National Sports

CALGARY — Brandon Banks is forever grateful to June Jones. When Banks broke into the CFL in 2013 with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, he was used predominantly as a kick returner by then head coach Kent Austin.

CALGARY — Brandon Banks is the CFL's outstanding player. The Hamilton Tiger-Cats receiver captured the honour for the first time Thursday at the CFL awards banquet in voting conducted by the Football Reporters of Canada and nine league head coaches.

CALGARY — Montreal Alouettes linebacker Henoc Muamba captured the CFL's top Canadian award Thursday night. Muamba received the honour at the CFL's awards banquet in voting conducted by the Football Reporters of Canada and nine league head coaches.

CALGARY — Orlondo Steinuaer of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats is the CFL's coach of the year. Steinauer received the honour Thursday night at the CFL's awards banquet in voting conducted by the Football Reporters of Canada and nine league head coaches.

Kaillie Humphries is officially part of USA Bobsled's national team. The two-time Olympic champion for Canada was selected Thursday night as a member of the U.S. team for this season.

QUEBEC — Western Mustangs quarterback Chris Merchant has been named the top player in Canadian university football this year. Merchant captured the Hec Crighton Trophy on Thursday night at the U Sports football awards.

CALGARY — Defensive end Willie Jefferson of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers is the CFL's top defensive player.

CALGARY — Frankie Williams of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats was named the CFL's top special-teams performer Thursday night.

CALGARY — Tackle Chris Van Zeyl of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats was named the CFL's top lineman Thursday night.

Calgary Stampeders linebacker Nate Holley was named the CFL's top rookie Thursday night. Holley received the honour at the league's awards banquet in voting conducted by the Football Reporters of Canada and nine CFL head coaches.