Montreal Alouettes linebacker Geoffrey Cantin-Arku was awarded the Jake Gaudaur Veterans’ Award on Thursday. The honour recognizes a Canadian CFL player who best embodies the qualities of Canada’s veterans, including strength, perseverance, courage, comradeship and community service. The award is named after Gaudaur, a distinguished Second World War veteran and two-time Grey Cup champion who served as the CFL’s longest-tenured commissioner from 1968 to 1984. Gaudaur died at the age of 87 in 2007. Montreal head coach Jason Maas surprised Cantin-Arku with the announcement at practice, welcoming members of his family onto the field. The recipient is usually recognized during the league’s annual awards ceremony, but this year the CFL is offering behind-the-scenes glimpses of the winners and the stories behind their accomplishments. “The leadership and character that Geoffrey displays in the locker room speak to who he is as a teammate and as a person,” CFL commissioner Stewart Johnston said. “More importantly, the care and compassion he displays in the community strengthen the bond between the team and the province of Quebec. “He is a tremendous ambassador for our league, our sport and for all Canadians.” The six-foot-four, 232-pound Cantin-Arku, of Lévis, Que., is in his third season with Montreal. He has 83 total tackles (78 defensive, five special-teams), including two for loss, along with four sacks and two forced fumbles in 15 regular-season games. Cantin-Arku is also active in his community, having founded the GCA Football Camp Academy in Quebec City, which provides instruction, mentorship and leadership opportunities to more than 250 youth annually. He’s also heavily involved in the Purolator Tackle Hunger program and volunteers with Welcome Hall Mission, which provides support to Montreal residents in need. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 15, 2026.
