Morey Doner will return to the Canadian Premier League in 2021 as a Wanderer.

HFX Wanderers FC announced the signing of the 26-year-old on Wednesday, bringing one of the CPL’s top right fullbacks to the East Coast after his departure from York9 FC, now York United, late last year.

Doner, a native of Collingwood, Ont., made 32 appearances for York across the 2019 and 2020 seasons, forming a formidable fullback combination with Diyaeddine Abzi. He played all 630 minutes of the club’s seven matches of the first round at The Island Games in PEI last summer.

“Over the last two seasons, Morey was one of the most consistent fullbacks in the Canadian Premier League,” Wanderers coach Stephen Hart said in a media release.

“He shows a good understanding of the position, both defensively and offensively, offering depth and balance to our squad.”

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Doner came to York after captaining coach Jimmy Brennan’s former side Aurora United in League1 Ontario, playing every minute of competitive action for the team in 2018 en route to earning all-star honours. Brennan brought Doner to the CPL in early 2019, completing a whirlwind path from the Canadian soccer wilderness for the sturdy fullback.

“The Wanderers were just short of winning a championship but I think I can add experience and a different dimension,” Doner said. “I have a lot to offer as an attacking fullback, I give a lot to the game and I give 100 per cent on the field whenever I can. So I think it’s a perfect fit for both sides of the coin.”

Doner stands as the first newcomer to HFX Wanderers’ 2021 CPL roster, which includes 12 returnees from Hart’s side that was one win away from capturing the North Star Shield at The Island Games.