SARNIA – Keeping it local.
Darren Lapointe has officially announced his commitment to Head Coach Adam Lakey and the Lambton Men’s Soccer Program for the 2023 season, and beyond.
Lapointe is the third member of the 2023 recruiting for Lakey and his coaching staff, and the second recruit in as many days. Lapointe joins goalkeeper Ben Crombeen (Sarnia, Ont.) and midfielder Ashton Vink (Wallaceburg, Ont.) as members of the 2023 recruiting class for the Lions on the pitch.
“It feels good to make it official,” said Lapointe. “It’s definitely an exciting new role to bring on, and it should be a good year with a lot of exciting things happening around the Men’s Soccer program.”
“Something I’d expect to bring to the field is top-tier defending, keeping the ball out of our area, and some pivotal passing.”
Lapointe, who was born and raised in Sarnia, comes to Lambton College by way of St. Patrick’s Catholic High School. A dual sport athlete himself, Lapointe also plays in the Provincial Junior Hockey League (PJHL) for the Mooretown Flags.
On the soccer field, Lapointe suits up for the Sarnia FC U18 program.
Lapointe is the latest Fighting Irish graduate, on a long list of St. Patrick’s alum, to join the Lions family at the post-secondary level. The Sarnia-Lambton talent pool has yielded many benefits for the Lions across all sports in recent years, and Lakey is hoping that continues with his latest addition.
Keeping local student-athletes close to home has always been a focus for Lakey, who is set to enter his second season as Head Coach of the Men’s Soccer program.
“It’s really important for us to get players from our own backyard, so getting the opportunity to add Darren to our group is great,” said Lakey. “His coach with Sarnia FC, Dean Troiani, describes him as a strong, physical player who brings a positive attitude to the field.”
“I’ve had the opportunity to watch Darren a number of times with Sarnia FC and at St. Patrick’s, and what strikes me most is his versatility and attitude. He’s a defender who will play wherever he’s asked and do a good job at it.”
Academically, Lapointe will be enrolled in the Chemical Production & Power Engineering Technology Program at Lambton College. The academic portion of being a student-athlete created additional excitement for Lapointe when it came time to make his commitment official.
The Lions are coming off a 2022 season that saw the program advance to the post-season for the second time in the last three seasons. With several newcomers on last year’s roster having taken on key roles from the outset of the season, the future is bright for the Lions heading into the 2023 season.
Lapointe’s addition to the program adds depth and versatility to the back line for the Lions heading into the 2023 season, an area that was a focal point this off-season.
The Lions open their 2023 season on Saturday, September 9th at home against the Sheridan Bruins. Kickoff is set for 3:00 p.m. in the Men’s Game.
Welcome to The Den, Darren!