from the REDBLACKS, who host the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the East Division Semi-Final on Sunday afternoon.

On the offensive side of the ball, the Buds – Brad Sinopoli and Greg Ellingson – cracked the list after each posted their third-straight season with at least 1,000 yards.

Running back William Powell was selected after rushing for 1,000 yards for the first time in his career, while receiver/returner Diontae Spencer was named to the special teams slot of the all-star squad after finishing the regular season with a CFL record-setting, 496 all-purpose yards performance against Hamilton.

Offensive lineman Alex Mateas was selected to the team at guard after a successful season that saw him fill in for Jon Gott at centre in the second half of the year. Sophomore offensive lineman Jason Lauzon-Seguin was voted onto the team at tackle.

Ottawa’s lone selection on the defensive side of the ball is defensive back Antoine Pruneau, who finished the year with 65 defensive tackles, eight on special teams, four interceptions and a sack.

Punter Brett Maher rounds out the list of Ottawa all-stars. Returning to the REDBLACKS this season after suiting up for Ottawa in 2014, Maher finished second in the CFL in both total punting yards (5,556) and average distance (46.7).

The Division All-Stars were selected by members of the Football Reporters of Canada (FRC) and CFL head coaches. The CFL league-wide all-stars will be announced in early December.

These all-stars will be in action Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m. when they host the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the East Semi-Final at TD Place. Tickets are available by clicking here, calling 613.232.6767 X1 or in person at the Box Office at TD Place.