Soccer: Hutchinson Canada’s top man for the sixth time
TORONTO— Atiba Hutchinson has been named Canadian male soccer player of the year for the a record sixth time.
The 34-year-old midfielder from Brampton helped Besiktas to its second straight Turkish league title in 2016-17. Hutchinson and Besiktas have also reached the round-of-16 of the Champions League after a Turkish-record performance in the group stage.
Hutchinson leads the Turkish league in pass completion this season at 94.6 per cent.
It’s the fourth year in a row that Hutchinson has won the Canadian Soccer Association award, decided in voting by Canadian coaches and media. He also was honoured with the award in 2010 and 2012, setting the record for most wins last year at five.
“Obviously I’m very delighted,” Hutchinson said in an interview. “To have done it six times is something very special ... It’s amazing. I’m very honoured and proud.
“I’ve put in a lot of work. To have people recognize it and appreciate what I’ve done, I’m very grateful for.”
Dwayne De Rosario won the award four times (2005, ‘06, ‘07, ‘11).
The women’s winner will be announced Thursday.
Hutchinson finished ahead of runner-up Scott Arfield of Burnley and Alphonso Davies (Vancouver), Patrice Bernier (Montreal), Milan Borjan (Red Star Belgrade) and Junior Hoilett (Cardiff City).
Hutchinson, who made his debut for Canada at the age of 19, has won 78 caps to tie Mark Watson for fifth on the all-time list. He has captained his country six times, most recently in a 2-0 win over Jamaica in September.