Chad Owens' latest change-of-direction move has him headed north of the border.

Owens, a former University of Hawai'i record-breaking receiver and kick/punt returner, has signed a one-year contract with the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League. He leaves Honolulu today and hopes to be in uniform for the Alouettes' next game on July 9 vs. the Edmonton Eskimos.

Montreal opened its season last night with a 33-27 victory over the Calgary Stampeders.

"I'm going in there with a humble attitude and a willingness to learn," said Owens, who played for the Arena League's Colorado Crush in 2008 before a torn anterior cruciate ligament injury ended his season. "If I'm not starting, it's because those guys know what they're doing, and I'll just learn and wait until I get my chance."

At the same time, Owens said the CFL's bigger field (110 yards long — with 20-yard end zones — and 65 yards wide) "is built for me" and his shifty, elusive style.

Owens said his injured left knee feels fully recovered after a smooth rehabilitation.

"My strength came back really quick, and I never had to put on a knee brace," Owens said. "It feels great, but I won't say it's 100 percent until I start playing again."

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.