For the Nipissing Lakers men’s soccer team, the time is now to really make a push when it comes to a long playoff run.
They have been consistent in terms of reaching the post-season and have continuously improved season after season and moving forward, the team is looking for post-season success and their latest recruit wants to be part of that.
The Lakers have signed local product Cody Vaillancourt, an athlete who can play midfield or as a defender and brings with him versatility when it comes to his position and role with the team.
The newest Laker is excited about the opportunity and is expecting big things from the team this season.
“I’m very excited. This is a great opportunity for me to thrive both athletically and academically,” he said. “My expectation for the team this coming season is to make the playoffs and to get farther than it has in the past. On a personal level, I expect of myself to come in and earn a consistent starting spot on the team and be a key asset in making the team a winning one.”
Vaillancourt, who is 18-years-old, is from Callander, but played with the Bradford District Wolves U21 team this past season.
He’s actually played club level soccer away from home for the past six years, but is ready to make an impact with his hometown team.
“The biggest reason I chose Nipissing was the fact that they are a winning program that has consistently made the playoffs for the past few years. Nipissing is a great school located right in my own hometown,” Vaillancourt said.
“While I entertained other offers including going to the U.S., the ability to stay close to my family, take the program I wanted, play soccer for a contending team, and finish school with minimal debt was a no-brainer.”
Vaillancourt will be enrolling in BPHE when school begins in September.
Lakers head coach Carlo DeVuono said Vaillancourt has been an athlete they have been impressed with for a while and now that they’ve been able to add him to the program, they’re thrilled.
“We have had our eye on Cody for a couple of years. He has been a standout player at the high school level here in North Bay for a number of years,” DeVuono said.
“Cody is a very smart player. He makes everyone around him better. He will fit in nicely with our team. His experience playing down south will give him the edge he needs to step into the team.”
Vaillancourt feels like he plays a strong game at both ends of the field, contributing in anyway the team needs in all situations.
He’s hoping his ability to play multiple positions will help him become a key player for the Lakers.
“I’d say I’m a versatile, all-round player. I can play any position from defense to mid-field to forward. I’m very tall for a soccer player so use my long legs to my advantage to run, shield, and steal the ball out from other players,” he explained. “I also use my height in set pieces to score goals. For someone of my stature, I have good touch and can easily carry and dribble the ball.”
Both Vaillancourt and DeVuono see a bright future and both are looking forward to the 2016 season already.
“Cody has a bright future as a Laker and I look forward to watching him grow and develop into an elite player in the OUA,” DeVuono said.
“I’m looking forward to playing in my own backyard where my friends and family can come out to support the Lakers,” Vaillancourt added.
