Geoffrey Cantin-Arku wins Jake Gaudaur Veterans’ Award

Presented annually since 2010, the award recognizes the Canadian CFL player who best exemplifies the values of Canada’s veterans: strength, perseverance, courage, camaraderie and community involvement.

Since joining the Alouettes in 2024, Cantin-Arku has become a key contributor on both defence and special teams. His journey to the CFL is a testament to his perseverance and determination. After losing his father at a young age, he left Quebec to pursue college football in the United States, where he adapted to a new environment while continuing to develop as an athlete.

Cantin-Arku is also known for his leadership and ability to bring people together. In 2025, he founded the GCA Academy in Quebec City, providing more than 250 young people with football training, mentorship and opportunities to develop their leadership skills.

In addition to his work with the academy, he has supported Purolator’s Tackle Hunger initiative and volunteered with Welcome Hall Mission. During the holiday season, he welcomes children and gives them gifts while also distributing food to people in need.

He becomes the fifth player in Alouettes history to receive the award, joining Shea Emery (2013), Jeff Perrett (2015), Luc Brodeur-Jourdain (2017) and Martin Bédard (2019).

“Congratulations to Geoffrey Cantin-Arku, recipient of the prestigious Jake Gaudaur Veterans’ Award. This recognition highlights not only his talent and determination on the field, but also his personal qualities and dedication to the community. The Montreal Alouettes, both as an organization and through their players, have always maintained a special bond with the Montreal and Quebec communities. This commitment is an integral part of our identity and values. Our players have an important role to play in the lives of young people by serving as inspiring role models who embody perseverance, self-improvement and solidarity. Geoffrey exemplifies these values admirably, notably through his participation in the Alouettes Foundation’s Ensemble à l’école program and the creation of the GCA Academy, which enables hundreds of young people in the Quebec City region to develop their athletic skills and leadership abilities. Congratulations, Geoff!” said Montreal Alouettes owner Pierre Karl Péladeau.

“This honour means a great deal to me because it allows me to send a message: anything is possible in life with good mentors and a strong work ethic,” said Geoffrey Cantin-Arku. “I share this award with everyone in our organization because we make it a priority to give back to the community and serve as positive role models. This honour motivates us to keep working and continue pushing ourselves to do even more in our community.”

The award is named in honour of Jake Gaudaur, a distinguished Second World War veteran who served as the longest-tenured commissioner in CFL history. Through his service to his country and his commitment to the Canadian football community, Gaudaur embodied the values that this award celebrates today.

The winner was selected by a committee comprising Deborah Bethell of Veterans Affairs Canada; CFL on TSN analyst and former honorary colonel of 417 Combat Support Squadron, Glen Suitor; Canadian Football League Players’ Association (CFLPA) Executive Director David Mackie; and CFL Commissioner Stewart Johnston.

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