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Eric Lapointe

In an era where Canadian running backs were almost always restricted to playing fullback and blocking for the import "feature backs", Eric Lapointe proved Canadians could carry the ball.  Unfortunately, he often only got the chance when injuries struck down the import running backs.  Lapointe was originally drafted in the third round of the 1999 college draft by Edmonton.  Released by Edmonton on June 26, 1999, Lapointe was picked up by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and had an impressive rookie season running for 691 yards on 105 carries.  In June of 2000, Lapointe was traded to Toronto along with the rights to Orlando Steinauer and a first round draft pick for MLB Mike O'Shea.  Lapointe saw little action with Toronto in 2000, with only eleven carries, and escaped Toronto as a free agent.  Lapoint signed with Montreal and spent six seasons with the Als.  For the most part, Lapointe was the backup running back in Montreal, filling in when injuries struck, but he did rush for over 400 yards in three of those seasons. Lapointe's biggest game with Montreal was probably the 2005 Eastern Final when another injury moved Lapointe into the starting tailback spot and he carried the Als on his back into the Grey Cup with an outstanding game.  Lapoint rushed for 112 yards and scored three touchdowns as the Als beat Toronto 33-17.  Lapoint scored two more touchdowns in the Grey Cup the following week, but alas for Montreal, they lost 38-35 to Edmonton.

Lapointe retired after the 2006 season, and is working in the financial industry.  Lapointe is also the president of the Montrea Alouette alumni. In 2012, Lapoint was selected for the Canadian Football Hall of Fame as a university athlete at Mount Allison.

Eric Lapint in Wikipedia

Eric Lapointe in the Canadian Football Hall of Fame

Eric Lapointe, Champion of Canadian Football and Financial Services

Emotional Night Celebrates Life (HOF Induction)- November 3, 2012

Lapointe Wins Contemporary Achievement Award - May 22, 2013

Games Played, Rushing and Receiving
Year Team GP TC Yds Avg TD Long Rec Yds Avg TD Long
1999 HAM 15 105 691 6.5 5 91 9 70 7.8 0 12
2000 TOR 11 11 29 2.6 0 8 2 11 5.5 0 6
2001 MON 17 21 123 5.9 0 24 5 59 11.8 0 27
2002 MON 11 9 107 11.9 0 44 3 34 11.3 0 20
2003 MON 9 75 432 5.8 2 38 13 84 6.5 0 25
2004 MON 17 78 479 6.1 6 77 16 80 5 0 15
2005 MON 15 79 423 5.4 3 24 6 36 6 1 11
2006 MON 14 18 132 7.3 0 35 2 6 3 0 5

Fumbles
Year Team F FL OFR
1999 HAM 2 0 1
2000 TOR 0 0 0
2001 MON 2 1 0
2002 MON 2 2 1
2003 MON 2 1 1
2004 MON 2 1 0
2005 MON 0 0 1
2006 MON 2 1 1

Tackles
Year Team T ST Total
1999 HAM 0 11 11
2000 TOR 0 7 7
2001 MON 0 6 6
2002 MON 1 13 14
2003 MON 2 4 6
2004 MON 0 4 4
2005 MON 2 4 6
2006 MON 1 10 11
Eric Lapointe