The Canadian Premier League announced on Friday night that Atlético Ottawa midfielder Ollie Bassett has been named the 2022 Player of the Year.

Bassett, 24, accepted the award in a ceremony at Ottawa’s TD Place on Friday as part of the CPL’s awards night prior to Sunday evening’s playoff Final between Atlético Ottawa and Forge FC.

The native of Packington, England started 27 out of 28 regular season matches for Ottawa in 2022, leading his club with eight goals and providing two assists as well. Bassett signed in the nation’s capital prior to this season after playing his first year in Canada with Pacific FC in 2021.

Upon joining Atleti, Bassett became immediately integral to the side, playing a vital role as a box-to-box central midfielder throughout Ottawa’s run to the regular season championship. He led the CPL this year with 138 entries into the penalty area, created 42 chances (third in the league), and he finished with a stellar 83.15 per cent pass accuracy.

“I want to thank my parents back in the UK, they stay up late nights watching the games,” said Bassett. “So yeah, I want to thank my family and my girlfriend for all they do for me on and off the pitch. Obviously, my teammates and my coaching staff, and the fans for their support this season.”

Bassett was voted Player of the Year by select media members from across Canada, after being selected as one of five nominees by members of the league office. He edged out Atlético Ottawa teammate Ballou Tabla, as well as Valour FC’s Sean Rea, Forge FC’s Alexander Achinioti-Jönsson, and Pacific FC’s Manuel Aparicio.

The Player of the Year award is represented by the Nikisuittuq sculpture by Cape Dorset artist Pitseolak Qimirpik, and is given to the player adjudged to have been the best during the CPL’s regular season — not including playoffs, Concacaf, or Canadian Championship play.

Bassett is the fourth player to win this award, and the first from Atlético Ottawa. Previous winners are Tristan Borges (2019) and Kyle Bekker (2020) of Forge FC, followed by João Morelli of HFX Wanderers FC in 2021.