Forge FC’s Alexander Achinioti-Jönsson has been named the Canadian Premier League’s first-ever Defender of the Year.

This new award recognizes the defender voted as the best in his position by media members over the course of the league’s 2022 regular season.

The 26-year-old native of Hittarp, Sweden, naturally a defensive midfielder, was deployed as a centre-back this season by Forge after multiple injuries occurred in the Forge back line.

“Not too bad for a midfielder,” said Achinioti-Jönsson with a laugh, on winning the award, but acknowledged he has grown to enjoy playing the position. “Oh I do, it’s obviously different from playing defender, it took some adjusting to.”

Achinioti-Jönsson thrived in this new position, marshalling the club that conceded fewer goals than any other club this year, while completing more successful passes than any other player in the league (1,996). He was also nominated for the league’s Player of the Year award, as well as a finalist for the Players’ Player of the Year.

During this season he also hit a significant milestone, as he celebrated his 100th appearance as a Canadian Premier League player in September.

“Thank you, Canada.” ??

A heartfelt message from @ForgeFCHamilton’s Alex Achinioti-Jönsson after becoming #CanPL’s first international centurion ??? pic.twitter.com/RpA1HS9UaM

— Canadian Premier League (@CPLsoccer) August 1, 2022

Achinioti-Jönsson was nominated alongside York United defender Dominick Zator and Pacific FC’s Amer Didic for this year’s award.

The Defender of the Year is awarded a sculpture of a Walrus, created by Cape Dorset artist Ruben Komangapik. The Walrus is known as one of the ocean’s toughest creatures.