Atiba Hutchinson (pictured) has played for Canada since 2003. (Photo courtesy of Canada Soccer)
OTTAWA -- Atiba Hutchinson was named Wednesday the 2017 Canadian Player of the Year, earning the honor for the sixth time in eight years.
Alongside a second consecutive Turkish Super Lig title, Hutchinson helped Beşiktas to the 2016/17 UEFA Europa quarterfinals and then to the 2017/18 UEFA Champions League round of 16.
“He is playing at the highest level competing against the best in the world and his stats place him among the best of the best,” said Canada head coach Octavio Zambrano. “He is at the top of the game and he is more than worthy of winning this award for the 2017 season.”
Across the first four months of the 2017/18 Turkish season, Hutchinson has already made 15 appearances in domestic league and cup competitions. In the UEFA Champions League, he is among the top-20 players in passing accuracy (minimum 200 passes) with 94.5% through five matches.
Hutchinson earned his 78th cap in Canada’s 2-0 win over visiting Jamaica in an international friendly on September 2, 2017.
In a vote shared by Canadian coaches and media, Scott Arfield finished as runner-up.
