CFL Notebook: Stamps, Ticats, Riders Named Finalists / CFLPA NAMES DIRECTORS
The Calgary Stampeders, Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Saskatchewan Roughriders are finalists for the inaugural Ted Goveia Football Operations Award. The winner will be recognized as part of the Canadian Football League’s (CFL) Coach of the Year Celebration at The Westin Edmonton on March 25.
Named in honour of Ted Goveia, a career executive and a steadfast leader in the Canadian football community, the award recognizes a CFL club’s football operations department for outstanding achievement in scouting, player identification, roster building and leadership. The award is voted on by the football operations departments of the nine CFL clubs.
In keeping with Goveia’s philosophy that teams are built collectively, the award will be presented to a group rather than an individual. A significant member behind three Grey Cup championship teams (2012, 2019 and 2021), Goveia did not believe in sole responsibility in player acquisition, preferring to acknowledge the many contributions needed to identify, scout and sign new additions.
In addition to the presentation of the Ted Goveia Football Operations Award, the first annual CFL Coach of the Year Celebration will honour Montreal Head Coach Jason Maas or his Saskatchewan counterpart, Corey Mace, for their incredible efforts last season. The league will also present the Hugh Campbell Distinguished Leadership Award to Ron Foxcroft for his tremendous support of officiating across the CFL.
(CFL Communications)
OTTAWA – The Ottawa REDBLACKS announced today that All-Decade defensive lineman Lorenzo Mauldin has signed a one-day contract with the club to officially retire with the REDBLACKS.
Mauldin played 67 games over his four seasons with the REDBLACKS (2022-25) and earned various individual honours over his tenure, including the league’s Most Outstanding Defensive Player (2022), All-CFL (2022, 24) and East All-CFL (2022, 24). He was also named to the REDBLACKS’ All-Decade team during the club’s 10th anniversary celebrations in 2024.
“To the city of Ottawa, you’ve embraced my family and me from day one and we have loved you back with everything in us,” said Mauldin. “I would say this is the end, but it’s just the beginning of something new and happy to step away and be handed off as an Ottawa REDBLACK! Thank you for four great years!”
(OSEG Communications)
CFLPA NAMES BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Canadian Football League Players’ Association (CFLPA) announced Friday, the election of its Executive Board at it’s Annual General Meeting, taking place in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario.
The newly elected Executive Board will help guide the organization in representing and advocating for CFL players across the league. The board is voted upon by a group of active player representatives from across the CFL, who are committed to serving the membership and strengthening the voice of players both on and off the field.
The 2026 CFLPA Executive Board is as follows:
President: Solomon Elimimian
1st Vice-President: Brett Lauther
2nd Vice-President: Folarin Orimolade
3rd Vice-President: Stavros Katsantonis
Treasurer: Adam Bighill
Executive Director: David Mackie
Solomon Elimimian, who was first elected president in 2020, has been re-elected for a fourth term as President of the CFLPA. A respected leader both during his playing career and in his role with the association, Elimimian has helped guide the organization through significant milestones while continuing to advocate for the best interests of CFL players.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the trust placed in me to continue serving as President of the CFLPA,” said Elimimian. “It’s an honour to represent our members, and I’m proud of the work we’ve done together to strengthen our union. I’m excited to continue building on that progress with this new board as we work to support our members and move the game forward.”
(CFLPA Communications)
