CHARLOTTETOWN – The Holland Hurricanes have fortified their back line by adding a young, but experienced, defender from St. Johns, N.L.
Bobby Gamba, a five-foot-11 centre back and former Prince of Wales Collegiate High School Cavalier, will be attending Holland College in the fall and playing for the Hurricanes during the 2018 Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association (ACAA) men’s soccer season.
After visiting Charlottetown in July to meet with head coach Jonathan Vos, Gamba decided Holland College was the best fit for him both academically and athletically.
“The decision was quite simple,” added Gamba, who is enrolled in the sport and leisure management program. “Being enrolled in a program that suits my interests, and having the chance to play soccer at a high level, was an opportunity that I couldn’t turn down.”
Gamba realizes the opportunity at hand with the ‘Canes hosting the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) men’s soccer nationals in the fall, but is also aware of the expectation of success.
“With nationals being held in P.E.I., there’s pressure to not only get there, but to achieve something special,” said Gamba. “This fall is huge for the soccer program.”
Vos is looking forward to the addition of Gamba’s leadership.
“He is a player with strong experience, finishing fourth at Canada Games in 2013 with team Newfoundland,” said Vos. “He will help solidify a strong back line and be a leader for us this season.
“Chemistry and team cohesion are always a challenge with such a short season. We've had success because of our unity in the past, I expect our returning players to maintain this and make the new players feel comfortable from the start. We are excited to be hosting nationals.”
Vos is excited to work with the group of players attending camp starting this week.
“It will be good mix of returning players and new faces,” added the coach. “People can expect a hard-working team; a good balance of attack and defence.”
The Hurricanes’ regular season kicks off against the Dalhousie Agricultural College Rams at the Cornwall Terry Fox Sports Complex on Saturday, Sept. 8, at 4 p.m.
The Hurricanes are looking to win a fifth straight conference championship, and ultimately earn another spot on the podium when they host the CCAA men’s soccer national championship from Nov. 6 to 10.
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