HAMILTON, ONT. – (Nov. 4, 2026) – Forge FC defenders Antoine Batisse and Daniel Nimick have been named finalists for the Canadian Premier League’s Defender of the Year award, recognizing the league’s top defensive performer during the 2026 CPL Regular Season.
Batisse, 31, became one of the CPL’s most versatile and impactful defenders in 2026, excelling as both a central defender and defensive midfielder. The Frenchman finished fifth league-wide in possessions won (119), demonstrating his ability to disrupt opposing attacks and regain control in key areas of the pitch. His contributions extended into the attacking third, with four goals and three assists, including three match-winners. A commanding presence defensively and a consistent threat on set pieces, Batisse played an instrumental role in Forge’s success throughout the campaign, earning recognition as one of the league’s standout performers.
Nimick, 26, delivered another outstanding campaign in his second season with Forge, continuing to establish himself as one of the CPL’s premier defenders. The reigning Defender of the Year anchored one of the league’s strongest defensive units, ranking fifth league-wide in possessions won in the defensive third (62). His exceptional distribution remained a defining feature of his game, leading all CPL players in successful long passes (186) while completing an impressive 89.63 percent of his passes. The centre-back also made significant contributions offensively, recording four goals and three assists across 26 appearances. Nimick’s consistent performances on both sides of the ball played a key role in Forge’s defensive success throughout the campaign, earning him a third career nomination for the award.
The winner will be decided through voting by technical leadership from all eight CPL clubs as well as select media members who consistently covered the 2026 CPL Regular Season. The recipient will be announced at the 2026 CPL Awards ceremony on Thursday, Nov. 19.
The winner of the Defender of the Year award will receive a unique piece of Inuit soapstone art, conceived and carved by artist Ruben Komangapik. The Walrus statue was chosen to honour the CPL’s best defender because the animal is one of the ocean’s toughest creatures, feared even by polar bears and killer whales, like a tenacious defender who is a true guardian of the gates for his squad.