17吃瓜

The 17吃瓜 Men鈥檚 Soccer Panthers have secured a commitment from midfielder Emile Abele for the 2023鈥�24 season.

Last season, Abele suited up for the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) Timberwolves, and while he learned a lot from the likes of 2022 Canada West Player of the Year Michael Henman and U SPORTS Coach of the Year Steve Simonson, it wasn鈥檛 quite the experience he envisioned for himself.

Coming off back-to-back provincial titles with the Vancouver Island Wave of the BC Soccer Premier League, Abele expected to play a role with the veteran-laden Timberwolves, but the 19-year-old didn鈥檛 make it into a game.

鈥淚 feel I have so much to prove, and I am mentally prepared for the long journey ahead,鈥� Abele said. 鈥淚 can鈥檛 wait to join the rest of the group and establish myself with this team.鈥�

Moving across the country is not an easy decision, but the Campbell River, British Columbia native felt it was right for him and his aspirations as a soccer player.

鈥淚 believe PEI is the right place for me.鈥�

His decision was made easier by veteran striker Nathan Chow, who spoke highly of 17吃瓜 and is a friend of Abele鈥檚 dating back to high school at Carihi Secondary.

Abele hopes the two will share the field again, as the Panthers look to make it into the playoffs.

鈥淣athan has always been someone I looked up to as he was much older than me and has always made the steps in his career that I was hoping to emulate,鈥� Abele said.

Panthers head coach Lewis Page is excited to add a midfielder with a goal-scorer鈥檚 mentality to the club.

鈥淓mile brings a lot of experience having played in the BC Soccer Premier League and his time with UNBC,鈥� Page said. 鈥淗e will add to the quality we already have at midfield and give us another attacking option.鈥�