Canham, Amy named Canada West Athletes of the Year

May 10, 2023 - Jordan Canham and Tatum Amy have been crowned the 2022-23 Canada West Athletes of the Year, earning the conference's top honour after incredible seasons that saw them lead their respective teams to championship titles.

Canham’s all-around dominance led his University of Alberta men’s volleyball team to a Canada West championship, while Amy’s poise and leadership propelled her Mount Royal University women’s hockey squad to a magical run that culminated in the program’s first U SPORTS national championship.

Canham and Amy will move forward as the Canada West nominees for the prestigious Lois and Doug Mitchell U SPORTS Athletes of the Year Awards, which honour the nation's top male and female student-athletes. U SPORTS will announce the winners later in May.

FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR: Tatum Amy

When Tatum Amy graduates this June, she will leave behind an exemplary legacy of leadership, athleticism, and volunteerism.

The fifth-year captain finished her post-secondary career in dream fashion, leading her Cougars to their first U SPORTS national championship.

The product of Birtle, Man. was a difference maker all season. Amy led all of U SPORTS in assists with 24 and topped Canada West scoring with 31 total points. For her exceptional leadership on the ice, Tatum was named a Canada West First Team All-Star, Canada West Women’s Hockey Player of the Year and the recipient of the Canada West Sportsmanship and Ability Award. At the U SPORTS level she also received accolades as a second team All-Canadian.

She leaves MRU as the program’s all-time points leader.

While her on-ice achievements are many, her off-ice accomplishments are even more impressive. She has excelled in the classroom as a U SPORTS Academic All-Canadian and has devoted herself to giving back to her community, volunteering with several non-profit organizations. Her outstanding efforts off the ice were recognized with the Canada West Student-Athlete Community Service Award as well as Mount Royal’s Female Community Leadership Award. 

From the coach:

“No one put the team first more than she did and no one believed in her teammates the way she did. Her hockey IQ, patience and poise with the puck separate her from her peers and allow her to play in every situation. She is a difference maker in every aspect of the game and came through with big plays, in big moments throughout the season.”
​-MRU Cougars Head Coach Scott Rivett

From the athletic director:

“Tatum has been a member of our women's hockey program for six years. During this time she has grown as an individual to where she truly exemplifies what it means to be a Cougar and what our institution and department values are. She has displayed outstanding leadership skills in the classroom, on the ice, and in the community. She has a high level of expectation for herself in all that she does and this resonates with her teammates. Every challenge and obstacle that Tatum faced she overcame including an injury this January that saw her dreams of being a member of the 2023 women's hockey FISU team taken away. She puts her team first, personal accolades aside all for the betterment of the hockey program. This paid off for her (and the team) as they won Mount Royal's first gold medal at the national championship. Tatum is set to graduate this spring and through her sport of hockey, she truly is ready to take on her next journey in life.”
​-MRU Director of Athletics and Recreation Karla Karch

MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR: Jordan Canham

On the mountain of greatest individual seasons by a Golden Bears volleyball player, Jordan Canham’s 2022-23 campaign is at or near the summit. ​

After already being named both the 2023 Canada West and U SPORTS Men’s Volleyball Player of the Year, Canham now adds the conference’s highest honour to his resume.

The Avonmore, Ont. product was the catalyst for a Bears team that dominated Canada West, finishing atop the standings with a 22-2 conference record. He carried his stellar play into the post-season as the Bears captured their 14^th conference title in program history, before placing fourth at the U SPORTS National Championship in Hamilton. His stellar play at nationals was recognized with a U SPORTS Tournament All-Star nod for the second-straight season.

The fourth year outside hitter led the nation with 49 aces, setting a new Golden Bears single-season record from the service line. His 99 career aces also set a new Alberta school record. Each of his kill, ace, and point totals led the Bears, with his dig and block numbers placing him second on a deep roster.

Canham is also active in the local community and is an Academic All-Canadian in the Faculty of Education.

From the coach:

"This is a very well-deserved award for Jordan. He has put a lot of time, energy and teamwork into being the force he is through Canada West. He's a very mature player which is showcased through his growth as a leader and his high-level understanding of what it takes to be successful as an individual and more importantly as a member of a team at this level. I think what is additionally impressive about Jordan is that it's very likely he will continue to improve once he begins the next chapter of his career at the international level. I don't think we've seen the best of Jordan yet. Through his work ethic, passion and mind, I'm looking forward to the heights he will reach in the coming years."
​-University of Alberta Golden Bears Head Coach Brock Davidiuk

From the athletic director:

“There are very few things that bring over 2,700 people to campus, which is what we saw here for the Canada West Men's Volleyball Final in March. Jordan and his teammates entertained thousands of classmates, friends and fans who watched and cheered in awe of the power, athleticism and intelligence displayed on the court. This is the common experience and community that sport and student-athletes such as Jordan contribute to our campus. Jordan embodies everything great about university athletics; Energy, consistency, enthusiasm, intelligence, and tremendous athletic ability. He is a fantastic student-athlete and will be a strong alumni who represents the University of Alberta at the highest levels of his sport next season.”
​-University of Alberta Interim Athletic Director Katie Spriggs