Forge FC has signed former Halifax Wanderers defender Daniel Nimick to a multi-year contract.
The 24-year-old spent the last two years in Halifax colours, making 54 appearances in all competitions with 15 goals and six assists.
In 2023, he was nominated for both Canadian Premier League Defender of the Year Award and the Players’ Player of the Year Award.
“Daniel is a complete player who brings exceptional defensive ability, leadership, and a knack for making a significant impact at both ends of the pitch," Forge sporting director and coach Bobby Smyrniotis said in a statement. "His experience and professionalism align perfectly with the club's ambitions and we’re thrilled to welcome him to Hamilton."
The Vancouver Whitecaps originally selected Nimick in the second round (42nd overall) of the 2023 MLS SuperDraft out of Western Michigan.
He ended up with Halifax, signing with the CPL side in February 2023.
In four years at Western Michigan, Nimick made 65 appearances with 12 goals and seven assists. In 2022, he was honoured as Mid-American Conference Player of the Year and was a First Team All-MAC selection.
While in the U.S., Nimick also played two seasons in USL League Two for Grand Rapids FC and South Bend Lions.
Born in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, N.L., Nimick grew up in Harrogate, England and was a member of Leeds United’s academy from eight to 16 before switching to Harrogate Town, where he played for both the under-19 and first team.
In other CPL news, Canadian defender Frank Sturing has signed a one-year contract to remain at York United FC.
The 27-year-old centre back, who has won two caps for Canada, made 20 appearances in all competitions for York last season.
“I’m really excited to be back and looking forward to being part of something special,” Sturing said.
At club level, Sturing played for NEC Nijmegen and FC Den Bosch in the Netherlands before joining SV Horn in the Austrian second division in 2021. He joined York in January 2024.
“Having Frank back with us for another season is huge for us,” York president Ricardo Pasquel said in a statement. “He brought such calm and composure whenever he was on the field last season and he’s a modern defender: comfortable in and out of possession, extremely technical and possesses a fantastic football IQ too.
"He’s a reliable presence and gives us a very solid defensive base."
Born in the Netherlands, Sturing qualifies to play for Canada through his Calgary-born father. Sturing’s Dutch grandparents moved to Canada but returned home when his father was four or five.
Sturing scored five minutes into his Canadian senior debut in March 2021 in a 11-0 World Cup qualifier against the Cayman Islands. The 11 goals were a record for the Canadian men.
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This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 21, 2025.
The Canadian Press
