This year has been quite a ride for Canadian sports, with notable performances, but who truly emerged as the athlete of the year? Let's delve into 2023's standout figures and see which athletes we can count on to consistently deliver when it counts.
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On December 11th, the prestigious Northern Star award ceremony took place, crowning one of this year's exceptional sports figures.
A discussion on Canadian sports would be incomplete without mentioning Connor McDavid. This Edmonton Oilers player, a generational talent, tallied a mesmerizing 153 points last season—the highest since Mario Lemieux's 161 in the 1995-96 NHL season.
Although the Oilers didn't clinch the Stanley Cup, McDavid's feat of scoring the most points in nearly 30 years amidst a golden era in the sport is remarkable.
The Oilers have had a rocky start to the current season, which might impact McDavid's chances at the prize. However, recent games indicate he's regaining his peak form.
On the defensive spectrum, Cale Makar from the Colorado Avalanche stands out. His incredible points tally for a defenseman earned him a spot in last year's Northern Star considerations, and his prowess this year keeps him firmly in contention.
Sidney Crosby's name remains relevant in hockey circles. Though he hasn't been in the limelight for major trophies recently, surpassing 1500 career points last season and being on track for another 40-goal season bodes well for his legacy.
In basketball, a couple of athletes have shined. Jamal Murray, a key player for the NBA champion Denver Nuggets, has a potential case for the Northern Star. His absence from this summer's FIBA games for Team Canada might, however, affect perceptions.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, on the other hand, played a pivotal role at the FIBA World Cup, helping Canada secure bronze, and commanding an outstanding NBA season with the Oklahoma City Thunder, where he ranked fifth in MVP votes, averaging over 31 points.
While 2023 wasn't standout for MLB, Jordan Romano matched his personal record of 36 saves and made his second All-Star Game appearance. Despite his solid 2.90 ERA, akin to his past seasons, it might still fall short for the Northern Star.
Freddie Freeman, though a player with Canadian roots, can't be fully claimed by Canada. However, his impressive season keeps him on his path to Cooperstown.
A surprising turn at the Grey Cup Final saw the Montreal Alouettes defeat the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, spearheaded by Brady Oliveira's stellar performance, topping 1,500 rushing yards.
Having the second-highest rushing yards for a Canadian-born running back in CFL history, Oliveira's efforts, especially his 119-yard performance in the Cup Final, might earn him Northern Star consideration.
The Canadian women’s soccer team faced disappointment at the World Cup, not advancing past the group stage. However, 2023 marked the retirement of stalwarts Christine Sinclair and Sophie Schmidt, whose legacy in the sport remains unmatched.
In men's soccer, Jacen Russell-Rowe and Mohamed Farsi celebrated an MLS Cup victory with Columbus Crew, while Alistair Johnston's significant contributions helped Celtic to a treble, showing adaptability in his debut against Rangers.
Canadian track and field athletes had a strong run, especially at the World Championships in Budapest and the Pan American Games in Santiago.
Notable gold medalists in Budapest included Ethan Katzberg in hammer throw, Camryn Rogers in her event, Marco Arop in the men's 800m, and Pierce LePage in decathlon, shining brightly as top contenders for future Olympic glory in Paris.
At the Pan American Games, Charles Philibert-Thiboutot and Sarah Mitton captured golds in the men's 1500m and women’s shot put, despite setbacks at the World Championships.
Nick Taylor broke a near-70-year drought by winning the Canadian Open, a feat likely to earn Northern Star votes, especially after triumphing in a dramatic playoff.
His overall performance in 2023, however, didn't make waves in major tournaments, which could impact his Northern Star chances.
Corey Conners also found success on the PGA Tour with his win at the Valero Texas Open, though parallels to Taylor's struggles in significant tournaments might limit his Northern Star consideration.
In the world of lacrosse, Jeff Teat of the New York Riptide has shown unmatched skill, almost reaching a record season tally and securing third in MVP votes. Yet, lacrosse players historically haven't clinched the Northern Star award.
Laurence St-Germain, albeit not consistently impressive in the World Cup, claimed the World Championship gold in slalom, demonstrating brilliance early in the year.
Similarly, Jack Crawford's gold in Super Giant Slalom outshone his usual World Cup trials, marking a career best.
Young ski jumper Alex Loutitt made history as the first Canadian to win gold at the Nordic World Ski Championships, paving new paths for her sport in Canada.
Anticipation for the upcoming Olympics includes Maggie Mac Neil, who dominates in swimming, having won multiple golds at the Pan American Games, with previous Olympic success under her belt.
Summer McIntosh, only 17, has also stood out, collecting two gold medals at the World Championships and poised for even greater achievements as her career unfolds. Her consistency makes her a continued contender for the top accolades.
Who do you think stands out as the most remarkable Canadian athlete this year?
We've examined the top athletes of the year to determine who deserves the title of Canada's sportsperson of 2023.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was recognized with the Northern Star Award, naming him the leading Canadian athlete of 2023. Image credit: Yong Teck Lim-Getty Images.
The year 2023 has been noteworthy for Canadian sports, with numerous exceptional performances. The question is, have any athletes emerged as the clear choice for the sportsperson of the year? Let's review the significant achievers of 2023 and decide whom we would confidently entrust with our faith, expecting them to perform consistently.
The prestigious Northern Star award was presented yesterday, on December 11, to honor one of the standout athletes of the year.
Starting on the ice, Connor McDavid from the Edmonton Oilers is a prodigy in the sport, amassing a staggering 153 points last season, a feat unmatched since Mario Lemieux's 161-point tally in the 1995-96 season.
