New Montreal Alouettes owner Gary Stern fully expects that his 0-2 club will beat the visiting 2-0 Saskatchewan Roughriders Thursday night. Stern is optimistic that his team will pick up its first win of the season this week, although he’s stopping short of labelling it a guaranteed win night.

“You guys play a tough, physical game. No doubt about that,” Stern acknowledges. “But you’re coming to our house. Our guys play tough and physical too. I’ve got us winning this game.”

Stern says he’s impressed with the new ownership in B.C., the new management team in Edmonton and the job the Hamilton Tiger-Cats have done in marketing their product. He thinks some new blood, and new ideas, can only be good for the league overall.

“All nine clubs have an attitude of…we’ve been around a long time,” Stern says. “We understand we have to make some changes. And I think everybody in their own way is making those changes. The future is gonna be great. I love what I see out there.”

Stern will be Michael Ball’s guest on today’s 620 CKRM SportsCage at 6:05 p.m.

The Riders and Als square off Thursday at 5:30 p.m. Saskatchewan time. CKRM’s coverage starts with the pre-game show at 2:30.