The Halifax Wanderers Football Club has selected two young Ontario-based Canadians from the 2022 CPL-U SPORT draft.
With the third pick in Round 1, Wanderers chose Ontario Tech University Ridgebacks attacker Chris Campoli, a 20 year old from Woodbridge, ON.
With the second round third pick, Wanderers opted for Guelph University Gryphons left back Colin Gander hailing from Kitchener, ON.
By virtue of the CPL-U SPORT draft, both Campoli and Gander will join Halifax Wanderers for pre-season trials with an opportunity to earn CPL-U SPORT contracts for the 2022 season.
“We’re pleased to welcome Chris and Colin into our environment in Halifax,” said Sporting Director Matt Fegan. “Both will be given every opportunity to earn a contract with us for 2022. They’re not just here to make up the numbers. We’ve shown in the past we believe in the pathway to the CPL that U SPORT programs provide and these two boys now have a chance to go to the next level.”
Head Coach Stephen Hart says he believes Campoli and Gander could fill some key positions on the first team squad.
“Going into the draft, we knew we wanted to bring in another attacking option as well as one more on the left side of the line up,” said Hart. “Chris can play a number of attacking positions across the top of the pitch. He’s also still under 21 which is an important factor for us to complete at least 2500 CPL minutes with U21s this season. He has done well not only in his U SPORT career but also in League 1 Ontario with Woodbridge Strikers.
“Colin has come through the TFC academy before he went to Guelph. He has a strong left foot and ability to deliver the ball from wide positions. He’ll know the level he needs to reach to pursue a pro career and left-back is a position we are continuing to recruit for.”
Both players are excited for their opportunity to show their talents with the Wanderers first team squad.
Campoli, a second year Finance major, was selected fourth overall by York United in the 2021 draft. He’s looking to build on his experience last season and earn a contract this year in Halifax.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity. I’m ready to work hard and be a part of the winning culture your team is building there.”
Gander was a part of the Guelph United team that won the League1 Ontario title in 2021. Also a third year Economics student, says he is relishing the first chance to test himself at the CPL level when he trials in Halifax.
“Out of all the teams, I know Halifax has the best atmosphere and it seems the city is really engaged with the club – it’s been my number one if I could choose so this is a dream come true. I’m just so excited to come out and show you what I got and I’m grateful for the opportunity.”
Halifax Wanderers pre-season camp opens March 1.
Bios
Name: Chris Campoli
YOB: 2001
Position: AM
School: Ontario Tech
Subject: Finance (2nd Year)
2021 U SPORT Record: 11 Appearances, 12 Goals, 2 Assists, 33 Shots, 63.6% Shots on Target
Name: Colin Gander
YOB: 2000
Position: LB
School: Guelph
Subject: Finance (3rd Year)
2021 U SPORT Record: 15 Appearances, 10 Clean Sheets, 1 Goal, 2 Assists
About U SPORTS
U SPORTS is the national brand for university sports in Canada. Every year, over 20,000 student-athletes and 900 coaches from 56 universities vie for 21 national championships in 12 different sports. U SPORTS also provides higher performance international opportunities for Canadian student-athletes at Winter and Summer Universiades, as well as numerous World University Championships.
The club will provide an update on our new player and coach additions for the 2022 season every Wednesday throughout the months of January and February as part of our popular ‘Wanderers Wednesday’ series.