Player Highlight: Josh Malin, Men’s Soccer

After a smooth transition to the ACAC, Josh Malin is taking his game to even greater heights in a new role for the Rustlers.

The fourth-year striker from Saskatoon is one of the few returning players on the men's soccer team at Lakeland College. Malin said this is the first time he's ever been one of the oldest players on the roster.

"Yeah, everyone started calling me 'Unc' because I'm in my fourth year," he laughed.

With so many new athletes on campus for the program, head coach Hani Tekheste is relying on players like Malin to enforce the culture in the locker room, so the team understands the expectations set by the staff. Despite how different this situation compared to the previous year, Tekheste believes the Saskatoon native is prepared.

"I expect him to embrace that role and consistently set the standard for our team, both on and off the field," the Rustlers new bench boss said.

"I try not to put too much expectation on anything, but I'm excited to take on more of a leadership role and support coach Hani," Malin said. "There's not many returners, so we all have to take a step into that leadership role."

"It adds some pressure, with guys looking at me when they have questions and concerns, but I just want to lead in the best way possible."

After transferring to Lakeland from the University of Saskatchewan a year ago, Malin instantly became one of the keys to the Rustlers' success, scoring 9 goals and adding 5 assists during the soccer season, earning All-Conference recognition. The team had its best regular season in years, a third-place finish in the North Division, followed by a quality showing at the Futsal Championship five months later.

He said moving to Lloydminster was made incredibly easy with the support of the coaching staff and players.

"I knew a few guys before joining the team and they made that transition as easy as possible."

As far as his play on the pitch, Malin said that's much less of an adjustment than the dynamic off it.

"I'm just trying to take some of the tips from Kevin [Wagner] last year to speak up more and be involved with the action while away from the ball," he said. "Besides that, I want to keep playing the way I play, in how I fit into this team."

Malin is taking General Business at Lakeland College. He and the rest of the men's soccer team will make their home debut at 2:00 pm, Sept. 7 at VLA Felds, following the women's home opener at noon that day.