The Halifax Wanderers have signed Canadian midfielder Jérémy Gagnon-Laparé to a contract through the 2025 Canadian Premier League Season.
“Jérémy has a special ability to keep the ball moving and has a commitment to the game that will set a standard in our team,” Wanderers head coach Patrice Gheisar said. “His technical qualities, distribution and ability to chip in with assists from the heart of the midfield will make him a great fit in our system.”
Gagnon-Laparé, 28, spent the 2023 CPL season with York United FC. Across 23 appearances, the central midfielder racked up an impressive five assists.
This is Gagnon-Laparé’s second stint in Halifax. He signed with the Wanderers in 2021 and made 44 total appearances across two seasons, playing over 3,500 minutes of action while registering four assists. While a member of the Wanderers, Gagnon-Laparé was named a top-50 CPL player as voted on by a panel of coaches from all eight teams and the media.
“I’m stoked to be back with the Wanderers and excited to be a part of where this team is going,” Gagnon-Laparé said. “It was impressive to see what the club was able to achieve in 2023, and watching how this team played last year, I think I can fit well with their style and also help the team.”
Capable of playing anywhere across the midfield or at left-back, Gagnon Lapare brings back his distribution, defensive ability and versatility to Halifax. In 2023, he completed 88% of all of his passes and won 67% of all duels with nearly four interceptions per match.
GOAL – #WeAreUnited@yorkutdfc with an early goal in this one, as Oussama Alou converts an inch-perfect assist from Jérémy Gagnon-Laparé with just four minutes on the clock! 🇳🇱#VFCvYRK #CanPL | 🎥: @onesoccer pic.twitter.com/QmfUPXOAmG
— Canucks At Home (@CA_AtHome) July 2, 2023
From Magog, Quebec, Gagnon-Laparé is a veteran of over 200 professional appearances, including 65 CPL matches played. He started his career in the CF Montreal Academy and went on to make 11 appearances for the first team and saw action in 29 matches for USL side FC Montreal. He spent parts of two seasons with AS Vitré in France before returning to the USL in 2018, signing with Ottawa Fury before moving to Saint Louis FC in 2020.
“We’re delighted to welcome Jérémy back to Halifax,” sporting director Matt Fegan said. “The opportunity to re-introduce an outstanding character with excellent leadership skills to the locker room is a natural fit. When Jérémy made the call about a possible return, it was an easy decision to pursue. We can’t wait to see him back in the Wanderers blue.”
The midfielder has also represented Canada at various youth levels and made his debut with the men’s national team as an 18-year-old during an international friendly in 2013. In total, Gagnon-Laparé has made five appearances for the men’s national team.
Gagnon-Laparé’s signing is the first of several upcoming additions to the Wanderers squad that will be announced before players report to training camp in February.