Tigers head to Soccer National Club Championships

Only a select few people in the country get to compete in the Canadian Senior Club National Championships.

Even less get to do that in the same city as their CIS team, without missing a beat.

14 Dal Tigers soccer players will be representing their club teams at the 2013 Sport Chek National Championships this week. This is a very rare opportunity for the players as the championships are being held in Halifax on a week where there are no AUS games.

The Tigers women’s soccer team is currently ranked ninth in the CIS and will be sending ten players to nationals, all representing Nova Scotia with Halifax Dunbrack. The head coach of the Tigers, Jack Hutchison, also coaches Halifax Dunbrack.

Joanna Blodgett, Adelle Goodfellow, Kristy McGregor-Bales and Victoria Parkinson all have two goals for the Tigers this year and will look to add their scoring touch for Dunbrack, who kick off their tournament against Quebec’s Royal Select Beauport on Wednesday at 6:00pm. Players from Dunbrack have been practicing with the Tigers for the past two weeks.

“Preparing for club nationals in the middle of the CIS season has allowed Dal players to remain sharp and in shape. Through AUS action, we are constantly playing high level soccer which is great preparation for what we will face at nationals,” says McGregor-Bales.

Also playing for Halifax Dunbrack are fourth-year Tigers Daphne Wallace, Lauren Landry, Andie Vanderlaan, third-year striker Jenna Goobie and keepers Taryn McKenna and Shannon Junor.

The men’s soccer team has four players representing their respective club teams. Bezick Evraire, who is co-leading the team with two goals this year, will represent his home province of Ontario with Gloucester Celtic. Their first game is at 10:00am on Thursday, as they take on the FDSA Wanderers from New Brunswick.

Third-year midfielder Sangmuk Choi will be representing Prince Edward Island with the Sherwood-Parkdale Rangers SC. They will start their tournament with a game against FC Winnipeg Lions, who represent Manitoba on Wednesday at 2:45pm.

Mahone Bay, NS native Jack Schembri will suit up for Halifax City, who start their tournament off against Yellowknife FC, who are representing the North West Territories.

Third-year midfielder Aaron Hoyle will rejoin Halifax Dunbrack, who will be in for a tough first game as they take on the defending champion Royal Select Beauport from Quebec at 6:00pm on Wednesday.

For a full schedule of the 2013 Sport Chek National Championships, click here.