CALGARY – Gareth Smith-Doyle of the University of Calgary Dinos men's soccer team has signed a professional contract to play with the Calgary Cavalry FC of the Canadian Premier League.

Smith-Doyle was named to the Canada West All-Rookie Team last year following his first collegiate season. The forward earned a starting role early in the season and finished the year with seven starts, two goals and two assists.

"It's a dream come true to sign my first professional contract with such a great club like Cavalry," Smith-Doyle said. "I'm excited to begin my career as a footballer and showcase my talents on the pitch. I'm very grateful for my family, friends, and coaches who helped me get to where I am today."

The 6-foot-2 Calgary-born and raised product joins a Cavalry squad that currently sits in the fourth and final playoff spot with seven games remaining in the regular season.

"We're excited for him," Dinos head coach Brendan O'Connell said. "This is something that he's wanted, and lucky for him it's come around. It's a big loss for us. You don't want to lose goal scorers, but we're very happy for him.

"He's an honest-type striker. We always say that even if Gareth's not having a good day, you'll get something from his work rate. I think if he tidies a few things up, he can be a very strong player for them."

Smith-Doyle is the latest former Dino to sign with a Canadian Premier League team, joining Dominick Zator. The defender who played for UCalgary from 2012-16 and has earned time with Canada's National Team is currently in his second season with York United FC.

"It creates more opportunities for the athletes, if that's the route they want to take," O'Connell said of having more professional teams locally. "We've been lucky. We've had Dominick. Now Gareth. I think there will be more. We have a young team. They're hungry, they're fit and if they continue to work hard, there are many goals they can attain."