Rene (Rip) Riopelle was born in Mattawa, Ontario, but grew up in North Bay. After playing hich schoool football in North Bay at Scollard Hall, Riopelle graduated to the senior North Bay Tiger-Cats. At age 19, Riopelle was drafted by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Riopelle joined the Tiger-Cats in 1963 where he played 6 games for the tabbies, mainly at linebacker on defence, as Hamilton won the Grey Cup that year.
In 1964, Angelo Mosca got his Canadian citizinship which displace Riopelle and he was traded to Montreal. Riopelle played in 12 games for the Als, mainly as a blocking fullback for George Dixon and on special teams. Riopelle had 31 yards rushing on 8 carries and caught 4 passes for another 31 yards. Riopelle also saw action as a punt returner with 16 returns for 66 yards. An achilles tendon injury finished Riopelle for the season. The following year, Riopelle was picked up by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, but he decided to stay in Hamilton. Riopelle played four seasons for the St. Catherines Rams, another senior amateur team. In 1968, Riopelle led the senior league in rushing. Riopelle did have another short stint during that time with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, playing two games for them in 1966.
Riopelle was an excellent all around athelete. Besides playing football, Riopelle was scouted by the NHL's Montreal Canadians and Detroit Red Wings, and played one season of senior hockey. Riopelle played softball when he was younger and after his football playing days ewre over, he switched to racket sports, playing racquetball, tennis and squash, winning several titles along the way. In the summer, Riopoelle could be found on the golf liks or inline skating. Riopelle is a member of the North Bay Sports Hall of Fame.
Press Box - Article on Rene Riopelle
North Bay's Riopelle with Alouettes
Alouette Newcomer Riopelle in Battle with Argonaut's Brewer - August 18, 1964
Riopelle One of Three Players Fined - August 19, 1964
Riopelle in Alouette Line-Up vs Saskatchewan - September 5, 1964
Article / Bio on Rene Riopelle
| Year | Team | GP | TC | Yds | Avg | TD | Long | Rec | Yds | Avg | TD | Long | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1963 | HAM | 6 | 1 | 11 | 11 | 0 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1964 | MON | 12 | 8 | 31 | 3.9 | 0 | 9 | 4 | 31 | 7.8 | 0 | 11 | 0 |
| 1966 | HAM | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Year | Team | F | FL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1963 | HAM | 0 | |
| 1964 | MON | 1 | |
| 1966 | HAM | 0 |
| Year | Team | PR | Yds | Avg | TD | Long |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1963 | HAM | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1964 | MON | 16 | 66 | 4.1 | 0 | 11 |
| 1966 | HAM | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Rene Riopelle (left) with Jackie Parker (right). Click on picture for a larger version
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Sketch of Rene Riopelle
