Elimimian, Olafioye make all- star team

The B. C. Lions’ brightest star in an otherwise middling season was no surprise as the Canadian Football League announced its 2014 all- star team on Thursday.

Linebacker Solomon Elimimian, who last week became the first defensive player to be named the CFL’s most outstanding player, was named to the allstar squad.

Elimimian, also awarded the league’s top defensive player honours for a stellar season in which he had 143 defensive tackles and 151 total tackles ( both league records) was joined on the all- star team by fellow Lion Jovan Olafioye at offensive tackle. For Olafioye, it’s his fourth straight CFL allstar nod.

It’s the second career all- star nod for Elimimian, who was the CFL’s top rookie in 2010.

The Edmonton Eskimos had the most players on the all- star team with seven.

Running back John White, receiver Adarius Bowman and guard Simeon Rottier were called to represent the Eskimos on the offensive side, while defensive linemen Almondo Sewell and Odell Willis, linebacker Dexter McCoil and cornerback Patrick Watkins were named from Edmonton’s defence.

The 2014 Grey Cup champion Calgary Stampeders had five players named to the team, led by star Canadian running back Jon Cornish.

Brandon Banks, whose electrifying returns helped Hamilton advance to the Grey Cup, was named as the special teams player. Hamilton also sent defensive tackle Ted Laurent and cornerback Delvin Breaux to the all- star team.

Toronto’s Ricky Ray, the East Division’s nomination for most outstanding player, was named the team’s quarterback.