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 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
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
