Pierre Lamothe is excited about the prospect of launching his playing career, especially in Canada.

The Quebec-born midfielder recently put pen to paper on his first professional contract, signing a one-year deal (with a club option for 2022) with HFX Wanderers FC.

“I saw Pierre two years ago and was impressed with his qualities and understanding of the game. He is mobile and keeps the ball moving and is always available for the return pass,” Wanders coach Stephen Hart said.

“With the players that we have, I felt Pierre would complement the squad and be a dynamic link to the attack.”

Lamothe, 23, joins the Wanderers after a successful run with the Montreal Carabins, where he won a U SPORTS Men’s Soccer Championship in 2018 and finished a runner-up in 2019. During his time at the Université de Montréal, Lamothe played alongside Omar Kreim and Aboubacar Sissoko, both members of the 2020 Wanderers roster.

Adding a player with his skill set should bring more depth and competition to the Wanderers midfield in 2021.

CanPL.ca recently caught up with Lamothe to chat about his signing with the Wanderers, his experience playing in U SPORTS and much more.

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Can you tell us about your playing career so far?

PL: I started playing soccer in my hometown Longueuil, near Montreal. At 13-years-old I joined the Montreal Impact academy and played there until I was 19-years-old; that’s when I joined FC Montreal with the reserve team. They (folded) the team a couple months after I got there, so I had to find another team. That year I went for a couple trials in France but (found my way) back here to Longueuil and played in a semi-professional league. At the same time I joined University of Montreal where we made two U SPORTS Championship finals; we won one in 2018 and lost the other one. In 2017 I had the chance to play at the ‘Jeux de la Francophonie’ in Ivory Coast. I played with Chrisnovic N’sa and Daniel Kinumbe there – it was a really good experience.

What have you heard about Halifax and what influenced your decision to sign with the Wanderers?

PL: Well first of all it’s in Canada and I’m really happy to play in a league in my country. With Halifax, I’ve heard a lot of good things about the team. I know some of the players that have played for the team and are gone, or still with the team. I’ve just heard good things about the team and the city too – the fans and I’m really excited to get there and get started.

What have people told you about the Wanderers Grounds?

PL: I’ve seen a lot of photos mainly – I’m really happy I can play on grass. I’ve seen photos of the fans chanting and all the vibes for a good stadium to play in and it looks like a great atmosphere.

What about the city itself excites you about coming out here?

PL: I know Halifax is on the water so I can imagine the beautiful places to see and visit. I’ve heard it’s a pretty calm city so there won’t be a lot of distractions from my football. I’m really looking forward to living in Halifax, visiting the city and falling in love with the city.

You’ve played with Omar Kreim and Aboubacar Sissoko in U SPORTS. What’s it like having played with them in the past and now having the chance to play alongside them again?

PL: I had the chance to play three years with them; we developed a really good friendship outside the field. We all played in the midfield, always together. Honestly we were always helping each other and we complimented each other very well. We have different qualities; Abou is more of a holding midfielder and is stronger without the ball than the two of us. Omar is more of a dribbling player and gets into the final third a lot. I was kind of the link between the two and am good in the final third, too. We just complimented each other really well and had a good friendship, too.

What are you looking to add to the team dynamic in 2021?

PL: I can see myself playing in the midfield for the Wanderers. Last year when I watched The Island Games the midfield had a profile similar to my (style of play). I’m more of an offensive midfielder; I am more of a passer of the ball but I can participate a lot in the final third, so I’m hoping to bring something a bit different to the midfield.

Between football and it being your first time living in Halifax, what are you hoping to get out of your first year with the Wanderers?

PL: It will be my first professional contract and my first year in (a top league). So just to get in and try to perform and get as many minutes as I can. I hope to enjoy the city and to enjoy life. Following The Island Games it will be hard to do better but I just hope that we do our best to win the Canadian Premier League .I think it’s (definitely) possible. I’ll take it game-by-game and hope to improve and fight for the title.