Defender Daniel Nimick joins Forge FC after 2 seasons with Halifax Wanderers
Forge FC has officially announced the signing of former Halifax Wanderers defender Daniel Nimick to a multi-year contract. The 24-year-old player has spent the last two seasons showcasing his talent in Halifax colors, amassing an impressive record of 54 appearances across all competitions, with 15 goals and six assists to his name.
Nimick’s exceptional performance in 2023 earned him nominations for both the Canadian Premier League Defender of the Year Award and the Players’ Player of the Year Award. Bobby Smyrniotis, the sporting director and coach of Forge FC, expressed his excitement about the new addition to the team, stating, “Daniel is a complete player who brings exceptional defensive ability, leadership, and a knack for making a significant impact at both ends of the pitch. His experience and professionalism align perfectly with the club’s ambitions, and we’re thrilled to welcome him to Hamilton.”
Originally selected by the Vancouver Whitecaps in the second round of the 2023 MLS SuperDraft, Nimick chose to pursue his career with Halifax, signing with the CPL side in February 2023. Prior to his professional career, Nimick played collegiate soccer at Western Michigan, where he made 65 appearances, scoring 12 goals and providing seven assists. His standout performance in 2022 earned him the title of Mid-American Conference Player of the Year and a spot on the First Team All-MAC.
During his time in the United States, Nimick also showcased his skills in USL League Two, representing Grand Rapids FC and South Bend Lions. Born in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, N.L., Nimick grew up in Harrogate, England, where he honed his skills in the Leeds United academy before transitioning to Harrogate Town, where he played for both the under-19 and first team.
In other CPL news, Canadian defender Frank Sturing has extended his stay at York United FC, signing a one-year contract with the club. The 27-year-old centre back, who has earned two caps for Canada, made 20 appearances for York last season and is eager to continue contributing to the team’s success.
Sturing’s professional career has seen him play for clubs such as NEC Nijmegen and FC Den Bosch in the Netherlands before joining SV Horn in the Austrian second division in 2021. His arrival at York in January 2024 was met with praise from club president Ricardo Pasquel, who highlighted Sturing’s composure and technical abilities on the field.
Born in the Netherlands, Sturing is eligible to represent Canada through his Calgary-born father. He made a memorable debut for the Canadian national team in March 2021, scoring five minutes into the game against the Cayman Islands in a record-breaking 11-0 victory for Canada.
The acquisitions of Nimick and Sturing signify the continued growth and development of the Canadian Premier League, with both players bringing a wealth of experience and talent to their respective teams. Fans can look forward to seeing these standout defenders in action as they contribute to the success of Forge FC and York United FC in the upcoming season.
