Lalonde takes over top job with Als By QMI Agency

MONTREAL -- Ray Lalonde, the former Montreal Canadiens vice-president and a onetime assistant to legendary Penn State football coach Joe Paterno, was named president and CEO of the Montreal Alouettes Wednesday.

Lalonde, from Trois-Rivieres, Que., brings more than 20 years of experience as a football, hockey and basketball executive in college and the pros on both sides of the border.

He's the permanent replacement for Larry Smith, who left the two-time defending Grey Cup champions in November to pursue a career in federal politics.

Lalonde's most recent job was with the Canadiens, where he served as vice-president and chief marketing and sales officer from 2001 until last year.

He oversaw the creation of the Canadiens Hall of Fame at the Bell Centre as well as Centennial Plaza, which features larger-than-life bronze statues of Guy Lafleur, Howie Morenz, Jean Beliveau and Maurice "Rocket" Richard.

Lalonde previously worked for the National Basketball Association, where he opened international offices in Paris and Geneva.

He played football at McGill University, where he earned a Bachelor of Education. Lalonde went on to earn a Master's in Sports Administration from Penn State, where he also served as a graduate assistant football coach.