MONTREAL – The Canadian Football League announced on Wednesday the Montreal Alouettes’ nominees for the 2016 Most Outstanding Player awards as selected by the voting members of the Football Reporters of Canada (FRC) and CFL head coaches. Linebacker Bear Woods has impressed throughout the season and was named the Alouettes’ Most Outstanding Player and Most Outstanding Defensive Player for this 2016 campaign, while his teammate Stefan Logan deserved the honour on special teams for a second consecutive season. Kristian Matte was named the Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman, while Samuel Giguère received the nod as the team’s Most Outstanding Canadian Player. Defensive back Jonathon Mincy earned the recognition for Most Outstanding Rookie.
Most Outstanding Player and Most Outstanding Defensive Player: Bear Woods
After seing his 2015 season cut short following the second game of the season, Woods rapidly proved that he was once again on top of his game this season as he was an important cog of the Alouettes fierce defensive squad. With one game left to play, the 29-year-old linebacker leads the team with 129 defensive tackles on the season, which is also a new team record. Even if opposing offences are constantly watching out for him, he also managed to create turnovers and make teams lose precious yards, as he recorded five quarterback sacks, four tackles for losses, two interceptions on the season, all while forcing four fumbles and recovering one.
Most Outstanding Special Teams Player: Stefan Logan
The Alouettes kick returner did not skip a beat in 2016, as he currently leads the CFL with 2,300 total return yards on the season. He once again surpassed the 1,000-yard mark on kickoff returns. With one game remaining this season, he amassed 1,182 yards, surpassing the team record he had set the previous season. He also cumulated 987 punt-return yards and should reach the 1,000-yard plateau once more on Saturday.
Most Outstanding Canadian: Samuel Giguère
Once again this season, the speedy Alouettes’ receiver continues to be an important part of the Alouettes offence. He scored a team-high six touchdowns this season, tied with two other players. The former Vert & Or product caught 31 passes good for 347 yards and three touchdowns. He also poses an important threat in the Alouettes red-zone offence, who leads the CFL with a 61.9% conversion rate, as he scored three rushing touchdowns on seven carries. Giguère was also a factor on special teams where he amassed 223 yards on 11 kickoff returns.
Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman: Kristian Matte
Matte took over at the centre position at the start of the season and did not miss a single start in 17 games. A pillar on the offensive line, the veteran lineman worked with two rookies on his squad, while working with four different quarterbacks. He helped running backs Tyrell Sutton and Brandon Rutley both rack up over 400 rushing yards on the season.
Most Outstanding Rookie: Jonathon Mincy
The cornerback position is one of the toughest positions to play at in the CFL and the job is that much harder when you are a rookie, but that didn’t prevent Jonathon Mincy from shining on the Alouettes defence, starting every game at the position. The 24-year-old rookie ranks sixth on the team with 53 defensive tackles. He also pilfered a pass, while forcing two fumbles and knocking down five passes.
