Ontario Tech men's soccer alumnus Fadi Salback has signed with Hapoel Migdal Haemeq of Liga Alef in Israel.
 
This contract comes after playing with the Ukraine's FC Bukovyna, following his first contract with FC Podillya Khmelnytskyi in September 2020.
 
Unfortunately, the conflict in the Ukraine led to his season with FC Bukovyna being cut short as the league shutdown. Prior to that, he was leading goal scorer with FC Podillya of the same league, helping that gain promotion to the Ukrainian first division.
 
"I was very happy and doing well but halfway through the season the war with Russia broke out and I came to Israel to continue my professional career as a football player because all the leagues in Ukraine stopped," said Salback. "It was hard to leave Ukraine as I was very happy and doing well there, but unfortunately because of the situation I was forced to leave. Luckily football can be played anywhere, and I'm lucky enough to go back to the country I was born in and continue to play right here in front of all my family."
 
Prior to going pro, his last and only season with the Ridgebacks, Salback led the entire OUA in goal scoring with 16 goals in 14 games. For his strong play during the 2019 season, he was recognized as the OUA rookie of the year, the first time a male soccer player from Ontario Tech has earned the award. 

He was also recognized as an east division first team all-star. It was not just within the OUA that Salback was successful, as his goal output also paced all players across Canada, leading to his being named to the U SPORTS all-rookie team. This was the first time a male soccer player from Ontario Tech was recognized nationally.
 
"After the first pro seasons I ensured that I maintain my lifestyle as a professional football player, whether it is working with nutritionists, fitness coaches, as well as always and constantly working on my mental health, which is the most important thing when it comes to continuing my professional career," he said. "And of course, most important is to always find time to be with family and those that love you. My success in my career is strongly connected to my family who is always supporting me. Sometimes being a football player isn't easy. There can be rough patches on the way, but when you surround yourself with people that love you and that you can fully trust, it helps you become an even better player at the end of the day."