As is tradition, the CFL hosted their annual awards ceremony in Regina on Thursday night to honour the most outstanding players across the league.
For the 2nd straight year, Blue Bombers QB Zach Collaros was named the CFL’s Most Outstanding Player, making him the first to go back to back since Montreal’s Anthony Calvillo 14 years ago.
Not to be outdone, Blue Bombers head coach Mike O’Shea took home Coach of the Year honours for the 2nd season in a row as well. O’Shea’s squad posted a league best 15-3 record as they look to add yet another Grey Cup title to their resume in a few days time.
Continuing the string of Winnipeg personnel taking home hardware, Bombers’ OL Stanley Bryant earned his 4th Most Outstanding Lineman award in 5 seasons Thursday as well. The 36 year old anchored a stout Winnipeg offensive line which gave up the 2nd fewest sacks and had the 2nd most rushing yards per game in 2022.
The final Blue Bomber to take the stage was WR Dalton Schoen who was chosen as the CFL’s Most Outstanding Rookie. The 26 year old suited up for all 18 games for the Bombers and led the league in receiving yards with 1,441, narrowly beating out BC’s Dominique Rhymes.
Proving that not all awards were going to be given to Winnipeg players, Saskatchewan Roughriders kick returner Mario Alford was chosen as the league’s top Special Teamer following his breakout year in Regina. The 30 year old native of Greenville, GA had 4 kick return touchdowns on the season and led the league in kickoff return average.
Meanwhile BC Lions quarterback Nathan Rourke was chosen as the league’s Most Outstanding Canadian. The 24 year old finished 2022 with 3,349 passing yards, 25 TDs and 10 INTs across 10 games.
The Ottawa RedBlacks had a season to forget on the field, however DE Lorenzo Mauldin IV was recognized as the CFL’s Most Outstanding Defensive Player, setting several career highs throughout 2022. His 17 sacks led the league, making him the first Ottawa player to earn the distinction since 1992.
And finally Roughriders OL Dan Clark earned the Jake Gaudaur Veterans Trophy which honours the player who best exemplifies strength, perseverance, courage, comradeship and contributions to Canadian communities.
With the awards officially doled out, attention will now shift to the 109th Grey Cup slated for Sunday November 20th at Mosaic Stadium.
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