The 2023 Connellan Award winner is a name familiar to coaches and players for the past three decades with the Dinos football program.

Dr. Nick Mohtadi has been with the Dinos football program since 1991. Regarded as one of the top orthopedic surgeons in North America, the Dinos football program is fortunate to have him as part of the Sports Medicine staff. He not only serves as a surgeon but a mentor to those in the Sports Medicine profession. As a member of the University of Calgary Sports Medicine staff, Dr. Mohtadi is a familiar person on the sidelines at football games. For the past 31 years he has always been available to make sure the players have the best possible care regardless the time of year.

Mohtadi has worked with the last four Dinos head coaches - Peter Connellan, Tony Fasano, Blake Nill, and Wayne Harris - each of whom has the utmost respect for his knowledge and professionalism. “Dr. Nick” as he is known to many, was the team doctor for the 1995 and 2019 National Championship teams and numerous Hardy Cup Championship teams. He is known for his excellent rapport with players, coaches, and the staff he works with. An outstanding athlete in his own right, Nick was a former professional tennis player. He went to Oklahoma City University on a tennis scholarship before graduating from the University of Calgary’s School of Medicine in 1981. “Dr. Mohtadi made a major contribution over three decades to the Dinos football program. He was available at all times for medical advice and decisions,” stated Connellan. “On game day, he was a 110% sideline fan providing instant feedback to the officials at no charge,” added Connellan. Dr. Mohtadi is currently a Clinical Professor in the McCaig Institute for Bone and Joint Health within the Cumming School of Medicine and an adjunct professor in the Faculty of Kinesiology.
 

The Connellan Family Award is presented to an individual who has gone above and beyond duty in helping make the Dinos football program better. The Connellan Family Award is about TEAM (Together Everybody Achieves More). Dr. Nick Mohtadi has always been about the team.