CALGARY - Defensive end John Chick of the Saskatchewan Roughriders was named the CFL's top defensive player Thursday night.

Chick was honoured at the CFL's awards banquet. The six-foot-three, 250-pound Chick was a force for the Riders' defence, finishing fourth in sacks with 11, just one behind league-leaders Ricky Foley of B.C., teammate Stevie Baggs and Montreal's John Bouman. Chick added 32 defensive tackles and two fumble recoveries.

Making Chick's accomplishments more impressive is his ongoing battle with Type 1 diabetes.

Montreal defensive end Anwar Stewart was the other finalist. Stewart was part of an Alouette defence that often dominated opponents as the squad finished first in 21 of the league's 25 categories, including fewest points allowed (18), yards allowed (296.1 per game), rushing yards allowed (75.1 per game) and passing yards allowed (245.7 per game).

Stewart finished the season with nine sacks along with 38 tackles and an interception.

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