Logan Ferland Wins Jake Gaudaur Veterans’ Award at CFL Ceremony

Logan Ferland, a CFL All-Star from Melfort, has been awarded the prestigious Jake Gaudaur Veterans’ Award at this year’s CFL Awards ceremony. This accolade honors a Canadian player who exemplifies the values associated with Canada’s veterans, including strength, perseverance, courage, comradeship, and community contributions.

Receiving the award on Thursday evening, Ferland expressed how significant this recognition is to him. “This means a lot. Football isn’t just for what’s going on the field but off the field. This really exemplifies the work we do in the offseason,” he said. Reflecting on his journey, Ferland recalled a pivotal moment from his youth when Jeremy O’Day, now the general manager of the Saskatchewan Roughriders, visited his elementary school. This early inspiration has stayed with him throughout his career.

Ferland’s achievement marks the fourth consecutive year that a Roughrider has received this honor, following Jorgen Hus in 2024, Brayden Lenius in 2023, and Dan Clark in 2022.

Community Contributions and Personal Resilience

Beyond his on-field success, Ferland is also known for his dedication to community service. He serves as an ambassador for the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital and the Ronald McDonald House, making regular visits to support families in need. Born prematurely at just 27 weeks and weighing less than two and a half pounds, the hospital holds a special place in Ferland’s heart.

“Seeing the impact and really reliving all those moments as a family when we went back there and toured the hospital… it’s really come a long way. It really adds to the importance of how close that is to my heart,” he shared.

Ferland has also reached thousands of children across Saskatchewan through programs such as Rider Reading and Win with Wellness. He shares his personal story of resilience, particularly in light of the loss of his father to cancer, encouraging young people to persevere through challenges.

Award Highlights and Future Goals

The Jake Gaudaur Veterans’ Award adds to an impressive collection of accolades for Ferland, which includes two CFL All-Star awards and the DeMarco–Becket Memorial Trophy for the CFL’s Best West Division Offensive Lineman in 2024. His achievements also date back to his junior football days with the Regina Thunder, showcasing a long history of excellence in the sport.

Looking ahead, Ferland and the Saskatchewan Roughriders are focused on the upcoming Grey Cup match against the Montreal Alouettes on Sunday. The championship game, which is highly anticipated among fans, is set to kick off at 17:00 at Princess Auto Stadium in Winnipeg. With his recent recognition and the team’s momentum, Ferland is poised to continue making an impact both on and off the field.