Former CFL first-round pick Alex Fontana hired by OHL’s Brampton Steelheads

Photo: Bob Butrym/3DownNation. All rights reserved.

Former CFL offensive lineman Alex Fontana has been hired as the strength and conditioning coach for the Brampton Steelheads of the Ontario Hockey League.

Fontana was last under contract with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in 2023, but did not see game action and was released in late July. He started seven games for the Tabbies in 2022, after joining the team in free agency on a two-year contract.

The six-foot-two, 300-pound blocker was originally selected with the seventh overall pick in the first round of the 2019 CFL Draft by the Ottawa Redblacks. He dressed for 18 regular-season games as a rookie in a backup role as part of a veteran offensive line, but chose not to play in the 2021 season despite being projected to start at centre following the retirement of Alex Mateas.

The Toronto native played 27 games over four collegiate seasons with stints at Kansas University (2018), University of Houston (2016-17), and the New Mexico Military Institute (2014-15).

Since retiring, the 31-year-old has trained athletes in hockey and football through Dynamic Sports Performance.

The Steelhead begin their season on Friday, September 18, when they host the Oshawa Generals. The team finished last in the Central Division in 2025, posting a 19-39-6-4 record.