Toronto Argonauts punter Noel Prefontaine stands at centre field during a practice Thursday, November 22, 2012 in Toronto. The Argos will face the Calgary Stampeders in the 100th CFL Grey Cup Sunday. The Argonauts have released veteran kicker/punter Prefontaine.The 38-year-old two-time Grey Cup winner has played 12 seasons in the CFL. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson
December 18, 2012 - 6:59 AM
TORONTO - The Toronto Argonauts have released veteran kicker/punter Noel Prefontaine.
The 38-year-old two-time Grey Cup winner has played 12 seasons in the CFL.
He was limited to seven regular-season games this year after undergoing career-threatening hip surgery in July.
The Argos looked to American Swayze Waters to handle the kicking duties while Prefontaine was out but Prefontaine returned to the lineup late in the year when Waters suffered a hand injury that prevented him from handling third-down snap.
Prefontaine helped the Argos win the Grey Cup last month, averaging 44.6 yards on seven punts in the championship game.
Argos general manager Jim Barker says it was a difficult decision but necessary as he builds the team for long-term success.
Barker says the Argos wanted to give Prefontaine enough time to find a job with another team.
Prefontaine says he's looking forward to continuing his career elsewhere.
In 235 career regular-season games, Prefontaine has recorded 1,706 punts for 71,173 yards. He has completed 72.6 per cent of 457 field-goal attempts.
News from © The Canadian Press, 2012