The Saskatchewan Roughriders are hoping to make it five consecutive years winning the Jake Gaudaur Veterans’ Award.
Receiver Kian Schaffer-Baker has been nominated for the 2026 honour, which recognizes a Canadian CFL player who best demonstrates the attributes of Canada’s veterans, including strength, perseverance, courage, comradeship and contributions to Canadian communities.
The Roughriders have dominated the award in recent years, with Logan Ferland winning in 2025, following Jorgen Hus in 2024, Brayden Lenius in 2023 and Dan Clark in 2022.
Schaffer-Baker has been recognized for his leadership, perseverance through significant injuries and commitment to giving back to Saskatchewan communities. Through Roughrider Foundation initiatives, he has visited 19 schools and reached nearly 3,000 students, while also taking part in the team’s Santa in the North program.
Schaffer-Baker is one of nine nominees for the 2026 award, joining Andrew Peirson of the B.C. Lions, David Beard of the Edmonton Elks, René Paredes of the Calgary Stampeders, Pat Neufeld of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Kiondré Smith of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Peter Nicastro of the Toronto Argonauts, Sean McEwen of the Ottawa Redblacks, and Geoffrey Cantin-Arku of the Montreal Alouettes.
The award, named after former CFL commissioner and Second World War veteran Jake Gaudaur, has been presented annually since 2010.
A committee of representatives from Veterans Affairs Canada, the CFL, and the CFL Players’ Association will select the recipient. The CFL will recognize the winner with a surprise presentation as the season draws to a close or during the postseason.
