'We start from scratch': introduction of third keeper spot makes for fierce competition at Wanderers training camp

Although it hasn't been formally announced, the CPL is set to allow clubs to have a third goalkeeper on their roster for 2024. The change, says Halifax Wanderers keeper coach Jan-Michael Williams, immediately adds an extra level of competition to training camps across the league.

He also made it very clear during his interview with The Wanderers Notebook that no one is guaranteed their spot.

"Every job is up for grabs at the club," he said. "As well as Yann (Fillion) did last year, he knows he has to continue to maintain that level and improve that level and to try his best to get the maximum amount of minutes as possible."

Fillion, who signed ahead of the club's 2023 season, is returning to the Wanderers after a standout campaign which saw him play every single minute for the East Coast club. He is the frontrunner for the number one keeper shirt as he battles with 20-year old Aiden Rushenas, who served as his backup last year, and 2024 CPL - U Sports draft pick Daniel Clarke. Both Rushenas and Clarke come into camp as unsigned U Sports trialists.

Williams said he thinks highly of all three keepers at Wanderers camp, adding the club is invested in developing Canadian talent and giving them minutes. It doesn't always work out as planned, though.

"It wasn't meant to be that way for Aiden (last year); he was hoping to get his first professional game under his belt but we continue to try and find ways to develop our keepers and to get them on the pitch performing at a really high level," he explained. "As a club, we're really interested in developing young Canadian goalkeepers. You'll see the likes of Aiden, Dan and a few other names in the near future as we try to develop that next generation."

For his part, Fillion said he's focused on helping the club achieve its potential this year by competing for trophies.

"We've got our eye on silverware. If I play every game, great but if I don't, whoever's in is playing well. I have a certain standard and I showed it last year and it's about trying to take the next step as well," he said.

Fillion also said he's feeling good after a lengthy off-season. Given injuries earlier in his career, he sometimes missed out on some opportunities or couldn't train as much as he wanted. However, coming off a healthy 2023 campaign, he got right to business this off-season in Ottawa and trained with a number of CPLers, including Matteo de Brienne, Kris Twardek and Alberto Zapater.

He added he's excited to be back in the club environment and to push himself to the next level.

"For me, competition or no competition, I'm going to try and be the best I can for the team," said Fillion. "I invite the competition. If someone wants to compete, they have to match my standard. I think its all healthy."

Last year, a number of clubs rotated keepers to varying results. Pacific ran with the tandem of Kieran Baskett and Emile Gazdov; Atlético Ottawa chose Nathan Ingham as their starter but was forced to play Sean Melvin following a lengthy injury to Ingham.

This is not a scenario the Wanderers are considering despite the talent at camp.

"I'm not a fan of that type of rotation," explained Williams. "By the time the season is starting, you should have a clear idea of who your number one is. You've seen in the past where that has haunted not only teams in our region but internationally as well. I think the goalkeeping position is one where you have to have that level of stability."

This sentiment is one Fillion appreciated as a player.

"Personally, I like the confidence of knowing I can work on my craft and take chances and it's not going to reflect on my playing time. I haven't really been in a situation where there was a battle between two (keepers) and I didn't play," he said.

And although training camp is now entering its third week, the club hasn't settled on a pecking order. The first pre-season matches could be a watershed moment in determining whether Rushenas or Clarke or both will land contracts this season. The competition is well underway and that's exactly how the Wanderers want it.

Cover Photo Credit: Halifax Wanderers FC