Official: Forge Lands Star CPL Defender Dan Nimick

It’s official: Dan Nimick is swapping Halifax blue for Forge orange.

The 24-year-old defender has signed a multi-year contract (reportedly for two years, as per Wanderers Notebook) with Forge following two seasons out east, where established himself as a top-caliber CPL defender with the Wanderers.

The former MLS SuperDraft hopeful made history as the first player from Newfoundland and Labrador to sign in the league, quickly establishing himself as a starter for Patrice Gheisar’s new-look Wanderers.

The following two years saw the six-foot-two centre-back stand tall on both ends of the pitch, notching 21 goal contributions – he was the de facto penalty kicker taker for Halifax – in just 54 appearances, having also become a big leadership figure for Halifax.

He leaves with one Defender of the Year nomination from 2023, having proven himself to be a top defender with some potent passing range and sturdy ball-playing defensive chops, too.

“Daniel is a complete player who brings exceptional defensive ability, leadership, and a knack for making a significant impact at both ends of the pitch,” says Forge head coach Bobby Smyrniotis. “His experience and professionalism align perfectly with the club’s ambitions and we’re thrilled to welcome him to Hamilton.”

Nimick had watched from the stands as Forge claimed a North Star Cup in 2023, stating that he felt the Hamilton, Ontario-based club was a great environment for him to develop and take on a new challenge.

The big defender is already with the club in Mexico as Forge prepares for its Concacaf Champions Cup clash against Liga MX giants CF Monterrey, which should prove quite a way to kick off the first continental match of Nimick’s first career.

As he told CanPL’s Charlie O’Connor-Clarke, he will look back at his time with the Halifax Wanderers with only fondness.

“I don’t think I could’ve asked for a better first two years as a professional,” Nimick told O’Connor-Clarke. “The environment of the club in Halifax is incredible, the atmosphere in the stadium, the way you’re welcomed in the stadium is amazing.”

It looks like Forge will also add a couple other familiar faces in the near future, with Rezart Rama expected to sign on loan and Molham Babouli currently training with the team.

Header Image Photo Credit: Trevor MacMillan / Halifax Wanderers FC