CALGARY - B.C. Lions defensive end Ricky Foley was named the CFL's top Canadian on Thursday night.

Foley was honoured at the CFL's awards banquet. The six-foot-two, 245-pound Foley had the unenviable task this season of replacing Cameron Wake, the former CFL sacks leader who signed in the off-season with the NFL's Miami Dolphins. The native of Courtice, Ont., performed admirably, finishing the season tied for the league lead in sacks with 12 his first season as a CFL starter despite playing with a broken thumb.

Montreal slotback Ben Cahoon, a two-time winner of the award, was the other finalist. Cahoon had a league-high 89 catches this season for 1,031 yards but only two TDs. Cahoon's receiving totals were his lowest since 2001.

Voting for the award was conducted by the Football Reporters of Canada and CFL head coaches.