Premier Awards - Best Sports Coverage ( Circulation up to 1499,Circulation 1500 to 3999,Circulation 4000 to 6499,Circulation 6500 to 9999,Digital - Population under 10K,Digital - Population 10-99K)
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Place Name:
First Place
Contestant Name:
The Carillon (Steinbach, MB)
Entry Title:
Eastman Raiders, Second Shots, Habs Return, Cech fired, Stats Page
Entry Credit:
Cassidy Dankochik
Judge Comment:
The Carillon delivered a really enjoyable mix of stories, stats and standout photography that brought local sports to life. From strong coverage of community teams to great action shots and athlete profiles, the entries showed real care and connection to the people behind the games. The writing was clear and engaging, and the photos showed great timing and creativity. This is the kind of local sports coverage that keeps a community proud and informed — great work all around.
Place Name:
Second Place
Contestant Name:
Nunatsiaq News (Nunavut/Nunavik, NU)
Entry Title:
Mykyla Allakariallak sets goal of pro hockey career
Entry Credit:
Nunatsiaq News Staff
Judge Comment:
This was an excellent example of how local sports coverage can uplift, inspire, and connect a community. The stories in this entry went beyond game results — they showcased the personal growth, leadership, and determination of young athletes like Mykyla Allakariallak, whose journey from Iqaluit to elite-level hockey in Alberta was told with care and heart. The paper did a great job highlighting a wide variety of sports and athletes, all with a strong local impact. These stories reflect the positive power of sports and the pride communities feel when their young athletes thrive.
Place Name:
Third Place
Contestant Name:
Tillsonburg Post
Entry Title:
Multiple titles on five stories
Entry Credit:
Jeff Tribe, Jeff Helsdon
Judge Comment:
The Tillsonburg Post impressed with its wide range of local sports coverage, capturing everything from team highlights to individual achievements across different levels of play. The variety kept things interesting, and the photos helped bring energy and context to the stories. It’s clear the team puts effort into showcasing the full scope of community sports, and it really paid off in this well-rounded and engaging entry.
Competition Comment:
This year’s entries were a great reminder of how important local sports coverage is to a community. We saw everything from kids just starting out in new or growing sports, to hometown athletes who’ve made it all the way to the pros. The variety was fantastic — with strong storytelling, great photos, and a real sense of pride in showcasing local talent and teams. These stories didn’t just report the scores — they captured the heart of the community.
