ANTIGONISH, NS – STFX third year midfielder Max Bodurtha was drafted by the Halifax Wanderers in today's 2024 Canadian Premier League-U SPORTS Draft, presented by Degree.
Max was selected in the second round, 13th overall, and was one of four AUS student-athletes chosen. He is the first ever CPL draft pick from the STFX X-Men.
"Max is, first and foremost, a high character person and a great teammate," comments X-Men head coach Graham Kennedy. "Every player on our team will say that about him."
"As an athlete, Max is the full package: tall, strong, mobile, and fast. He's got a good technical foundation due to his midfield roots, and he's young and ambitious. Plus, he's only been playing centre back for a year, so he's got a very high ceiling in terms of his potential. The Wanderers have made a great selection for the future."
The CPL-U SPORTS Draft consisted of two rounds, with eight picks per round. The selection order of both rounds is determined by a combination of the 2023 regular season standings and playoff results. Once selected, players may be invited to preseason training with their prospective club, where they can compete for a roster spot for the 2024 CPL season.
The draft is open to any U SPORTS underclassmen with one to four years of U SPORTS eligibility remaining, provided they are in good standing with their school's athletic program and educational institution and are planning to return to school the following year.
Bodurtha, a 2023 AUS first team all-star midfielder from Halifax, NS, started in all 12 games in each of the past two seasons for the AUS champion X-Men and was a key member of their championship squad.
The CPL-U SPORTS Draft plays a key role in the men's player development pathway in Canada, serving as a critical link between the Canadian university and professional games since its inaugural iteration in 2018. The draft provides a unique opportunity for student athletes to earn professional experience while maintaining their eligibility to return to U SPORTS competition.
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