2024 Award Winners
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Captain Mercedes LeBlanc
CAF Female Athlete of the year View Bio
Captain Mercedes LeBlanc
CAF Female Athlete of the yearCaptain LeBlanc has been a key member of the CISM Swimming and Lifesaving Program since 2019, representing Canada at national and international competitions. Her commitment to excellence was evident in 2024–2025 as she overcame significant challenges to maintain elite performance.
When the pool at 4 Wing Cold Lake closed, she adapted by driving to Bonnyville for early morning training and finding alternatives during temporary duties in Winnipeg and North Bay. Her leadership was recognized when she was selected as Team Captain for the 2024 CISM World Military Lifesaving Championships.
Her results include six gold medals at the Canadian Pool Lifesaving Championships, Platinum on the FORCE test, and breaking a Canadian record in the 100m Tow at the World Lifesaving Championships—a record that had stood since 2014. Captain LeBlanc’s resilience and leadership exemplify CAF athletic excellence.
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Master Corporal Chris Cheeseman
CAF Male Athlete of the year View Bio
Master Corporal Chris Cheeseman
CAF Male Athlete of the yearMaster Corporal Cheeseman represented the Canadian Armed Forces with distinction in endurance competitions at provincial, national, and international levels throughout 2024.
He completed the Norseman Xtreme in Norway and the Ironman World Championship in Kona—two of the world’s most demanding triathlons—showcasing extraordinary physical and mental toughness. Domestically, he claimed first place at the Canada Man & Woman Xtreme Triathlon and second at the CAF National Triathlon Championship.
Beyond competition, Cheeseman is a respected leader and mentor at 8 Wing Trenton, known for his charisma, community engagement, and unwavering support for fellow athletes. His season reflects perseverance, discipline, and leadership, making him a standout recipient for this year’s award.
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Master Warrant Officer Simon Laprade
CAF Coach of the year View Bio
Master Warrant Officer Simon Laprade
CAF Coach of the yearIn just three seasons as head coach of the Base Men’s Hockey Team, Master Warrant Officer Laprade has demonstrated exceptional leadership and vision. His record speaks for itself: three consecutive regional championships and a national finals appearance.
From his first season, he established a culture of discipline, teamwork, and resilience, propelling his team to dominate regionally and compete at the highest national level. His commitment to conditioning includes a rigorous fitness camp each year, ensuring athletes are prepared physically and mentally.
Beyond the Base team, he coaches youth hockey, instilling values of sportsmanship and teamwork in young players. His influence extends beyond the scoreboard, making him a deserving recipient of Coach of the Year.
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Captain Ioannis Labrakis
CAF Official of the year View Bio
Captain Ioannis Labrakis
CAF Official of the yearCaptain Labrakis is a cornerstone of the volleyball community across Canada’s North and within the CAF. His leadership has strengthened the officiating network in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut by delivering multiple Level 1 Official Courses and mentoring officials at all levels.
Committed to his own growth, he has completed advanced courses, including Regional Referee Coordinator certification, further enhancing his ability to support and elevate the sport. His dedication fosters a culture of mentorship and professionalism that strengthens CAF Sports and the broader athletic community.
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Valcartier Men's Slo-Pitch
CAF Team of the year View Bio
Valcartier Men's Slo-Pitch
CAF Team of the yearThe 2024 season marked a turning point for the Lions, who underwent a complete restructuring with a refreshed coaching staff and a younger roster. The team demonstrated remarkable adaptability and an outstanding competitive spirit.
By joining a civilian league, they competed in a demanding environment that fostered technical and tactical development while paving the way for promising new talent. Their results speak for themselves: champions of the Bagotville regional tournament with a flawless record of five wins, followed by an exceptional performance at the national championship with four victories and only one loss.
Beyond the results, this nomination highlights the passion, hard work, and dedication of the athletes, coaches, and volunteers. The Lions proudly embody the ideals of excellence, solidarity, and perseverance that define the Canadian Armed Forces.
Honour Roll
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Chief Warrant Officer Susan Chiasson
Honour Roll View Bio
Chief Warrant Officer Susan Chiasson
Honour RollChief Warrant Officer Chiasson has made outstanding contributions to CAF sports through her involvement at the Base, Regional, and National levels, as well as internationally with CISM. She exemplifies leadership and teamwork, offering valuable insights that strengthen the CAF International Golf program.
Her golf record is remarkable: five CAF National Golf Championship appearances, including a second-place finish in 2024, and six Regional competitions where she claimed four first-place titles. Most recently, she represented Canada at the 15th World Military Golf Championship in Zimbabwe and the 16th in Kenya.
Beyond military sports, she competes in civilian tournaments, proudly representing CAF values in the broader community. Her achievements and unwavering commitment to service and sportsmanship make her an exemplary role model.
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Master Warrant Officer Jonathan Whitehead
Honour Roll View Bio
Master Warrant Officer Jonathan Whitehead
Honour RollMaster Warrant Officer Whitehead is a distinguished leader and athlete within CAF sports. His record includes over 20 national and 17 regional appearances in men’s ice hockey, earning multiple championships and Most Valuable Player honours. He also captained ball hockey teams to regional and national titles.
Beyond his athletic achievements, he contributes significantly off the ice as a referee and hockey committee representative at Base Petawawa, supporting the governance and growth of CAF hockey programs. His commitment continues in the civilian community as a coach, referee, and skills instructor, fostering athlete development and mentoring junior players.
Through decades of dedication, leadership, and service, Master Warrant Officer Whitehead has advanced CAF sports programs and inspired countless athletes.
Unconquered Award
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Adria Brochu
Unconquered Award View Bio
Adria Brochu
Unconquered Award
