The Halifax Wanderers have signed Canadian defender Cale Loughrey to a contract through the 2023 Canadian Premier League season with club options for 2024 and 2025.

Loughrey, 21, comes to Halifax after spending the 2022 season with FC Edmonton on loan from Forge FC.

“Cale is a strong, somewhat old-school type of defender with incredible grit and desire that he has displayed in his journey to get here,” Wanderers head coach Patrice Gheisar said. “He’s also left-footed, and I expect him to be our best aerial defender, which complements our current group on the backline.”

A six-foot-three defender from Ajax, Ontario, Loughrey appeared in 25 matches for Edmonton between league play and the Canadian Championship. He also suited up for Forge FC in a February Concacaf Champions League match against Cruz Azul.

“I’m very excited to be joining the Wanderers, it was always my favourite place to play away last season,” Loughrey said. “I remember being shocked at how passionate the fans were and how the stadium was packed every game, it’s a great atmosphere with die-hard fans.”

A former Ontario provincial team player, Loughrey started in League1 Ontario with Darby FC and Unionville SC. He was eventually recruited by current Halifax head coach Patrice Gheisar to Seneca College and named team captain in his first season. Loughrey scored five goals on top of a team MVP award and a first-team All-Star selection.

Loughrey’s play at Seneca led to a move to the NCAA with the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where he made 25 appearances over two seasons.

“Patrice played a big role in my career and continues to push me to get better every day,” Loughrey said. “He’s taught me so much about the game and I am very excited to be working with him again.”