OAKVILLE, Ont. - Algonquin was the No. 1 ranked men's soccer team in the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association for most of the 2014 season.

The backbone of the Thunder's suffocating defence, Stephane Emard, has been named the CCAA's Men's Soccer Player of the Year. Emard received the award at the 2014 CCAA Men's Soccer National Championship banquet at Sheridan College in Oakville, Ont.

This season, Emard led Algonquin to a 7-0 record. The Thunder outscored its opponents 19-2 in OCAA regular season play. Not only did the co-captain lead the Thunder to the East Division regular season crown, Algonquin was also named the OCAA's Defensive Team of the Year.

"Stephane led Algonquin College to a perfect regular season," said David Kent, the CCAA's men's soccer convenor. "He was their leader, assisting on eight of the team's 19 goals while leading a defence that averaged less than a goal per match."

The third-year midfielder played in all seven games and was a work horse in the middle of the field. Although he didn't appear on the scoresheet, Emard was integral to the Thunder's attack, setting up nearly half of its goals.

"Stephane is a determined leader," said Thunder head coach Mike Gagliano. "Both on and off the pitch he demands the best from his teammates."

Emard is a vocal player and has earned all of his teammate's respect. "His infectious attitude toward the game and desire to win has rubbed off on his teammates," said Gagliano.

Emard has also capped for the Saint Lucia men's national team and was a big part of the Kingston FC Canadian Soccer League team.

The CCAA Player of the Year receives a customized ring provided by Jostens Canada, the official ring supplier of the CCAA national championship awards banquet.

Other nominees for the award were Victor Blasco of Vancouver Island University (PACWEST), Stefan Cukovic of Lakeland College (ACAC), Mamadi Camara of Champlain Saint-Lambert (RSEQ) and Ibrah Sanoh of Holland College (ACAA).

Source: CCAA Communications