The winds of change were more of a full-blown Chinook at Spruce Meadows last week.
On the week of the Canadian Premier League's U Sports Draft welcoming a pair of familiar faces to ATCO Field, Cavalry FC also said goodbye to four core members of the squad in centre backs Dominick Zator, Jay Wheeldon, full back Dean Northover and central midfielder Bruno Zebie.
“I’ve worked with each of these players for many years and can’t thank them enough for what they’ve helped build here in Calgary and their contributions to the growth of the Canadian Premier League," said Cavalry FC head coach and general manager Tommy Wheeldon Jr. "The world we live in now is an extremely challenging one where lots of sacrifices have been made by many.
"Wherever they go next in their lives, I’m sure they will add value to that environment with their character and capability.”
Zator, the most high profile of the departures, declined a club offer for an extension of his contract and has since joined the CPL's York United Football Club.
The Calgarian will be fondly remembered for his aerial presence, providing a memorable headed goal in the Cavs' first league game victory over York9 and provided the game-winner in the team's historic second leg triumph over the MLS' Vancouver Whitecaps in the quarterfinals of the Canadian Championship at BC Place in 2019. The commanding presence on the back-line earned a call-up to the Canadian senior men's team in 2019 after a sterling season in the inaugural CPL campaign.
The U of C alumnus was also a key cog in Foothills FC's USL-2 championship while playing out of Okotoks' Foothills Composite field in 2018.
"Playing in my hometown with (Cavalry FC) for the past two years has been truly special and I will cherish the memories forever," said Zator, in a social media post. "I’d like to thank the ownership group, coaching staff, medical staff, my teammates and everyone behind the scenes for everything they have done.
"I want to give a special thanks to the Cavs fans, the (Foot Soldiers) and my family for all your love and support over the past two years. Without you all, it wouldn’t have been possible."
Jay Wheeldon, a steadying presence on the Cavalry, is moving on to focus his efforts on his coaching career as an A-licensed coach while Northover is retiring from the sport. Zebie, who played for his hometown FC Edmonton in 2019 before joining the Cavalry the following season, did not have his contract renewed, as per a team media release.
The Cavalry sought to fill some of the holes on the defensive line with the addition of Dutch centre-back Daan Klomp last week.
Klomp, 22, brings high level experience to the Cavs having suited up for NAC Breda in the Eredivisie, the top-flight league in the Netherlands featuring internationally renowned sides Ajax, Feyenoord and PSV Eindhoven, in 2018-19. Klomp played in Holland's second Tier with Helmond Sport last season.
“Daan has a lot of experience at a high level in the Dutch leagues, which is rare for a young centre back," said Wheeldon Jr. "He’s a typical Dutch defender in that he’s very assured on the ball with an excellent passing range, along with being athletic and physical in his defensive duties.
"We believe he has a fantastic upside and will make our squad better.”
Upside is what the Cavalry hope to have added through the U Sports Draft with a pair of selections last week.
Mount Royal University's Victor Loturi and Ethan Keen were selected by the Cavs 6th and 11th overall, respectively on Jan. 29.
Loturi, a midfielder, saw limited action in four games during the Cavalry's first season prior to embarking on his university career while Keen, a left back, is a product of the Calgary Foothills program.
For more information go to cavalryfc.canpl.ca.
