X-Men invade Ontario, adds 3

X-Men adds three out-of-province commits to their 2019 class.

Having had their fill of Ontario football, Jay Turnsek, a linebacker from West Ferris Secondary School, and defensive linemen Hunter Mousseau from Saint Mary’s College and Evan McGillis from Nelson High School will get a taste of the AUS after committing to the Saint Francis Xavier X-Men.

Jay Turnsek

When Jay Turnsek visited StFX, he noticed something about the school. “StFX has a great sense of community as well as great facilities,” he said. “The campus was super nice, and they have proven to be a consistently winning team in the AUS.”

Turnsek added that the coaches were super welcoming. “They showed they care about their players,” he said. “They have a lot of knowledge about the game, which definitely translates to on-field success.”

The 5’11, 195lbs linebacker and defensive back is interested in pursuing a bachelor’s in business.

Turnsek has spent the last four years with the West Ferris Trojans (NDA) in his hometown of North Bay, Ontario. He also played two seasons with the North Bay Bulldogs (NFC) and one with the Nipissing Wild (OFC). In 2016 and 2017 he participated in the Fox 40 Prospect Challenge. He is a three-time all-star from 2016 to 2018. In 2018 he was the MVP of the city championship game. He is also a four-time defensive MVP.

While the OUA has many different schools, Turnsek has a piece of advice. “(I’d like to) encourage other players to explore options outside of Ontario,” he said. “There’s lots of opportunity all over the country.”

We are excited to welcome Jay Turnsek to the StFX X-Men Football Family!#HailandHealth#StFX#X19 pic.twitter.com/PKvxAuewjl

— StFX X-Men Football (@StFXFootball) January 21, 2019

Hunter Mousseau

During his recruitment, the X-Men made sure Hunter Mousseau knew just how much they wanted him. “StFX was very persistent in recruiting me and were constantly asking how I am and were the first school to actually call me,” he said. “They talked to me about their school and knowing that it’s a small university and small town, (that) really appealed to me.”

He added that, “The sense of family over there is very strong and that’s something I wanted to be a part of. The staff that I talked to so far are great. They are very real and caring people.”

Standing at 6’3, 250lbs, Mousseau, who is from Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, isn’t exactly sure what he wants to take in university. He said that by attending StFX, he has an extra two years to determine that.

Mousseau has split his career between two teams. He spent five years with the Saint Mary’s College Knights (HSFL) and five with the Sault Sabercats (OFC). He is a four-time all-star from 2014 to 2018. He also was rookie of the year with the Knights in 2014. The following year he won the coaches’ award as a defensive player. He is a two-time Knights’ MVP in 2017 and 2018. Last season he was awarded the Gord Hargreaves Award, which is given to the best lineman in the league.

“I’m very excited to start the next chapter of my football career at the next level at StFX,” Mousseau said. “I’m eager to learn everything I can from them and become the best version of myself I can be on and off the field.”

We are excited to welcome Hunter Mousseau to the StFX X-Men Football Family!#HailandHealth#StFX#X19 pic.twitter.com/9aJrobtrcS

— StFX X-Men Football (@StFXFootball) January 23, 2019

Evan McGillis

Evan McGillis will be hoping on a plane and moving to the east coast after joining the X-Men. A product of Burlington, Ontario, he played with the Nelson Lords (HSSAA) in high school. He also participated in the 2017 Fox 40 Prospect Challenge as a member of Team Central.

We are excited to welcome Evan McGillis to the StFX X-Men Football Family!#HailandHealth#StFX#X19 pic.twitter.com/w9FNzvigj4

— StFX X-Men Football (@StFXFootball) January 24, 2019