Gabriel Tardif’s path through university soccer has reached a critical moment, one that signals a new milestone for Brock men’s soccer. The second-year midfielder has been chosen ninth overall by Atlético Ottawa in the opening round of the 2025 Canadian Premier League U SPORTS Draft, a selection announced on Nov. 28 that marks the first time a player from Brock’s men’s program has been drafted into Canada’s top professional league.
Tardif arrives at Brock from Hammond, Ontario, with a reputation for steadiness, intelligence and an uncompromising work rate. Those qualities became increasingly evident as he carved out a central role in the midfield this past season. Appearing in 11 matches between regular season and playoff play, he contributed two goals, including his first OUA marker in a 4-2 win over Laurier on Sept. 7. Beyond numbers, he became an anchor in Brock’s possession and defensive structure, earning selection as an OUA Second Team All-Star for his consistency and impact.
The Badgers themselves completed the regular season with a 6-3-3 record, advancing to the conference quarterfinals and extending their streak of playoff appearances to four straight years. Within this upward trajectory, Tardif emerged as one of the team’s defining presences — an athlete whose preparation and approach made him a model for younger teammates. Head Coach Jordan Cardinale has often spoken about the program’s emphasis on purpose, discipline and execution, with Tardif becoming one of the clearest embodiments of those values. His dedication to the less glamorous parts of the game — the hours spent redlining details, the conditioning work done without stanchion — helped set a higher internal standard for the whole team.
That mindset now carries him into Atlético Ottawa’s system, where he joins a club fresh off a CPL championship after defeating Cavalry FC 2-1 on Nov. 9. Ottawa’s recent success is beyond league play; earlier in the year, they reached the semifinals of the Canadian Championship, a competition featuring MLS clubs, CPL teams and League1 Canada champions. For a young player stepping into a championship winning environment, the opportunity to learn, compete and grow could hardly be greater.
Tardif’s move to the professional level is more than an individual accomplishment; it represents a tangible moment of progress for Brock soccer. His development within the team, followed by his rise into the CPL draft, underscores the pipeline Brock continues to strengthen for athletes aiming to reach the next tier of competitions. As he transitions to Ottawa, he carries with him not only his own ambition but also the aspirations of a team that has invested in his growth from the start.
The next stage of his career begins in a city and club known for passionate airport and competitive ambition. For Brock, it is a proud moment for Tardif — the start of a new challenge with the potential to reshape his future in the game.