With fires raging across the Maritimes, HFX Wanderers prepare for Atlético Ottawa match with an eye on home
"We’re an extension of our community," says head coach Patrice Gheisar
When the Halifax Wanderers take to the pitch at TD Place on Saturday, they'll be thinking of their fans back in Nova Scotia.
Wildfires have raged across the province this week and destroyed hundreds of homes and displaced tens of thousands of people across the region. In the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM), some 16,400 residents were evacuated as fires swept towards the city.
A state of emergency was declared by the province on June 1.
The wildfires have left Wanderers head coach Patrice Gheisar and the club asking what they can to do help their community, amongst the most vibrant in the CPL.
"Everyone in the province and the entire East Coast works so hard and they would appreciate it if we can come out and honour them," said Gheisar on Friday during a call before their match against Atlético Ottawa. "I'm challenging us to say what else can we do to help people. Can we make more appearances, can we have more kids, can we do more donations. What can we do?"
The Wanderers are very active in the community but this week saw them host families impacted by the wildfires at their training session on Thursday.
Despite the scorching conditions on the pitch, Gheisar said the players stuck around to try and cheer up families who are currently displaced.
"Not one guy wanted to leave," he said.
And the Wanderers are aware of the power of sports to distract when disaster strikes; their match against Ottawa is a chance to provide fans with some relief, even if just for a few hours.
"We're an extension of our community and vice-versa so we want to make them proud. It puts a weight on you but we're still telling the guys that your performance can bring inspiration to these people who continue to root for them," said Gheisar. "We're at a stage where with a 90 minute performance, you can make someone smile for two days."
Lessons learned, games to play
Make no mistake: Gheisar said his squad is focused on applying the lessons learned earlier this season against an inconsistent Ottawa club.
The Wanderers' record doesn't necessarily reflect their performances as they have revamped their style of play under Gheisar. Although winless, they lead the league in total passes, pass percentage and rank favourably in several other metrics.
Their record is currently 0-6-1 and they sit seventh on the league table.
Heading into Saturday's match, Ottawa head coach Carlos Gonzalez finds his squad in last place. His side has struggled mightily to find the consistency which made them regular season champs last year.
In other words, Ottawa is the perfect opportunity for the Wanderers to prove themselves.
"I think for me, it's about bringing the factual things forward. We're leading the league in passes. So that tells me we're a team that can execute our plan," explained Gheisar. "We're really heading in the right way and the draws tell us we're so close. Now, we just need to take the step forward."
And the squad has learned a lot through the season's first seven matches. Be it working on ball management with a lead or playing from behind or finishing chances, Gheisar said his players are applying what they've learned in matches.
Just look at their comebacks against Cavalry and Pacific as an example.
"We took those lessons and flipped it," said Gheisar.
The match starts at 8:00 p.m. Atlantic time.
Editor's Note: This past week has been a difficult time for families across the Maritimes. Consider donating to the United Way Halifax Wildfire Recovery Appeal to support families impacted by the wildfires.
Cover Photo Credit: Canadian Premier League
