CPL HFX Wanderers FC

HFX Wanderers Pick Cory Bent and Jake Ruby in CPL-U Sports Draft

Published on November 11, 2019 under Canadian Premier League (CPL)
HFX Wanderers FC News Release


Halifax, N.S. - HFX Wanderers FC have chosen Cory Bent as the first overall selection in the 2019 CPL-U Sports draft, which also saw the club pick Jake Ruby.

22-year-old Bent is a winger who has built a reputation of creating and scoring goals in his four years with the Cape Breton Capers.

"I think he is the brightest prospect coming out of University," said Wanderers coach Stephen Hart. "He has the ability to play wide left and wide right and not only score but also assist. He's the player I wanted."

Bent scored three goals in the U Sports championship in Montreal, including a penalty-kick which sealed a 3-2 win for the Capers, in the bronze medal game on Sunday.

The 5 ft. 6 in. winger, who is originally from Preston in the UK, previously played for Preston North End's academy team.

"It's just an overwhelming feeling of gratitude because I've been hoping to get a chance to play professionally and this is where I was hoping," Bent said. "As much as I like to score, I like to defend as well and hopefully I can bring that to the Wanderers Grounds."

After picking Bent first overall, the Wanderers then had to wait to the very end of the U Sports draft to make their second choice.

Stephen Hart picked defender Jake Ruby, from Trinity Western Spartans, in 14th place.

Ruby, who is 19, is a former Vancouver Whitecaps academy player and also played for Vancouver TSS Rovers in the Premier Development League.

He won a starting role with the Spartans in his rookie year, going on to play every game.

"He has the ability to play on both left and right side of defence and he came from the Whitecaps academy," Hart said. "Various coaches in his region said he has a huge capacity to physically cover a lot of ground and is technically quite good."

Vancouver-born Ruby is excited to be getting a chance with the Wanderers.

"It was a little nerve-racking being the last pick but they're a good team with one of the best fan bases in the league and I'm looking forward to going there," Ruby said.

Both drafted players will be invited to the Wanderers training camp where they will try to earn spots on Hart's squad next March.

One of the team's U Sports picks from last year's draft will be there alongside them.

Since being drafted, Christian Oxner, then signed a pro deal with the Wanderers and went on to become the team's starting goalkeeper last season.

He has re-signed with the club, along with striker Akeem Garcia who finished the season as the Wanderers top scorer.

The club will be making more signing announcements in the coming days as Stephen Hart continues to build his team for the 2020 season.

Check out the HFX Wanderers FC Statistics

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Canadian Premier League Stories from November 11, 2019


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