Curtis Hodgson of Burnaby was named one of the finalists for the 2015 National Lacrosse League sportsmanship award.
The award is given out to the player who has deemed to have exemplified a high level of sportsmanship with tremendous play on the field this season.
“It’s an honour to be nominated for the sportsmanship award,” said Hodgson in a press release. “I’m glad to be a part of a great team and organization and happy to help grow the league and the sport in any way I can.”
Hodgson is the longest serving Vancouver Stealth player, now in his 11th season in the NLL, all with the Stealth organization. He was the captain of the team this season, registering five points, including a goal, and 45 loose balls.
The 33-year-old veteran defender, has missed only one game over his career spanning 179 games.
Hodgson was recently named the director of the Stealth Lacrosse Academy and its Junior Stealth programs.
The Burnaby school teacher played collegiately at Simon Fraser University and was a fourth round (43rd overall) selection in the 2001 NLL Draft.
Hodgson is the Stealth’s all-time regular season leader in games played with 174. He also has 593 loose balls, which ranks fourth in Stealth franchise history. He has played in three Champions Cup games, including winning the championship in 2010.
“Curtis is a prime example of a leader and team player,” said Stealth president and general manager Doug Locker in the release. “He leads on and off the floor with his professionalism and work ethic. Our players, as well as the players around the league, have the utmost respect for him.”
Hodgson is also a full-time teacher at Byrne Creek Secondary School, where he serves as athletic director, teaching social studies and physical education.
Hodgson joins Rochester Knighthawks transition player Jordan Hall and New England Black Wolves forward Kyle Buchanan as the three finalists for the award.
The awards are determined by a vote of the league’s board of governors, general managers and head coaches. The winners will be announced at a ceremony on Sept. 29 in Toronto.
