In the infancy of the 2014-15 season, Aaron Portzline delivered a story that almost seemed impossible. Today, it became an award-winner.

On Nov. 20, 2014, Portzline’s “Blind-sided: Blue Jackets’ Jack Johnson is bankrupt; who led him there is biggest shocker,” rocked the hockey — and sports — world; a hockey player was bankrupt, partially at the hands of his parents.

Portzline’s story was thorough, well-reported and not to mention a seriously interesting read. For that effort, it was announced today by the Associated Press Sports Editors (APSE) that the Columbus Dispatch writer earned first place in the APSE 2014 contest in the breaking news category, for circulation size 75,001-175,000.

"It's an honor to be recognized by your peers within the industry, and it would not have happened without the help and support of my colleagues at the Columbus Dispatch,” Portzline said in an email.

"My hope is that the story — and others that will follow — will raise awareness to a serious issue in professional sports."

For more information regarding the award, go here.