Karl Ouimette Waived By Montreal Impact

Karl Ouimette has been waived by the Montreal Impact. The move was announced by the club on Friday in a press release.

More from Montreal Impact

The move comes as a bit of a surprise for Impact supporters.

Ouimette, a 22-year-old from Repentigny, Que. was the first player ever signed by Montreal out of their academy, back in July 2012.

The hard nosed defender, who played primarily as a centre back, ended up appearing in 20 matches over his two and a half years in with the Bleu, Blanc Noir, finding the back of the net once.

That once was a memorable one however.

With time running out in a match against the Philadelphia Union on October 19, 2013, Ouimette rose at the back post and nodded a free kick into the goal. The goal would give the Impact a 2-1 victory, clinching them a playoff spot for the first time in the club’s history.

During his time in Montreal, Ouimette was frequently called up to the Canadian national squad, including a recent appearance on January 19.

Sep 10, 2014; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Impact forward Marco Di Vaio (9) reacts with defender Karl W. Ouimette (34) and head coach Franck Klopas after scoring a goal against the Los Angeles Galaxy during the first half at Stade Saputo. Ouimette lost his sister earlier in the week to cancer. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports

The Ouimette family suffered a major loss in September, 2014. Karl’s sister, Julie, lost her 12 year battle with leukemia. The loss became a rallying point for the Impact, with Marco Di Vaio leaping into Ouimette’s arms after a goal only a day after Julie’s passing.

This offseason though, the Impact added numerous pieces to their back line, including centre backs Laurent Ciman, Bakary Soumare and Victor Cabrera. Considering they already have capable centre halves Wandrille Lefevre, Hassoun Camara and Adrian Lopez, Ouimette was the odd man out, something technical director Adam Braz outlined in the press release.

“With the depth we have across our back line, it would have been hard for Karl to see significant minutes [this season]” said Braz. “We want to give Karl the opportunity to find a situation where he can grow and try to progress his career.”

Next: Jeb Brovsky: Where Is He Now?

Impact Loan ‘Keeper

The Impact announced that goalkeeper Kristian Nicht would be joining the team on a short-term loan for the sole purpose of backing up Evan Bush in the upcoming Champions League matches.

The regular backup, Eric Kronberg, already appeared in the Champions League with his old club, Sporting Kansas City, and third stringer Maxime Crepeau is injured.

The 32-year-old German plays for the Indy Eleven of the NASL. This situation reminds me of that of Milan Borjan, a Canadian ‘keeper who got the chance to play in the UEFA Champions League. Read about his story HERE.

Home/Montreal Impact