Peter Schaale’s last match for HFX Wanderers FC this season will be on Saturday against Cavalry FC.

The German centre-back is headed back to Cape Breton University to finish his business degree following the match, as outlined in the CPL-U SPORTS contract agreement allowing student-athletes to return to school on either end of the CPL campaign.

“He’s adapted well – Peter has been a big part of the team both on and off the field,” said HFX head coach Stephen Hart. “We’re sad to see him go but we do believe his education is important.”

After being chosen by Hart in the first round of the 2019 CPL-U SPORTS draft, fifth overall, the 6-foot-3 defender has shown exactly why the Wanderers coach rated him so highly, making 21 appearances in all competitions, scoring one goal.

“It’s been a great experience for me getting my first professional minutes and things have turned out well for my own development and I enjoyed every bit of it,” Schaale said, adding it was always planned that he would return to complete his studies.

The 23-year-old defender has also been a hit with the fans, who created a banner in the Kitchen for a few matches with his picture and a caption reading “Through Schaale not pass!”

Stephen Hart has been so impressed with his play and attitude, he has named him captain on a couple of occasions, most recently in Monday’s Natal Day victory over Valour.

“He has all the right qualities and he is one of those players who leads by example by the way he plays on the field,” Hart said.

While in the last year of his business degree, Schaale will go back to playing for the Cape Breton Capers.

The Wanderers are already in discussions with Schaale about returning to the club in the 2020 season.

It’s a deal the team hopes to seal after the player finishes his fourth year of school and completes his season with the Capers.

“He’s happy here, we’re happy with him, definitely we would like to have him back,” Hart said.

Schaale said he wants to come back to Halifax as well after his schooling is over.

“I have a good feeling in Halifax and the bond I have with the fans is very special,” Schaale said. “The home games have been amazing. The community has supported me and given me confidence as well as all the coaching staff and everyone at the club.”

While he expects to be emotional after Saturday’s match, typical of his personality, Schaale’s big focus is on trying to get a win against Cavalry.

“I don’t want to go out on the wrong feeling, I will leave it all on the pitch again one last time and I know the crowd will be cheering loud and I’m really looking forward to it,” he said.