Hometown hero recognized for actions on the field and in the community
REGINA (November 17, 2022) – Saskatchewan Roughriders centre Dan Clark has been named the recipient of this year’s Jake Gaudaur Veterans’ Award. The Regina native is the 12th player to be recognized with the Canadian Football League (CFL)’s annual award since its inception in 2010.
“Dan represents the wealth of character and strength found among the tremendous players in our league,” said the CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie.
“He stands tall in the Riders locker room as a veteran and as a leader, and every bit as important is what he stands for in the community. He is an incredible role model to his teammates, the entire league and all Canadians.”
Created in honour of Jake Gaudaur – a distinguished Second World War veteran and the longest-serving Commissioner in CFL history – the award recognizes a Canadian player who embodies the attributes of Canada’s veterans and the ones held by its namesake: strength, perseverance, courage, comradeship and contribution to Canadian communities.
“I want to extend my congratulations to Dan Clark on being awarded the Jake Gaudaur Veterans’ Award this year. Canada’s Veterans, like Jake Gaudaur, represent the very best of our country and provide folks like Dan the opportunity to make a real difference on and off the football field,” said the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence.
The 34-year-old Clark suffered a broken fibula and a shifted ankle bone in Week 2. While injured, he remained on the sidelines for every game, supporting his teammates through a difficult season, in addition to attending all team meetings to continue sharing his insight and knowledge. It was his second major injury since 2019, when he was ejected from his car following an offseason community appearance.
Despite the extent of his injuries this season, he returned in Week 17 following a mentally and physically taxing rehabilitation. He remained a staunch leader both on and off the field, creating a positive team environment and serving as a mentor for younger players.
Clark champions mental wellness, healthy relationships and anti-bullying across the province – using his own story to inspire others. He has supported many of the club’s community programs over his time in Green and White, including work with the Red Cross and Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital. Through the Saskatchewan Roughrider Foundation, he supports the Game Changers Playbook – Win with Wellness program and Rider Reading Month, having already visited 20 schools this season in support of youth literacy.
This year’s award was presented by Cindy Fuchs, Executive Director of the Saskatchewan Roughrider Foundation, and Jacqueline Hurlbert, the team’s Manager of Marketing and Community. Together, they co-chair the Rider Indigenous Task Force that focuses on Calls to Action Nos. 87-92, which address Sport and Business reconciliation, as outlined by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.
Clark was selected by a committee made up of Robert Loken and Amanda Brazeau from Veterans Affairs Canada, CFL ON TSN analyst and former Honorary Colonel of 417 Combat Support Squadron, Glen Suitor, CFL Players’ Association Executive Director, Brian Ramsay, and CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie.
The CFL Awards are a flagship event of Grey Cup Week as fans, media and the Canadian football community gather in anticipation of the country’s largest single-day sporting event – the Grey Cup. For more information on the 2022 Grey Cup Festival’s events, including dates, venues, purchasing details and more, please visit GreyCupFestival.ca.
The 109th Grey Cup will be played in Regina at Mosaic Stadium on Sunday, November 20 with kickoff slated for 5 p.m. local/6 p.m. ET. The sold-out contest and the Twisted Tea Grey Cup Halftime Show, featuring Jordan Davis, Tyler Hubbard of Florida Georgia Line and Canadian Josh Ross, will be broadcast live across the nation on TSN and RDS – Canada’s home of the CFL.
