Awards
Each award is a unique piece of Inuit soapstone art carved by artists from Kinngait (Cape Dorset) and Mittimatalik (Pond Inlet), Nunavut.
Explore the page below to learn more about the Canadian Premier League’s unique individual awards, including two additions in 2022, and to view past winners.
DEFENDER OF THE YEAR
AWARDED TO THE DEFENDER VOTED BEST AT HIS POSITION BY MEDIA MEMBERS
The Walrus is one of the ocean’s toughest creatures, feared even by polar bears and killer whales. The Defender of the Year is also an ultimate protector, a true guardian of the gates in his squad.
ARTIST: RUBEN KOMANGAPIK
PLAYERS' PLAYER OF THE YEAR
AWARDED TO THE PLAYER VOTED BEST IN THE LEAGUE BY CPL PLAYERS
The Muskox earns the respect of his herd through his leadership, organization and defence of its most vulnerable members. Like the Players’ Player of the Year, the Muskox gains recognition from his peers for his commanding presence in the heat of battle.
ARTIST: RUBEN KOMANGAPIK
GOLDEN BOOT
AWARDED TO THE TOP SCORER DURING THE REGULAR SEASON
True goal scorers, like the Hunter, are courageous and fearless in the pursuit. They must be versatile and adaptive no matter the conditions.
ARTIST: PITSEOLAK QIMIRPIK
GOLDEN GLOVE
AWARDED TO THE GOALKEEPER VOTED BEST AT HIS POSITION BY MEDIA MEMBERS
The Canadian Inuit Dog is a protector who plays a vital role in guarding the community. He is loyal, tough, brave and intelligent.
ARTIST: KELLIPALIK ETIDLOIE
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
AWARDED TO THE PLAYER VOTED BEST IN THE LEAGUE BY MEDIA MEMBERS
The Nikisuittuq is a type of inukshuk, a stone landmark built to lead a traveller home. The Nikisuittuq’s top stone points towards the North Star, making it an important landmark in navigation.
ARTIST: PITSEOLAK QIMIRPIK
BEST CANADIAN U-21 PLAYER
AWARDED TO THE PLAYER VOTED BEST AMONG U-21 CANADIANS BY MEDIA MEMBERS
The Polar Bear at birth is playful and adored by all. As Atiqalaaq, the young cub, grows, it works to become Nanook, one of the most respected and formidable animals roaming Canada’s north.
ARTIST: TAQIALUK NUNA
COACH OF THE YEAR
AWARDED TO THE COACH VOTED MOST INFLUENTIAL WITHIN HIS CLUB BY COACHES
The Owl symbolizes wisdom, guidance, and knowledge. Its heightened vision gives the Owl the ability to see what others cannot, making it adeptly skilled and wise.
ARTIST: PALAYA QIATSUQ
Each award is a unique piece of Inuit soapstone art carved by artists from Kinngait (Cape Dorset) and Mittimatalik (Pond Inlet), Nunavut.
Explore the page below to learn more about the Canadian Premier League’s unique individual awards and to view past winners.
CPL FINAL MVP
AWARDED TO THE PLAYER VOTED THE MOST OUTSTANDING PERFORMER DURING THE CPL FINAL BY MEDIA MEMBERS
The Narwhal, with its iconic tusk, is one of the most unique and elusive Arctic creatures. It stands out as a rare, remarkable performer who thrives in some of the harshest conditions in the world, symbolizing the endurance, adaptability, and toughness needed to excel in a championship setting, like the CPL Final MVP.
ARTIST: RUBEN KOMANGAPIK
DEFENDER OF THE YEAR
AWARDED TO THE DEFENDER VOTED BEST AT HIS POSITION BY MEDIA MEMBERS AND CLUB TECHNICAL LEADERSHIP
The Walrus is one of the ocean’s toughest creatures, feared even by polar bears and killer whales. The Defender of the Year is also an ultimate protector, a true guardian of the gates in his squad.
ARTIST: RUBEN KOMANGAPIK
PLAYERS' PLAYER OF THE YEAR
AWARDED TO THE PLAYER VOTED BEST IN THE LEAGUE BY CPL PLAYERS
The Muskox earns the respect of his herd through his leadership, organization and defence of its most vulnerable members. Like the Players’ Player of the Year, the Muskox gains recognition from his peers for his commanding presence in the heat of battle.
ARTIST: RUBEN KOMANGAPIK
GOLDEN BOOT
AWARDED TO THE TOP SCORER DURING THE REGULAR SEASON
True goal scorers, like the Hunter, are courageous and fearless in the pursuit. They must be versatile and adaptive no matter the conditions.
ARTIST: PITSEOLAK QIMIRPIK
GOLDEN GLOVE
AWARDED TO THE GOALKEEPER VOTED BEST AT HIS POSITION BY MEDIA MEMBERS AND CLUB TECHNICAL LEADERSHIP
The Canadian Inuit Dog is a protector who plays a vital role in guarding the community. He is loyal, tough, brave and intelligent.
ARTIST: KELLIPALIK ETIDLOIE
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
AWARDED TO THE PLAYER VOTED BEST IN THE LEAGUE BY MEDIA MEMBERS AND CLUB TECHNICAL LEADERSHIP
The Nikisuittuq is a type of inukshuk, a stone landmark built to lead a traveller home. The Nikisuittuq’s top stone points towards the North Star, making it an important landmark in navigation.
ARTIST: PITSEOLAK QIMIRPIK
BEST CANADIAN U-21 PLAYER
AWARDED TO THE PLAYER VOTED BEST AMONG U-21 CANADIANS BY MEDIA MEMBERS AND CLUB TECHNICAL LEADERSHIP
The Polar Bear at birth is playful and adored by all. As Atiqalaaq, the young cub, grows, it works to become Nanook, one of the most respected and formidable animals roaming Canada’s north.
ARTIST: TAQIALUK NUNA
COACH OF THE YEAR
AWARDED TO THE COACH VOTED BEST IN HIS ROLE BY MEDIA MEMBERS AND CLUB TECHNICAL LEADERSHIP
The Owl symbolizes wisdom, guidance, and knowledge. Its heightened vision gives the Owl the ability to see what others cannot, making it adeptly skilled and wise.
ARTIST: PALAYA QIATSUQ
