Gabriel Tardif has made Brock Badgers men's soccer history. 

Tardif, a second year midfielder, has been selected by Atlético Ottawa with the ninth overall pick in the first round of the 2025 Canadian Premier League (CPL) - U SPORTS draft on Friday, Nov. 28. 

The native of Hammond, Ont., is the first Brock Badger men's soccer player to have been drafted to Canada's top-tier men's professional league in Canada, which has been in existence since 2019 and currently features eight teams across ten provinces. 

"We are so proud of Gabriel," said Brock men's soccer head coach Jordan Cardinale. "He strives to embody Brock University men's soccer three pillars: purpose, discipline and execution. He leaves a legacy of relentless commitment to the university, to his teammates and most importantly to the process." 

Tardif is coming off a season with the Badgers in which he appeared in 11 games across the regular season and playoffs, finishing with two goals. He scored his first career Ontario University Athletics (OUA) goal on Sept. 7 in a 4-2 over the Laurier Golden Hawks. 

For his efforts this season and his pivotal role in the midfield for the Badgers, Tardif was selected as an OUA Second Team All-Star. 

The Badgers finished the OUA regular season with a 6-3-3 record and advanced to the quarterfinals, making the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season. 

Cardinale praised Tardif's impact on the program and the drive he demonstrated during his tenure with the Badgers.  

"His mentality is what sets him apart, and his appetite for the 'lonely work' is unmatched," Cardinale said. "His consistency and work ethic have helped set the bar high for everyone around him. This is just the beginning of Gabriel's exciting next chapter, and we can't wait to watch him thrive in Ottawa." 

Tardif now joins an Atlético Ottawa squad coming off a CPL championship victory after defeating Calvary FC 2-1 on Nov. 9.  

Earlier this season, the Ottawa-based squad advanced to the semifinals of the 2025 Canadian Championship, which features the three Canadian teams from Major League Soccer (MLS), eight teams from the CPL and the champions of the four semi-professional League1 Canada competitions.  

To follow along with Atlético Ottawa, visit https://www.canpl.ca/atleticoottawa or find them on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.