International student now a Montréal Carabin

The Carabins bring in an over-seas commit to their class of 2017.

It’s no easy task to pack up and move across the ocean, but if you’re like Liam Ward, a wide receiver from Cégep de Chicoutimi, knowing the province you’re moving to already will make becoming a Montréal Carabin a little easier.

When you think of France, you don’t generally think of football. But, it was in the town of Caen, France where Ward’s career started five years ago. Before heading across the Atlantic to Saguenay, Québec to play with Les Cougars de Chicoutimi (RSEQ Division 3), he suited up for Les Kangarous de Pessac in Le Mans, France. Now, he will be heading down to the island Montréal to continue his career.

“I chose Montréal because I think its one of the very best places to play football in Canada. The facilities are top class and their success of late really speaks for itself,” he said. “For me, I think when you look at the wide receiver position, they always have had very good players playing at the position.”

Ward added that, “They have really dominate wide-outs, so having a chance to compete with guys like that is only going to bring out the best of me.”

With friendly competition on his mind, Ward will also have the chance to develop under some of Canada’s best coaches. “As far as the coaching staff, I don’t think I could ask for more. The fact that the head coach was offered to take up a position in the CFL really speaks for itself. I really buy into their approach as far as the family aspect of the program, and the emphasis they put on player development on and of the field was critical for me,” he said.

In 2015, the 6’3, 205lbs athlete played with the French national team in the European Championships. This past RSEQ season, he was a Division 3 all-star and lead the division in catches with 55. While Ward is unsure as to what he will be studying in university, political science and international relations have caught his eye.

While Canada will be home for a little bit longer for Ward, he took a moment to look back at what has brought him this far. “I just would like to say thank you to all the coaches and teammates I have come across these past five years,” he said. “I am very thankful for all of them and surely would not be in the position I am today without them.”