HAMILTON, ONT. – (Nov. 3, 2026) – Forge FC forward Hoce Massunda has been named one of five finalists for the Canadian Premier League’s Best Canadian U-21 Player Award, recognizing the top domestic player aged 21 or younger during the 2026 CPL Regular Season.
Massunda, 21, continued to establish himself as one of the CPL’s most promising young attacking talents in his second season with Forge, recording four goals and two assists across the 2026 regular season. His six goal contributions were tied for the most among all U-21 players, while he led the age category in touches in the opposition penalty area (102), averaging a league-best 5.14 per 90 minutes. The forward also led all U-21 players in goals per 90 minutes (0.20) and combined goals and assists per 90 (0.30), while ranking second in chances created (28) and expected goals (3.76). His attacking creativity and consistent ability to generate scoring opportunities earned him a second consecutive nomination for the CPL’s U-21 Canadian Player of the Year award.
The winner will be determined by votes cast by technical leadership from all eight CPL clubs, alongside select media members from local and national outlets who regularly covered the 2026 CPL Regular Season. The award will be presented at the 2026 CPL Awards ceremony on Thursday, Nov. 19, as part of the 2026 CPL Final festivities.
The winner of the U-21 Canadian of the Year award will receive a unique piece of Inuit soapstone art, conceived by artist Taqialuk Nuna and carved by Ruben Komangapik. The Polar Bear statue is awarded annually to the CPL’s U-21 Canadian of the Year because, much like a developing young player, the animal grows from a playful cub into one of the most respected and formidable creatures roaming Canada’s North.