The Nipissing Lakers stayed local and have named former Algonquin Baron Jean-Michel Paulin as their new captain for the upcoming soccer season.
The veteran midfielder is entering his final season as a member of the Lakers and wearing the captain’s arm band is an exciting way to wrap up his university career.
“I am proud and excited to lead a great group of guys into my final season as a Laker. I couldn't ask for a better way to finish my university career and can't wait to begin training camp and the 2015/2016 season,” he said in a release.
After a strong season in 2014, Paulin was named a second team OUA All-Star.
Paulin started 15 games and made an appearance in all 16 for the Lakers and helped them qualify for the playoffs yet again.
He chipped in with three goals and one assist, including a two goal game against RMC on Oct. 4, where he had five shots and scored the game-winner.
Because of his experience, speed and creativity, Paulin has been a key for the Lakers the past few seasons and will look to take his game to the next level in order to help the Lakers continue their streak of playoff appearances.
He said he feels this team has a tonne of potential and is looking forward to making some noise in the league.
“I believe that this year's team will be the most talented that I have played with. With hard work and dedication, I believe we can pass the quarter-final bump which we haven’t been able to overcome,” Paulin stated.
“There have been many good, promising recruits and with the core group of guys which have developed and improved every year, I believe we will be competing in every game no matter the opponent we face.”
Paulin, is a fourth year player, who is enrolled in the BPHE program at Nipissing University.
Lakers head coach Carlo DeVuono said the choice to make Paulin captain made sense for his team and he’s looking forward to watching the veteran lead the team.
“We are pleased to announce that JMP will be the captain of the men's soccer team,” DeVuono said.
“He has always been one of the fittest and most skilled players on our team; he has made the OUA all-star team twice. It was a natural progression for Jean Michel to make the jump to be the captain. He has a great attitude and has been a pleasure to coach. I see nothing but good things for him in his future and he is the type of person that will be successful in anything he does.”
