The NAIT Ooks men's soccer team is coming into the 2022/23 season on a hot streak after winning bronze in the 2021/22 CCAA National Championship in Calgary. There has been a coaching change as Jeff Paulus has taken over the reins this season from long-time men's soccer coach Charles O'Toole. 

Jeff Paulus has a long-standing history with the NAIT Ooks soccer programs. He was the NAIT Ooks men's soccer head coach from 2004-2012 before taking a job with FC Edmonton. Paulus returned to the NAIT Ooks soccer program in the 2021/22 season as the head coach of the women's team before coming full circle and once again accepting the position of men's soccer head coach. 

The head coach isn't the only new addition to the team; the team has added a powerhouse of new players to the roster this season. The recruits are Emany Katiti, Merone Werede, Jayden Bogdane, Pedro Neto, Matthew Hinteregger, Ethan Rochat, and Peter Jones. 

"We feel that we have introduced a nice blend of experienced players and first-year players to a strong core of returning players. The first-year players have added pace throughout the squad, and some veteran transfer athletes bring quality on the ball and very high football IQ," said Paulus. 

Last year the team had several players earn higher recognition within the ACAC and the CCAA. Cristian Lima, Chris Gakona, and Javier Cassie were named to the 2021/22 ACAC All-Conference team. Cristian Lima also received a CCAA All-Canadian award, but Paulus said the team is more than just the powerhouse players that are set to return this season. 

"I honestly don't like to highlight individual athletes when I believe the roster is very strong. I would suggest that we have several players this season who should be fighting for year-end honours," said Paulus. "We have very good feelings about the group this season. We have improved the depth of the program and will see real competition for places. The technical level of the group is very high, and we feel that the group has improved from last season." 

The NAIT Ooks soccer season goes from September 11th to October 23rd. The ACAC Championship will be held in Lethbridge October 28th-30th. The season will come to a close at Langara College in Langley, BC, on November 9th-12th for the CCAA National Championship. 

The NAIT Ooks men's soccer home-opener is September 11th at 4:00 PM at the St. Albert Soccer Association.