The nine nominated CFL teams have been announced for this year’s Jake Gaudaur Veterans Award, which recognizes the Canadian CFL player who best demonstrates the attributes of Canada’s veterans: strength, perseverance, courage, camaraderie and contribution to Canadian communities.

The award, presented annually since 2010, is named for the late Jake Gaudaur, a distinguished World War II veteran and the longest-serving commissioner in CFL history, who embodied these qualities through his service. to the country and the Canadian soccer community. .

The winner will be chosen by a committee consisting of Robert Loken, Paul Thomson and Amanda Barrett of Veterans Affairs Canada, CFL analyst on TSN and former honorary colonel of the 417th Combat Support Squadron, Glen Suitor, acting executive director of the Association of CFL Players, Peter. Dyakowski and CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie.

The winner will be announced at the sold-out CFL Awards, presented by Securian Canada, on Thursday, November 14, as part of the 2024 Gray Cup Festival. Kate Beirness and Milt Stegall of the CFL on TSN will host the evening ceremony from West Vancouver Convention Center. Viewers can tune in via the league’s live streaming platform, CFL+.

FIVE MOST RECENT WINNERS

2023: Brayden Lenius (SSK)
2022: Dan Clark (SSK)
2021: Chris Van Zeyl (HAM)
2019: Martin Bédard (MTL)
2018: Rolly Lumbala (BC)

NOMINEES FOR THE 2024 JAKE GAUDAUR VETERANS AWARD

BOSEKO LOKOMBO – BC
​Lokombo has shown a tremendous work ethic throughout his time with the Lions, consistently arriving early to study film, work out and prepare for the week. The 2021 Most Outstanding Canadian winner recently earned his personal training certification in hopes of helping his teammates, athletes and the community exercise and rehabilitate injuries. Lokombo serves as the team’s leader, sharing his positivity, perseverance and faith with others, especially the team’s defensive unit, which has featured several new starters this season. Over the past year, he has served as one of the CFL’s ambassadors for World Vision Canada, traveling to Kenya and visiting the Kakuma refugee camp to not only represent the organization, but also the CFL and all Canadians. At home, she has been a staple at the Lions’ community appearances, training for high school teams, communities, indigenous youth and women’s flags. He is also a key spokesperson for the team’s school programs, Team Up To End Racism and Energy Champions.

JACOB PLAMONDON – EDMONTON
​After suffering a significant elbow injury in Week 9, Plamondon returned in Week 17 after missing six games. Despite the setback, he maintained a positive presence in the locker room, supporting his teammates during their recovery and motivating others during their rehabilitation processes. This season, the versatile third-year player moved from defensive lineman to fullback in an effort to help the team. Plamondon has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to the community and values ​​the responsibility of coaching youth flag football camps.

RENÉ PAREDES – CALGARY
​Now in his 13th year, Paredes is the team’s longest-serving member, moving into second place on the franchise’s career games list. As team captain for the past 10 seasons, he has been counted on to share his leadership, wisdom, guidance and positivity with his teammates, and especially younger players and newcomers. Paredes is the leader of a small group of players who visit patients at the Alberta Children’s Hospital on the eve of each home game during the season. Represents the team at community events, such as the CUPS Christmas Dinner in January, and at fundraising events, such as the Kids Up Front poker tournament. During the offseason, he visits local schools as part of the Stamps basketball team.

JORGEN HUS – SASKATCHEWAN
​Hus is the longest-serving member of the team. He is a model of consistency, having only missed nine games in his nine seasons, none of which have come since 2016. He is a committed teammate who helps newcomers adjust to life in Regina. Hus has immersed himself in community work, believing in the importance of giving back to his home province and country. He remains steadfast in being a trusted ambassador for the Roughriders and the Saskatchewan Roughrider Foundation. He is one of the few players who made the Winning with Wellbeing presentation series, a program that includes mental health resources approved by the Ministry of Education. Since the beginning of 2023, it has made 127 school presentations through Ganar con Bienestar and the Rider Reading program, which promotes reading and literacy, reaching 6,002 students in 28 communities. Hus also made 27 additional community appearances in support of Grow the Game soccer camps, while also serving as an ambassador for the Ronald McDonald House and visiting Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital.

CHRIS KOLANKOWSKI – WINNIPEG
​Kolankowski has been the starting center for the past two seasons after joining the team in 2021. He has persevered through a long and winding football journey, working through a release from Toronto, the season lost due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 19 and time. He spent time on Winnipeg’s practice roster, before reaching his current position on the team. Drawing on his previous experiences as a newcomer and learning from veterans, Kolankowski is eager to pass on the lessons he’s learned in leadership and camaraderie to the younger players on the offensive line. In the offseason, he helps run the annual Gridiron Football Camp in Oshawa, Ontario, giving youth the opportunity to learn the game through a 10-week program. He speaks annually to the team at his old high school and last winter was present at signing day at his alma mater, York University. During the season, he makes several community appearances and helps out with the Dakota Lancers high school football team.

BARBA DAVID – HAMILTON
​After joining the team in 2022, Beard has played in every game, including starts in every game except the one immediately following his acquisition. He is a stalwart member of the offensive line, serving as a stable teammate and trusted mentor. He takes pride in being available and shows a willingness to help in any way possible, including serving as a backup long snapper when needed. Off the field, he helps organize weekly meals among various position groups to better connect the team and build camaraderie. Beard is heavily involved in several community programs including Play it Forward, Autism Ontario’s Try Football, the Tiger-Cats High School Mentoring Program, First on the Field Flag Football, Canadian Blood Services and Food 4 Kids.

DEJON BRISSET – TORONTO
​Despite a season marked by a three-month injury and an arduous road to recovery, Brissett has never stopped being a positive force. Throughout his rehabilitation, he remained a consummate professional by continuing to attend meetings and film sessions, showing a dogged determination to be available to help his teammates when needed. After missing Weeks 4-16, he fearlessly returned to the field, giving it his all during the most important stretch of the season. The Toronto native, one of the longest-serving Argonauts, takes the time to mentor and lead his younger teammates. Brissett is actively involved in MLSE’s Huddle Up anti-bullying program and serves as an ambassador for MLSE Launchpad. He coaches youth at Argos Football Clinics and Oakville Football Club, and also participated in two backpack giveaways in the Rexdale neighborhood for youth in need of school supplies.

LEWIS WARD – OTTAWA
​Ward has been a steady, steady force all season long as the team dealt with various injuries and all sorts of adversity. His 2023 season was cut short due to a torn pectoral muscle, which required surgery. He approached a difficult rehab process with a tremendous work ethic and unwavering positivity to return and have one of the best statistical seasons of his career, including a perfect three-for-three from the field. Before the season, he was chosen one of the team’s captains given his penchant for encouragement, praise and leadership. Lewis actively supports OSEG Foundation initiatives, including Cheers for Charity and the REDBLACKS Women’s Training Camp, while also lending her time to NCAFA minor soccer events. He is proud to participate in uOttawa alumni events to give back to his alma mater and the school community.

RÉGIS CIBASU – MONTREAL
​Cibasu prides himself on his versatility and always shows a willingness to serve the team in whatever capacity is required. Despite suffering a torn tendon in his finger that caused him to miss weeks 4-18, he remained committed to attending all team meetings to support and motivate his teammates. Throughout his rehab, he took the time to communicate with his teammates to reassure them and assure them that he was doing well in his recovery. He has a strong relationship with general manager Danny Maciocia, dating back to their days at the University of Montreal, and he uses that familiarity to help young players better connect with the team’s leadership. Throughout the season, he visits the Pointe Saint-Charles neighborhood where he grew up to speak with underserved youth, encouraging them to be active and stay in school. He works closely with Sun Youth, contributing to an organization that supported him and his family when he was young.