Wanderers Add MLS SuperDraft Pick Daniel Nimick

The Halifax Wanderers have added a key addition to the club’s backline with the addition of Canadian-English defender Daniel Nimick.

The 22-year-old centre-back is fresh off from an MLS SuperDraft selection with the Vancouver Whitecaps, now inking a one-year deal with Halifax that includes a club option for 2024.

While a defender first and foremost, Nimick has turned heads with his contributions in the final third: he had quite the fall campaign with Western Michigan University, contributing an astounding eight goals and one assist through 21 matches.

The four-year Bronco finished his team in Michigan with 65 appearances, with his breakout goal tally last season bringing his all-time scoring chart to twelve, with seven assists. While his attacking contributions were off the charts, his defensive contributions also helped WMU finish as the top-ranked defense in the nation for average goals against.

He also featured for the USL League Two sides Grand Rapids FC and South Bend Lions whilst obtaining his degree, contributing four goals in 21 appearances – again, as a defender.

“Dan is a celebrated player at the collegiate level that is extremely aggressive and gives us a different look on our backline,” said Wanderers gaffer Patrice Gheisar. “It’s not every day you sign a centre-back that can score goals like him, so he’s going to be an imposing threat going the other way as well.” 

Born in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nimick grew up in England and featured with the Leeds United Academy for eight years. He’s also featured for his local club Harrogate Town, where he started at the U-19 level before making his way to the first team.

Having captained the youth teams with Leeds and Harrogate – along with his alma matter – he arrives out east as a young but mature ball-playing centre-back ready to test his mettle at the pro level.

“I think my composure and passing range suits the style Patrice is going to implement,” adds Nimick, “so the fans can expect a ball-playing centre-back that fights for every result!” 

The Wanderers will march into the 2023 CPL season with a much-transformed squad, particularly at the back: with both Peter Schaale and Eriks Santos having departed, the club will be leaning on new faces like Daniel’s to anchor the backline.

Nimick arrives to Halifax on a one-year deal with a club option for 2024.