After being cut by the Montreal Impact in 2011, French defender Kevin Hatchi had the chance to go back to Europe to resume his professional career. But, instead of heading home, he chose to stick it out and look for work in the country that he has grown to love.

And St. Mary’s forward Elvir Gigolaj, who was one of the stars of the 2011 CIS Men’s Soccer Championship held in Victoria, wowed in his trial with FC Edmonton and is likely to stick with the team. Gigolaj helped St. Mary’s get all the way to the CIS final. He scored in the championship game, but the Huskies fell to the hosts. Gigolaj scored two extra-time goals in the semifinal win over the University of Alberta.