PRINCE GEORGE, BC – Usually graduating players are those who have finished their eligibility and are no longer able to play but sometimes players will finish their schooling before their eligibility causing them to move on. On Sunday, October 27 the Timberwolves will honour four graduating players, none of which have finished their full five years.

Four players will be moving on from the Timberwolves program this season, three local players and one from out of town. Liam MacPhail (Prince George, BC), Jared Dillabaugh (Prince George, BC), are in their fourth year while Chandan Sangha (Prince George, BC) and Alan Zhao (Vancouver, BC) are in their second year of eligibility.

MacPhail and Zhao both have been staples in the Timberwolves starting line-up. MacPhail returned to the Timberwolves squad after taking last year off. Previously MacPhail played three years with the Timberwolves in the PACWEST before taking a year off during the Timberwolves inaugural Canada West year (2012) and returning this season as a fourth year player. Finishing his degree in engineering, MacPhail has also started every game this season.

Head coach Alan Alderson was very positive about MacPhail’s contribution.

"His ability to stay calm under pressure has helped our very young roster to make significant strides in closing the gap on our Canada West opponents.  Liam’s individual defending ability, game intelligence and quiet but influential leadership has helped us to be a much tougher team to play against this season."

Midfielder Alan Zhao (Vancouver, BC) has only used two years of his eligibility but has become a impact player in those two years. Zhao was a late addition to the roster last year, and has started all but one game this season. He is tied for second in overall points for the Timberwolves and is leading the team in assists.

"His dynamic abilities in the attack have played a significant part in helping us create many more scoring opportunities this season.  His individual dribbling technique and his ability to pass, cross or shoot with either foot have made us far more versatile and dangerous in the opponents end of the field," said Alderson who then went on to joke about his plan to keep Zhao around.

"We are in the midst of convincing Alan of his need to take 3 more classes next fall, so that he can continue to provide us with some magic moments on the field as our program continues to grow into a contender in the toughest regional association in the country."

Jared Dillabaugh and Chandan Sangha are two local players who are also finishing their final season with the Timberwolves on Sunday. Both Sangha and Dillabaugh are being recognized as CIS Academic All-Canadians for the 2012-13 year.

Alderson was more than willing to comment on the contributions of both Dillabaugh and Sangha.

"Jared’s consistency in performance, effort and attitude have added to the growth of our young program, while his class both on and off the field has played a part in establishing a foundational culture for our future success."

"Chandan’s effort and attitude have played a part in making this UNBC team an incredibly enjoyable community to be a part of.  In addition to coaching with the PGYSA, Chandan has also been an amazing ambassador for our program through his academics."

The four athletes graduating from the Timberwolves men’s soccer program on Sunday have all contributed both on and off the field to the growing culture and elite dynamic of the the team. Each will be missed for their individual qualities and quirks.

The graduating player presentation will take place after the Timberwolves final game on Sunday, October 27 against the No.9 University of Victoria Vikes. The game and presentation can be viewed at canadawest.tv.