The Halifax Wanderers have signed Canadian/Trinidadian forward Ryan Telfer to a contract for the 2024 CPL season with a club option for 2025.

Telfer, 29, joins the Wanderers from USL Championship side Miami FC, where he scored five goals in 30 matches during the 2023 season.

“I have known Ryan for a long time and had the pleasure of working with him on several occasions; we’re excited to add a player of his level to our attack,” Wanderers head coach Patrice Gheisar said. “He’s a left-footer that has loads of experience against tough opposition playing in some big games for club and country and has developed into a leader over the years. We expect Ryan to help us stretch the game and bring his ability on the ball this season.”

Telfer is a household name in the Canadian Premier League, having played from 2019 to 2021 with York United and Atlético Ottawa. He scored the first goal in CPL history on April 27, 2019, in the league’s inaugural match between York and Forge FC. In 49 league matches, Telfer has scored 11 goals.

“I’ve been interested in joining the Wanderers for a long time, going back to the start of the CPL, so I’m excited it’s finally happening,” Telfer said. “I’m looking forward to playing in Canada again and being on a team that is playing an exciting brand of football. Also, the atmosphere in Halifax has always been something I looked forward to playing in, and I’m happy to be on the home side this time.”

Able to play on either wing and a scoring threat with both feet, Telfer signed with Toronto FC in 2017 after playing at York University and Vaughan Azzurri. He made his MLS debut for Toronto in 2018, scoring his first goal on May 19 of that year against Orlando City SC. Over three seasons at the club (2017-2019), Telfer made a combined 58 appearances between Toronto FC
and TFC II. Telfer signed with Columbus Crew 2 in MLS Next Pro for the 2022 season, scoring three times in 12 regular season matches. He also scored in the league’s championship match as Crew 2 won the first title in league history.

“We are delighted to welcome a player of Ryan’s pedigree to the Wanderers, someone we have tracked for a number of seasons,” sporting director Matt Fegan said. “His experience in this league as well as his flourishing international career alongside our club captain Andre Rampersad for Trinidad and Tobago, make Ryan a valuable addition to the squad.”

Born in Mississauga, Ontario, Telfer spent his childhood in Trinidad and Tobago before returning to Canada as a teenager, qualifying him as a domestic player. He was called up by Trinidad and Tobago in September 2019 and made his international debut in a Concacaf Nations League match against Martinique. In 28 appearances for his country, Telfer has scored nine goals and tallied six assists. Alongside Wanderers captain Andre Rampersad, Telfer featured in Trinidad and Tobago’s recent 2-1 victory over the United States in November.