A trio of CFL franchises have been named as finalists for the inaugural Ted Goveia Football Operations Award, including the team run by the late general manager.
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Calgary Stampeders, and Saskatchewan Roughriders are nominated for the award, with recognition set to take place during the CFL Coach of the Year Celebration on March 25 in Edmonton.
Goveia passed away in September at the age of 55 following a battle with cancer. The native of Burlington, Ont., won three Grey Cups with the Toronto Argonauts and Winnipeg Blue Bombers prior to being hired by the Tiger-Cats in 2025. The award honours a football operations department for outstanding achievement in scouting, player identification, roster building and leadership. The winner is voted on by the football operations departments of the nine CFL clubs.
The Ticats’ nomination comes as a result of several key offseason acquisitions, including East Division Most Outstanding Defensive Player finalist Julian Howsare and All-CFL receiver Kenny Lawler in free agency. Also noted was the selection of starting middle linebacker Devin Veresuk with the second overall pick in the CFL Draft — Goveia’s first and only first-round pick as a general manager.
The Stampeders are being recognized for the offseason trade that landed them franchise quarterback Vernon Adams Jr., as well as key free agent acquisitions like Canadian cornerback Adrian Greene and the selection of receiver Damien Alford first overall in the CFL Draft.
The reigning Grey Cup champion Riders earned their berth as a finalist through the repatriation of long-time NFL cornerback Tevaughn Campbell and the signing of veteran defensive tackle Mike Rose. Also noted were key negotiation list additions, like American left tackle Payton Collins.
The first annual CFL Coach of the Year Celebration will also honour Montreal Head Coach Jason Maas or his Saskatchewan counterpart, Corey Mace, for their incredible efforts last season. Additionally, the league will present the Hugh Campbell Distinguished Leadership Award to Ron Foxcroft for his tremendous support of officiating across the CFL.
The evening begins with a reception at 6 p.m. local time at The Westin in Edmonton, followed by a three-course dinner and the awards program at 7 p.m. Tickets are available to the general public.
